When we decided to start camping in our pop-up camper there was one question we had about the sleeping arrangements, that was “Where will the baby sleep?’” We had two large beds at each end and a table that folds down into a bed and the couch area that also made into a bed. The beds are great for adults use but not very suitable for small children or infants, especially not for those of us whom have babies that are crawling and climbing. The playpen would be the next likely answer, but they are very bulky and take up way to much room. We needed something compact, easy to set up and take down. The answer for us was the KidCo PeaPod Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed. The PeaPod Travel Bed is great for campers of all types, whether you are in a tent or camper. It’s also great for anyone with small children that travels. The bed comes with a inflatable air mattress,pump,mattress pad and storage bag (the accessories will vary depending on the size and style you purchase). Allows easy access to your infant with the zippered panels. Can be used from the infant stages through the toddler years, so you will get plenty of use out of it. I found it to be a great investment and product, prices range from $50.00 to $65.00 depending on size and style. The setup is as easy as undoing the fasteners and letting go, it pop -ups instantly, virtually taking seconds. The storage is a breeze with the indestructible frame that folds away for storage, and takes up virtually no room at all. There are many uses for the PeaPod, you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, on a sleep over at grandmas, hotel room or just about anywhere your child might sleep. The PeaPod also provides UV and Wind Protection from the outdoors, not to mention also protects them from those nasty bugs. The PeaPod Travel Bed by KidCo comes in several sizes and styles. It will provide comfort and safety for the on the go parents. I have had mine for about 6 months and my daughter sleeps in hers every time we camp or travels. I would recommend this anyone with small children that travels or enjoys the outdoors.

You can purchase the PeaPod from these retailers:

KidCo PeaPod Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed - Teal

“PeaPod Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed by KidCo”

I am always searching the web for cool places to take the family camping, I think this definitely fits in the cool category. Why not take a trip to the only diamond producing site in the world that is open to the public, Crater of Diamonds State Park, AR. When we talk about camping we think of backpacking, fishing or canoeing not diamond hunting.

The park has a 37 acre plowed field where visiotors are allowed to dig for diamonds. You are allowed to bring your own equipment or rent it from the park, prices for rental equipment are available on the state site. Items that are not allowed include anything with a motor, battery or wheels. The fees for diamond searching are $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children age 6-12.

Crater of Diamond State Park facilities include a 59 site campground with water and electric(30 amp) hookups. The park also features a 14,700 sq. ft. aquatic park that is mining themed. Diamond Springs Water Playground features a wading pool, water slides and spacious deck area. The park also features a cafe, gift shop and visitor center with information on the history of the site.

Crater of Diamonds State Park will be added to the list of parks our family will visit in the future.

When fishing with your family, it’s really not about the size of the fish you catch, it’s about the fun and the excitement it brings to your children’s faces. Recently we went to Meramec State Park, MO on a week long camping trip and fished with our 6 year old daughter, she enjoyed catching the little fish and on occasion would catch a keeper. Generally we caught Blue Gill and Sunfish and the occasional “what kind of fish is that?”, but all in all she just enjoyed catching them. Watching the red & white bobber go under or just get tugged at will get them excited and motivated to catch a fish, no matter the size or type. They will have a sense of accomplishment, when they have reeled them in. If your child is anything like mine they will keep count and you can play games with them while fishing, like who can catch the most or biggest, just get creative.

We usually fished at least once a day, usually in the evening after we had dinner., If you prefer to fish through out the day, try to find a location that offers swimming, you can fish in the same vicinity (of course out of the way of the swimmers) and when the children get tired of fishing they can take a swim and continue fishing later. Which we did occasionally. We used a basic and easy pole set-up with just a simple bobber and worms as bait, just try to find some discount fishing gear, nothing expensive is needed. The only down side to this is you will either have to bait their hook for them or teach them to do it themselves, it really depends on the child’s age. Fishing with children is also a way to teach them about the different types of fish. Fishing guides are available for free at most park visitor centers for that area, these guides will identify the fish and have helpful tips, rules and regulations.

Of course when you fish with children the tackle box might contain different things than your normal fish angler. I have made a fishing trip checklist of items you might want with you when fishing with children. These are items that I always have with me when fishing with my children. So just remember when fishing with your children that it’s about the fun and not the size, that matters.

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