Autumn is my favorite season. I love the crisp air and the host of brilliant color on deciduous tree leaves. It’s the best time to go camping. For one thing, the kids—and parents—don’t complain about the heat. It’s a perfect time to spend a long weekend camping with the family in the mountains or forests. Most of the crowds have thinned out at state or national parks. It’s quieter. Peaceful. And fun!
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| In the Catskill Mountains in New York, we found an interesting hike. |
Now it’s true that the Lees crew usually makes their own fun, both at camp and hiking in the forests, but campgrounds and park rangers offer much to see and do in autumn. We’ve learned about the changing of the season in nature; trees, fish, mammals. We’ve made apple dolls and painted pumpkins. Just because the pool is closed up doesn’t mean the fun’s over at family friendly campgrounds. Many campgrounds offer crafts, haunted mazes and hay rides, and costume parades. Remember to talk to your children about the haunted stuff, that it’s fake and just meant to scare people, to be sure there won’t be any nightmares. I waited until my twins, my youngest, were about 9 or 10 before we participated in the haunted stuff as a family.
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| Overlook Mountain trail had a surprise, an abandoned hotel with golden birch trees growing in it. |
Then there’s that beautiful night sky! Autumn is a great time to watch the stars pop out at night. There are fewer bugs around because of the cooler temperatures. We usually dress warmly with sweatshirts and long pants and lay out under the night sky with blankets in fields or at the playgrounds, wherever we find the wide open sky. Now we have those star apps the kids like to look at to understand the constellations. I use Star TrackerLite. We recently watched the International Space Station come into view for a few minutes as it headed northeast across the night sky here in New Jersey.
Like any camping trip, you need to remember to pack for the weather. Dress in layers for warmth when hiking; wear bed clothing designed to retain body heat at night and sleep in sleeping bags appropriate for cooler temperatures. We have both 20 degree and sub-zero sleeping bags; good in 20 degree or zero degree weather. And always bring rain coats. The quilted ones are great for cooler temperatures.
The whole reason to go camping with the family is to enjoy each other’s company while traveling and seeing this beautiful world of ours. Have fun on your next camping adventure, no matter the season. Feel free to share your favorite season or family activities. Just leave a note in the comments section here at Camping with Five Kids. It would be truly appreciated. Enjoy your adventure!
Fall and Spring are my favorites. I love the cooler weather. Summer is nice if you are going swimming, but I am not a fan of sweating. We've done beach vacations in the Fall. It's nice when it's cooler. Less crowded too. Great post!
I am so with you about the sweating thing, Michelle. If I'm chilly, I can always add more clothing. But if I'm hot, I'm stuck–especially camping with five kids. We don't have air-conditioning in the pop-up camper. We usually need to seek restaurants or stores to cool down. Of course the camp pool or lake or ocean is a great way to cool off, too.
It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Camping with Five Kids. Thanks so much for your note. Enjoy your week!
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Hello and welcome to Camping with Five Kids! I'm so glad you stopped by and left a note. It's greatly appreciated. Thanks for your kind words. I'll check out Caravan Holidays. Thanks again for visiting Camping with Five Kids. All best to you!
Fall and Spring are my top choices. I love the cooler climate. Summer is pleasant in the event that you are going swimming, however I am not a devotee of perspiring. We've done sea shore relaxes in the Fall. It's pleasant when it's cooler. Less swarmed as well. Extraordinary post!
Hello and welcome to Camping with Five Kids! I'm so glad you stopped by and left a note. It's greatly appreciated. Thanks for your kind words. I am not a "devotee of perspiring" either. And yes, I like the fact that there are fewer visitors around, too.
I'll try to connect with you online. Happy Thanksgiving and thanks again for visiting Camping with Five Kids. All best to you!