8 Tips for RVing with Kids

Do you have grand aspirations of traversing the U.S. with kids in tow this year? RVing with kids can be stressful, but it can also be a tremendously rewarding experience. In fact, studies have shown that well-traveled kids often grow up to be well-rounded, successful adults. So if you’re wondering if piling your family into the camper for a long (or short) adventure is a good idea, we can assure you, it is. To prepare you for bringing this lofty dream to fruition, we have compiled a list of tips for doing so with as little stress as possible.

Safety first—always.

First things first. Talk about safety with your kids. Discuss potential dangers while traveling. Make sure there’s a plan in place in case of an emergency (i.e. fire). Make sure they know what to do if they get lost. And no matter what, while you’re on the road, keep those kids (and yourself) buckled up.

Pick the right RV.

Before you can go on an epic RV adventure, you need the perfect RV for your family. There is a myriad of great options out there, but many RVing families opt for bunkhouses. Bunkhouse travel trailers and fifth wheels aren’t just RVs with bunk beds in them. They usually feature a private or semi-private bunk room in addition to a master bedroom with a queen or king bed. Some bunkhouses are small and lightweight while others can sleep 10+ people! Bunkhouses are a great option for families, because they offer ample space and more privacy than typical RVs.

Communicate.

The importance of communication cannot be stressed enough. Make sure your kids understand the kind of behavior you expect from them as well as any responsibilities they will have while traveling. Set up some ground rules, and display them somewhere everyone will see.  Kids (and adults) learn by repetition, so even if you have kids who can’t read yet, reciting the rules and expectations every morning while you’re on the road will keep them fresh in your kids’ minds.

Prepare for those long hours on the road.

For most kids, the destination is the most exciting part of an RV trip. Those stretches in between A and B can be rough, so prepare beforehand. Pack snacks, books, toys, and even video games/tablets (Everything in moderation, right?).

Organize.

Clutter and disarray in an RV is not only stress-inducing; it’s also a hazard. Create organized space for everything in the camper. Try not to load up with more stuff than necessary. Tell your kids they can only bring a set number of toys, and let them know they will need to make sure their things are stowed away when not in use.

Create personal barriers.

Everyone needs their space—even kids. It may be a challenge to create personal space in the tight quarters of a travel trailer or fifth wheel, but there is always a way. It may just take some creativity.

Have a day in.

Even on vacation, kids (and you!) need to take some time to re-charge. If you’ve been on the go non-stop for a few days—or you’re deterred from the great outdoors by some drizzly weather—spend a bit of quality time with your family in the RV with some movies and board games.

Embrace the chaos.

RVing with kids will never look like a picture-perfect Instagram post. There will be meltdowns, there will be messes, and there will be days when you wonder what you were thinking. But in the end, it’s all worth it, because nothing can replace the memories you’ll make with your family on that RV excursion.  

Go on. Take your kids on an RV expedition and give them experiences they’ll remember their entire lives.

Still looking for that perfect bunkhouse travel trailer or fifth wheel? Stop by Howdy Ranch RV and let us help you! We’re located on the I-37 access in Mathis, exit #34. Driving distance from Corpus Christi, San Antonio, McAllen, Laredo, & Victoria.