Be prepared for fun – and safety – when camping or cottaging with the kids

(NC)—Enjoying a summer long weekend or extended trek to cottage country with your kids can be a fun and memorable experience for the entire family. Make sure your first trip is even more enjoyable with these top tips:

Pack and plan together: Let the kids help pack the gear, shop for meals, and decide on what activities they'd like to try.

Be prepared! Bring extra clothing, shoes, and a “preparedness pack” with sunscreen, insect repellent and first aid supplies such as bandages, ointments and allergy medication. Insect bites and poison ivy are all too common no matter whether you're hiking the woods, relaxing on the dock or playing games in the yard. Packing an antihistamine made especially for kids will help soothe minor to moderate allergic reactions quickly. Benadryl offers a number of kid-friendly choices, including Benadryl Meltaways that dissolve in the mouth and an itch stick and spray that can be used to relieve pain and itching.

If you're camping, try backyard camping first: Sleeping outside away from home can be scary for little kids, so try camping out in your backyard overnight before planning an extended stay in the great outdoors.

Anticipate a rainy day: Pack favourite board games and seek out nearby indoor attractions in case of inclement weather.

Create lasting memories: Don't forget to pack the camera, and encourage your kids to keep a journal or start a scrapbook about the experience