Planning a kids-friendly spring break trip doesn’t have to be super difficult, even if it’s your first time. This piece will walk you through everything you need to make an RV camping trip successful, memorable, and rewarding. And if done right, the trip will spark a passion in your daughters that will last a lifetime.

For many kids, dads are often the primary source of adventure and freedom. They introduce the little ones to outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and rafting. So, with spring break just around the corner, your daughters are looking up to you to plan something fun and exciting.

Choose the Destination Wisely

Most trips usually fall into two categories—kid-friendly or adult-friendly. What excites adults isn’t always fun for kids. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan something that you and your daughters will enjoy. That’s why the destination you pick is important.

It should offer something for both kids and adults. Here are essential things to consider when choosing a destination:

• Length of Vacation - If you have less time on your hands, pick somewhere much closer to home.

• Distance - Choose a destination that's suitable for the mode of transportation that you are taking. If you’re driving an RV, pick a place you can get to in a day.

• Your Daughters’ Opinions - Gather suggestions from the girls and go to a place that has something they are interested in.

They'll be more eager for the trip if they know their opinions count.

• Activities - With a bit of ingenuity and research, you can uncover a destination that offers a multitude of activities suitable for every member of your family.

• Weather - Some destinations are better experienced during warmer weather, while others are better when the temperatures are cooler.

• Budget - Of course, you’ll want to pick somewhere where the activities, food, and accommodation are within your budget.

• Recommendations - Get opinions from your close friends or relatives with similar tastes or whose kids are the same age as yours. Learning what worked for them and what didn’t will help you make a more informed choice.

Pick the Right RV

RV travel is an awesome way to strengthen bonds as it allows your family to spend more time together away from other people and distractions. An RV also gifts you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, and for how long you want.

If you don’t own a home on wheels, book one from an RV rental marketplace. But with so many different sizes, floor plans, and categories, renting the right camper can be overwhelming. Use these tips to pick the perfect recreational vehicle:

• Get an RV You can Drive - If you have no experience towing a vehicle, always go for an RV you can drive, also called a motorhome, instead of one that’s pulled behind another vehicle.

• Look for the Right Size RV - If you have a small family with young kids, get a spacious campervan with enough sleeping options. But for larger groups or accompanying pets, you’ll need a bigger rig that can comfortably accommodate everyone.

• Keep Your Camping Destination in Mind - Get an RV that can handle the road and weather conditions of the place you plan to visit. If you’re going off the beaten track or visiting a park with rough dirt roads, look for one with off-road capabilities.

• Bathroom - For more convenience on the road and to avoid annoying pit stops, rent a camper with a functional toilet and shower.

• Extra Amenities - Other features to look for include a fully functional kitchen for preparing meals, a dinette, ample storage space for your gear and belongings, plus entertainment options such as TV.

Plan Camping Activities Beforehand

There are endless ways to have fun on a camping trip. However, it takes some creativity to keep everyone engaged. Use the following tips to plan for activities:

• Create a list of must-see attractions on the road and at the destination.

• Make all reservations ahead of time.

• Decide on a must-do activity for every person going on the trip. Bring board games, craft supplies, or movies to keep everyone entertained during the road trip or when the weather is bad outside.

• Mix education and fun. For instance, visit a cultural or historic place in the morning, then go swimming in the afternoon.

• Don't create a strict schedule or restrict fun hours. If your daughters find a particular place very interesting, let them spend more time there, even if it means changing your day’s plans.

• Some great camping activities for kids include nature walks, scavenger hunts, ring toss, corn hole, frisbee, water balloons, ball sports, lawn Jenga, bird watching, stargazing, cooking marshmallows over a campfire, and storytelling.

Pack for Success

Once you’ve picked a destination, rented an RV, and planned the activities, it’s easier to decide what to pack for the trip. Here are the essentials you need for your spring break camping trip.

• RV Essentials - When renting the RV, make sure the owner provides leveling blocks, a tire pressure gauge, a freshwater hose, an emergency road kit, and a fire extinguisher. On your part, bring a flashlight, jumper cables, duct tape, and a shovel.

• Kitchen Supplies - Pack pots, cups, plates, utensils, cutting board, potholders, dish towels, napkins, sponge, soap, garbage bags, ziplock bags, aluminum foil, Tupperware, and a cast-iron skillet for campfire cooking.

• Clothing and Bedroom Items - Bring enough base, mid and outer layers, socks, and underwear to last the trip. Pack rain gear, hats, swimsuits, comfy hiking shoes, camp sandals, towels, sheets, blankets/sleeping bags, and pillows.

• Food - If you rent an RV with a complete kitchen, your food list won’t differ too much from your typical grocery list. Just make sure you pack enough supplies to last the entire trip, especially if you’re heading somewhere remote.

• Toiletries - Pack hand soap, you and your daughters’ self-care products, tissue, diapers if necessary, sunscreen, bug repellent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and alcohol-based sanitizer.

• Navigation and Safety - Bring a GPS device, a map and atlas, a guidebook, a first aid kit, pain relief medication, and life jackets.

• Outdoor Gear - This will depend on the activities you have in mind. You can bring your bikes, binoculars, camera, trekking poles, camp furniture, hammocks, fishing rods and tackle, or kayak. Don’t forget girls’ toys and a ball, whether baseball, football or soccer.

• Personal Items - These include essential personal identification documents, credit cards, extra cash, sunglasses, reservation confirmations, phone chargers, and mobile phones.

Win Everyone Over With the Taste Buds

Food and camping go hand in hand. Kids and adults alike can’t resist tasty snacks and meals. Here are tips for making delicious camping meals for your spring break trip:

• Bring food you know your daughters like.

• Ask your girls what they’d like to have and ask them to help you prepare them.

• Search for new camping recipes online.

• Prepare all ingredients before the trip to make meals faster.

• Some big hit camping meals you can make include roasted hot dogs, burgers, pie iron pizzas, fruit skewers, pan-seared T-bone steak, and tin foil sausage and veggies.

Head Outdoors and Spend Some Quality Time With Your Daughters

Spring break is a time your girls are definitely looking forward to. Be the superhero dad once again and organize an RV camping trip that will strengthen your family bonds and leave everyone with memories to laugh about for a lifetime. Happy travels.