Whether you're camping it or hoteling it, here are some Superstition Lost Dutch State Park tips for families
So the kids want to become rangers when they grow up, eh? Well do better place to introduce them to their future carrer than in a national or state park. And while you're there take some time off from the humdrum by making a trip of it. But parent beware: be prepared or be in trouble.
Being ready for camping or time out makes all the difference and you'll find that taking a little time before leaving home will save you quite a bit of trouble once at the park. Consider these tips for your trip to a National or State Park with the family:
1. Make a list and consider the number of people in your party and the number of days you'll be staying (and traveling there and back.)
2. Don't just pack. Pack the right gear. Consider your destination: does it tend to rain or get cold during evening hours? Even summer months can be cold and damp so don't be afraid to bring a few extra blankets, sweaters and rain gear. Be sure to pack hats, backpacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, boots, and yes, toilet paper.
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3. And then there was light...and first aid kits. You need light--you will be out in the wilderness after all, so bring a few flashlights and extra batteries. And you need healing powers for scrapes and cuts, so don't forget to pack the first aid kit and don't forget to check to be sure all items needed (Band-Aids, antiseptic spray, etc) are not only contained in the kit but also within their expiration date. Even if you intend on staying in a hotel, being prepared for a long hike that may extend into the dark hours is just plain smart.
4. If you're camping on campgrounds you'll need food and drinks which means you'll need a cooler or two in order to keep your food fresh and out of reach of small critters. Pack your perishables with dry ice if possible as this will preserve them longer. Also, store your food and drinks (dry, canned and perishable) in your automobile to keep them away from the sensitive noses of animals. The last thing you want is to wake up in the morning and find that your food was feasted on by park animals, not to mention that attracting them to your camp site is dangerous.
5. Pack trash bags and lots of them. Keep parks clean by cleaning after yourself.
6. Consider staying in a hotel near the park. If you're visiting with young children it's often safer and makes more sense to stay at a hotel. It saves you the headache of backing food and drinks and often times, it's better for the park as staying there creates too much waste. If you insist on sleeping in camp grounds, bringing a bit more that you will need can save you headaches. It can make the difference between and enjoyable and bad time. Consider your individual family needs and then add a bit of margin to what you think you'll need. That is, if you think you need two days worth of food for your outing, bring three days worth. In other words: Be safe, not sorry.
Fun for kids
These parks aren't just about camp fires and hiking, they're also about fun! Typically, parks will have Junior Ranger programs that allow kids to learn the history and science of the surrounding area and explore the park with a guide from the Park Service. Through learning, children acquire an appreciation of nature and the park's inhabitants which teaches them the importance of protecting the parks.
But kids don't have to wait to take part in Junior Ranger programs. Check at the bottom of this page to see if the National or State Park you're intending on visiting offers any downloadable materials to give kids a head start on their journey.
While one of the more entertaining parts of visiting a park is the hiking, there are a few things to remember while on the trails:
1. Stay on trails: taking shortcuts causes trail erosion not to mention that it's both dangerous and illegal.
2. Carry a backpack and fill it with plenty of water and healthful, high energy snacks like granola and trail mix. Drink plenty of water at pre-determined water breaks. The most common hiking injury is dehydration
3. Keep your children with you at all times. Getting lost is easy when you're in the middle of no where with your children and the last thing that you want is to have to call a search for a lost kid, beside the fact that it's clearly not desirable, you may end up footing the bill for the search and rescue.
Check out some of the attractions and sights nearby. We've provided a list at the upper-right side of this page. It's great camping in the park, but why not take advantage of other sights while you're in the area? You could visit them before your visit or afterward.
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