I have received a complimentary stay at Kampgrounds of America. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post for Trekaroo. com.
Last summer I noticed a little problem with my kids. Instead of running around the yard catching fireflies, climbing trees, and riding bikes, they were cooped up inside either playing video games or watching TV. The overuse of electronics has become and epidemic in this country and I was seeing first hand the effect it was having on my kids. Childhood is suppose to be fun and adventurous. This is the time in your life where you can discover new things and get your hands dirty. That’s part of growing up. I knew that if I didn’t take action, my two kids would become couch potatoes that loathed the outdoors and I wasn’t about to let that happen. So together, my husband and I took action. We limited electronic time and increased outdoor time. And you know what, my kids loved it.
This summer we decided to take our love of the outdoors to a whole new level. Instead of our kids just exploring in our own backyard, I wanted them to make new discoveries and adventures elsewhere. And that’s when we decided to kick off our summer at a local KOA. If your are not familiar with KOA, they are the Kampgrounds of America. Located all across the US, KOA is a place where you can stop and relax after a long day on the road. Or visit for a staycation adventure like my family recently did.
KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
Growing up I had my fair share of adventures at KOA’s all over the United States. My family loved to travel in our RV so staying at a KOA was a part of our summer vacations. And the best part is that no two campgrounds are the same. Each one is unique and has it’s own special qualities. I have some amazing memories growing up camping. For instance one summer we drove what seemed like 1,000 miles to the Grand Canyon. It was the most majestic thing I had ever seen. Once we got there I hiked to the bottom of the canyon with my dad. At the time I didn’t really appreciate what this meant, but now that he is gone, this is a memory that I will treasure forever. These are the types of memories that I want my kids to experience. I want them to have the same kind of adventure and excitement of the outdoors that I had as a kid.
During the start of our summer staycation we stayed in a deluxe cabin at the KOA in Checotah, Oklahoma. I was so excited to spend a few days with my family away from the distractions of home. This was our time to come together as a family and create our own outdoor memories. Kids grow up so fast, so creating these memories together are very important to me.
Creating Childhood Memories
At home, it’s easy to get distracted and kids and parents can go hours without talking to one another. But when your out in the wilderness with limited electronics and in such close quarters like our cabin, it’s a great opportunity to connect with your kids. It’s amazing how much more your kiddos will talk to you when there is no TV around. There is so much to do together that doesn’t require batteries or even electricity. For entertainment we brought board games, played horseshoes and I even showed my kids that I am not afraid to jump in ice cold water. Ok, maybe I am a little afraid but I definitely won cool mom points for jumping in the freezing cold pool.
Then of course there is fishing, hiking trails through the woods and if you’re lucky enough to find a KOA with a petting zoo like ours did, you may even find a new friend or two.
Dinner was surprisingly one of the best times of our stay. Each night we would fire up the grill for hot dogs or hamburgers and then for dessert it was either s’mores over the open fire or watermelon. Lots of laughter and good talks happened over the fire.
We had an amazing time during out 2 day stay at the KOA in Checotah. It was the perfect way to kick off the summer and get my kids excited about being outdoors and looking for their next adventure.
Find a KOA Near You
There are KOA Campgrounds all over the US and chances are you have one near you. It’s never too late to create those childhood memories. Why not let the KOA help you. For a list of KOA campgrounds near you or to learn more ideas on how to get your kids excited about the outdoors, you can visit the KOA blog. You can also find out more about my KOA stay and what others are saying about KOA on Trekaroo.
Enter to win some great prizes with KOA including Deluxe Cabin stays. You can enter to win Here: