Brady Drake
The blur of trees is beginning to slow, anticipation is building as the packed vehicle makes a right turn down a dirt road and is swallowed up by the thick trees. Once parked, everyone steps out of the car and hears the crunch of the pine needles and twigs beneath their feet. This campsite will be home for an unforgettable weekend with the family.
Whether heading to the North Shore, Bemidji, Brainerd, the Detroit Lakes area, or any of the other amazing lakes around the region, summer has officially begun!
Home Base
Next, it’s time to set up a home base.
One of the best tents on the market right now is the Coleman Skydome Camping Tent with Dark Room Technology, which offers a 5-minute setup, waterproof technology, and a sturdy frame that can withstand up to 35 mph winds.
Another camping must-have is the Grand Trunk Double Deluxe Hammock to make sure there’s a comfortable place to relax or even take a nap! There is a wonderful day ahead, and when one of the children asks if they can play a yard game, you jump at the opportunity!
One of their favorites is the Minnesota Vikings-themed Escalade Sports Bag Toss kit, because they love some friendly competition.
Home Base Essentials
A YETI Tundra 65 Cooler—stocked with all the essentials: water, juice boxes, sports drinks, and, of course, some adult beverages for those of age. All of which will stay cold all weekend long.
GCI Freestyle Rocker Chairs—for relaxing, telling stories, and roasting marshmallows later, around the campfire.
Speaking of fire— there’s no longer a need to toil with flint, sticks, or rocks. The Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit gives a perfect, smokeless bonfire every single time.
The setup is complete, and the kids are excited for the adventure ahead.
Adventure Begins
One child wants to get on the water and paddleboard. Grab the easy to set up and use Retrospec iSUP Weekender inflatable paddleboard kit, to get on the water in minutes to explore the beautiful lake. After fun on the water, the family sets off to explore the surrounding area. Just past the nearby trailhead, everyone is quickly engulfed in the beauty of nature, surrounded by foliage, and countless critters on a perfect prelunch hike.
Did someone say lunch? It’s time to break out the Pit Boss 3 Burner Tabletop Griddle that is a must-have for every camping trip and make some family favorite grilled PB&Js.
Once the food has settled, it’s time for a bike ride. All four of the family’s Trek Mountain Bikes made the trip thanks to a Yakima Ridgeback 4 Rack. The bike ride is long, but there is an amazing spot on the lake to jump in at the end of the trail. Finally, the end is here and the kids’ eyes widen, as they can’t wait to jump in! It was well worth the leg burn, and they talk about how much fun they had all the way back to the campsite
Have A Really Young Family?
When bringing young kids along for an adventure, don’t fret. Everyone can still explore the great outdoors when using the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier hiking backpack!
When hitting the trails on bike, bring along your little ones in the Retrospec Rover Bike Trailer which comes in both one-person and two-person options.
CampFire Fun
What a fun adventurous day, which means everyone is hungry. The Solo Stove heats up quickly to make hotdogs that taste extra good after the long bike ride. The sun is beginning to set, the loons are calling, and the real magic around the fire is about to begin.
It truly is a magical moment, thanks to Liberty Mountain Colorful Fire, a smokeless, odorless, and fumeless fire enhancer that turns ordinary flames into a dazzling show of changing colors. The kids can’t believe their eyes, and tonight’s fire tops off the fun as the night comes to a close with marshmallow roasting, plenty of stories, and countless laughs.
The day is a great success, and now it’s time to rest up for yet another day of adventure!
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