Here’s how to pull off a family campout without a hitch

Try a test run

You don’t have to take the plunge into outdoor camping headfirst. Maybe you have small children, or your partner is nervous about the idea of sleeping in a tent. Start in the shallow end by pitching a tent in your living room or backyard. This allows you to test your gear and lets your family figure out what works (and what doesn’t) before heading outdoors for real.

Start with the familiar

Following and favoriting far-away escapes on Instagram? Not so fast. When it comes to family camping, start small and save any ambitious trip for when your crew is a little more seasoned. Opt for a close-to-home spot to quell any nerves. This will simplify logistics, so you can focus on not-so-minor details like how to set up camp for the first time. If your family includes a four-legged friend, check whether the campsite allows pets.

Keep an eye on weather

This may seem obvious—file it under Camping 101—but introducing the fam to a night outside during an especially humid, rainy or cold weekend won’t exactly pave the way for a future of family camping in the great outdoors.

Check the weather ahead of time to ensure you’re choosing ideal conditions for sleeping under the stars. For bonus points, research the moon phases ahead of your trip and choose a night with a new moon—aka, when the sky is darkest and stars are more likely to be visible.

Delegate duties

At your campsite, give everyone a job. Little ones can pick up small rocks and other debris before you set up the tents (just make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles). Recruit tweens an d teens to find kindling for the fire or locate cool hiking routes on the map. This teaches kids independence, builds their confidence outdoors and makes them feel like a part of the experience.

Prep your pet

Bringing along a furry tentmate? Make sure they have everything they need for a couple days outdoors. Think food and water bowls and possibly a special harness for hiking, extra blankets or this collar light to help you keep an eye on them after dark. Regardless of whether you’re taking a dog, cat or other pet, make sure you slowly introduce them to the outdoors before a weekend away to make for a smoother, less stressful transition.

Add some comforts of home

Do your kiddos have a favorite blanket? A well-loved stuffy? Encourage them to bring it along. Camping might seem scary or uncomfortable or, well, boring for younger children. Letting them pack the things that bring them joy and provide a sense of safety can make this new experience a little less overwhelming and a lot more enjoyable.

Have fun

There are many great outdoor lessons and skills to teach when you’re camping for the first time: ways to build a fire, how to pitch a tent and the importance of working together as a team. Don’t forget the most important thing: Having fun. Bring a deck of cards or some glow sticks. Play word games. Take a family hike. Tell stories around the campfire. Identify constellations, flowers or bugs. These are the memory-making moments you won’t want to miss