Camping during Spring Break (Needville, TX)

During Spring Break, we spent one day camping overnight at Brazos Bend State Park. It was a trial run to see if camping was doable with the whole family. I called this faux-camping because we had an electrical outlet and water nearby. But if all goes well, I would like to visit and camp at other state parks throughout Texas.

Danger lurks ahead.

Can you spot the six baby alligators?

Jacob wants to rest at the lonely bench.

Moss covered trees everywhere.

A red robin? Or cardinal?

Tyson running at full speed.

They all wanted to wear the same Minecraft shirt.

Jacob taking our picture.

The boys did alright. Our kids don't need electronics to be entertained (although it helps) but found other ways to pass the time. They drew. They read books. They ran around aimlessly. They wrestled in the tent. At one point I had to tell them to stop being so loud (since we had close camping neighbors) and let them play video games, which kept the noise level down. But they are only allowed 20 mins of electronics per person, per day. I refuse to have one of those kids who has a phone or tablet glued to their hands. And besides, we were camping. Let's enjoy nature and free ourselves of technology.

Andrew drawing the scenery.

Tyson chillin'.

"Oooof!"

Roasting marshmallows.

Andrew enjoying his s'mores.

Family pic.

Andrew can't get enough of the s'mores.

Kids messing around with glow sticks.

The campfire (shot at a long shutter speed).

A quick game before bedtime.

In the end, it was a lot of work to plan, pack and setup for such a short stay. I can't imagine the planning involved if we went camping further out of town without the amenities of water and electricity. The kids had fun but for us parents, it was tiring.