Tips for our first family backpacking trip? We have a three year old and a 1.5 year old.

Via Twitter from Melissa Avery ‏@melissabravery

@MichaelALanza: Find a lake or stream 1 or 2 mi. in. Camp there 2 nights, so you have a full day for leisure, dayhiking, playing in the water. At that age, just make it fun for kids. Amazing how much time it takes just to manage kids’ needs at that age. Hard to go far cuz you can only carry so much and a 3yr-old can’t walk far. Plus, that close to the car, you can bail (sick kid) and have one adult make 2 trips with loaded pack if needed.

Melissa Avery ‏@melissabravery: now that I didn’t think about. Good tip! We decided on Pt Reyes Natl seashore Hike in 5 miles camp there two nights do day hikes. I have a super energetic 3 year old.
