A Family First Camping Trip

We recently kicked off our spring/summer family adventures with a trip to one of my favourite camping destinations in Ontario - Pinery Provincial Park.

Growing up, my family and I spent many summers exploring all that the Pinery has to offer. Now, its my turn to create those memories with my little family and introduce Morley to one of our favourite outdoor activities - camping!

When it was just the two of us, the camping possibilities were endless. Camping at the base of a glacier? Check. A full day back country hike only to camp in the pouring rain? Check. Having a bear huff past your tent and not be able to sleep? Check. Taking a 6-hour ferry ride with plans to camp, only to find out there was still six feet of snow on the ground? Check, check, check. It's safe to say, we've had some pretty interesting camping adventures. But  have also made some amazing camping memories.

So, when it came time to plan Morley's first camping adventure, we figured we'd start small and play it safe with a car camping trip to the Pinery.

Located on the shores of the mighty Lake Huron, just outside of Grand Bend, Pinery Provincial Park is a hidden gem in the Ontario Parks' system. The 21 square kilometres of rare forests and rolling dunes offer excellent year-round outdoor recreations, including 10 walking trails, a 14 km bike trail and 38 kms of groomed ski trails. The Old Ausable River Channel, which runs the length of the park, is perfect for wildlife viewing, fishing or a relaxing paddle in a kayak or canoe.

Our long weekend at the Pinery was perfect. We spent our four days exploring the trails, the beach, the river, the dirt and just relaxing around the campsite. We couldn't have asked for better weather, or better company. With a jam packed campsite that included my parents, my brother, his girlfriend and three crazy dogs, there was no shortage of good laughs or activities going on.  Morley loved hanging out with her pups, Tity and Dooda (otherwise known as Titus and Lola), and was even introduced to a few new animal friends - raccoons, frogs and chipmunks galore. 

And even though we slept in the trailer with my parents (Morley would not even go near the tent), she absolutely rocked her first camping trip. This kid continues to amaze me, constantly adapting to every new situation we toss at her.

We can't wait to get out and create many more amazing memories with Morley this summer!

When heading out on an adventure, whether to the local park or camping, we always consider Morley’s safety first. That is why when it came time to upgrade her car seat, we chose the radian®rXT from diono. Premium materials and thoughtful safety features like a steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced side walls, energy absorbing EPS foam and five-point harness put your mind at ease as your little one stays safe and sound. The reinforced adjustable head support provides additional side impact protection, and comfort when the little one crashes after a long day of adventuring. 

One of my favourite features of this car seat, which will come in handy on our trip to Alaska in the fall, is that the car seat folds flat for travel and is FAA-certified. Radian car seats fit 3-across in most mid-size vehicles, making it the perfect choice for growing families. And while we are not yet at the stage where we have to worry about that (I promise), one day down the road this will come in handy. 

The radian rXT car seat comes in a variety of colours, but we chose black plum. It adds a pop of colour, while still helping hide the inevitable toddler spills and messes. Find the radian rXT car seat at a retailer near you.

Check out To & Fro on Instagram for more from our camping trip to Pinery Provincial Park. 

Where will your adventures take you this summer? I'd love to hear!

Disclaimer: I received product and/or compensation for this post, however, all opinions are 100% my own. I only support brands that I trust and love.