Camping with kids is a cherished tradition for many families, offering the perfect blend of adventure, bonding, learning and outdoor exploration. From roasting marshmallows around the campfire to stargazing under a blanket of twinkling stars, camping provides endless opportunities for children to connect with nature and create lasting memories. However, embarking on a family camping trip requires careful planning and preparation, much like any other holiday, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here's a guide to family camping, complete with essential checklists and tips to keep spirits high and the laughs rolling.
Preparing for the Adventure
First step is to select a campground that is family-friendly—one that's both comfortable and hazard-free and offers the appropriate amenities for your family such as clean restrooms, potable water, and potentially even designated campsites with fire pits. Additionally, if you are thinking of bringing the dog on the family trip, then make sure this is permitted on your chosen site.
When picking a place, look for attractions or activities that are close by and will appeal to children, such as hiking trails, swimming spots, or nature centres. We suggest when planning your trip to involve your kids in planning the activities. Whether it's collecting firewood, going on a nature scavenger hunt, or picking the meals to cook on the campfire, allowing children to contribute to the itinerary will make them feel engaged and excited about the adventure.
The next step in preparing for your adventure is to create a checklist of essential items to bring on your camping trip, including camping gear, clothing, food, and entertainment options. Be sure to pack extra layers of clothing, rain gear, and plenty of snacks to keep hungry little campers happy. Then, once you've pinpointed a cosy, secure spot, and everything is packed and organised, it's time to pitch your tents and kindle the campfire!
Packing Essentials
Here are some of our suggestions for things to bring to your family camping trip. If you have any other suggestions they feel free to share them with us by messaging us via social media direct message and we would be happy to share your suggested essentials!
- Swag/Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Camping Chairs
- Flashlights
- Extra Batteries
- Multitool/Pocket knife
- First Aid Kit
- Portable Stove/Cooking Equipment
- Pots/Pans/Cooking Utensils
- Food & Snacks
- Plates & Cups
- Weather Appropriate Clothing
- Wellies/Hiking Boots
- Sunscreen & Insect Repellent
- Personal Hygiene Equipment (toothbrush, toothpaste etc)
- Towels
- Outdoor Games (frisbee, football etc) and Books for entertainment
Our Top Five Tips for a Successful Family Camping Trip
- Involve Kids in Camp Setup: You may not want them to help with the general difficult bits but we suggest involving them with tasks such as arranging sleeping bags, collecting clean water and gathering firewood. It not only teaches valuable outdoor skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership over the camping experience. Additionally it means that you do not have to keep the kids entertained whilst also trying to set up, this merges the two and allows for a more streamline set-up.
- Embrace Nature's Classroom: Take advantage of the natural surroundings to teach children about the environment, wildlife, and outdoor survival skills. Encourage exploration and curiosity while respecting the natural habitat. We suggest prior to your adventure looking into purchasing some nature books allowing the children to go on hikes and look for different aspects in the wild.
- Keep Mealtime Fun: Get creative with campfire cooking by making foil packet meals, roasting hot dogs on sticks, or making some sweet one evening such as our banana split smores. Encourage kids to help prepare meals and experiment with new recipes. Not only does this develop their understanding of cooking skills and the safety surrounding it (and around fire) it also creates memories that stick for a lifetime.
- Unplug and Connect: Encourage screen-free time during the camping trip to foster meaningful connections with family members and nature. You can’t always guarantee working wifi when camping and so the lack of it can cause some tension and aggravation. This is why we suggest not promising it and instead of gadgets, engage in hiking, storytelling, stargazing, cooking or playing fun games.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Be flexible and prepared for unexpected challenges or changes in weather. Whilst we do suggest that preparation and planning is a key aspect of a successful trip, accidents and unexpected weather changes do occur and so it is important to embrace such events. For example, rainy days can turn into memorable adventures with the right attitude and a sense of adventure.
Camping with kids is a rewarding experience that allows families to bond, explore, and create cherished memories together. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable camping trip that will leave everyone counting down the days until the next outdoor adventure. So, grab your gear, pitch your tent, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder in the great outdoors!
