How to Make Camping with Kids Fun (for everyone!)Â
Camping is a polarizing family activity. You either love it or you hate it. When you add kids to the mix, it quickly turns from a peaceful nature getaway into a weekend full of forgotten supplies and bedtime meltdowns. It doesn’t need to be this way. Camping with children can be a rewarding experience for the whole family if you prepare and approach it in the right way.
[ez-toc]
Camping has many benefits, from teaching children how to appreciate nature to building their confidence and independence. Camping takes children out of their comfort zone, away from screens and into an environment that is slower paced and hands-on. The only sounds they will hear are the birdsong, the rustling of the trees, and the crackling sound of the fire.
This guide is for those who have been reluctant to try camping, or who have tried it and said “never again”. These seven tried-and-true tips will help plan a camping adventure that is fun for everyone, not just the kids.
1. Keep it Short, Sweet, and Snack-Filled
What is the first rule for successful camping with children? Avoid going too far. Even though a forest in a remote location may sound like a dream, a long drive with a toddler or preschooler can make even the bravest of parents get cold. Your first trip should be close to home, ideally within a 1- to 2-hour drive. Limit your stay to one night or at most a weekend.
The journey should be an adventure in itself. Plan to stop often to stretch your legs, get an ice cream, or see quirky roadside attractions. What about snacks? You should pack them as if you were supplying an army. Pack plenty of water, fresh fruit, trail mixes, crackers, and pouches.
Pro tip: If you have kids who are easily bored or car sick, consider bringing audiobooks and podcasts geared towards their age group to keep them entertained while driving. Even better, let them be part of the planning process. Let them choose music or “help” with navigation.
2. The Right Tent Size is Important
Tents. Your tent can make or ruin your camping experience if you are using this trip as a stepping stone. It’s not the time to cram everyone into a tiny, barely breathable dome. Go big. Go bigger than you think.
What is the general rule? Look for tents rated between six and eight people if you have a four-person family. The manufacturers tend to rate tents based on the number of sleeping bags that can fit in the tent, not how comfortable it is for your family. Select a model that has multiple rooms or dividers to give kids their own sleeping “nook”, while adults can enjoy some privacy.
A tent with a communal central area is also a good option for indoor activities like playing games and relaxing when it rains. They are also great for storing gear so that your sleeping quarters do not feel like a disaster zone.
Bring a smaller tent for slightly older children. It can be a great novelty and a rite-of-passage. You can keep a close eye on them and make sure they know the importance of staying in the camping area.
3. Packing can be fun (but strategic)
It’s easy to think that packing for a family camping trip is similar to preparing for an expedition. And, in truth, it’s not too far from the truth. To keep your sanity, you need to be both practical and playful.
Beginner’s guide:
- Clothing – Layers are the key. Include warm clothing for the night (even if it’s summer), rain gear, and hats to protect you from the sun.
- Toiletries: Hand sanitisers, biodegradable soaps, toothbrushes, and wet wipes.
- Essentials for the kitchen include a portable stove or pot, utensils, and water bottles.
- First aid kit: Includes the essentials, plus insect repellents, sting creams, and pain relievers for children.
Pack for play is also important.
- Board games, puzzles, colouring supplies
- Balls, buckets, spades, and Frisbees
- Glow sticks are great for fun at night
- Binoculars and magnifying lenses for “Nature Explorer” missions
Assign each child their mini-backpack so that they can put their favourite toys or comfort items in it. This makes them feel more involved and teaches them responsibility.
4. Plan, Play, and Get Rid of the Devices
Camping allows you to enjoy old-fashioned entertainment without screens. You may need to use your phone in an emergency or for directions, but try to unplug it as much as you can.
Introduce your children to classic outdoor games: building a fort out of fallen branches, collecting leaves, bugs, and other natural objects for a nature book. Bring a kite along, go on an outdoor scavenger hunt, or organize a family Olympics with tug-of-war and sack races. Find campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities like creeks for splashing, nature trails, or platforms to spot wildlife.
Most campsites are located near rivers or lakes, which is perfect for canoeing, paddling, or fishing (with safety equipment, of course). Allow your kids to try something new, such as cooking marshmallows on a campfire or pitching a tent. These small adventures will become big memories for them.
5. Making Chores Part of the Adventure
Camping can make even the most mundane of tasks fun. You’ll be living more simply, and your kids will love being a part of the experience.
Allow them to hammer tent pegs, fetch water from the faucet, or do the dishes. Give older kids “jobs”, such as helping to prepare food, keeping an eye on the campfire, or doing “rubbish duty”. The feeling of contributing will build confidence, and they may become more enthusiastic about getting involved.
To make them even more involved, give them a part in the setup of your camp. This will encourage them to keep it clean and organised.
6. Prepare for Nightfall. It’s When the Magic and Meltdowns Begin
Camping magic happens at sunset. Think stargazing, storytelling by torchlight, a nd the flickering warmth of a campfire. It’s also the time when kids get tired, especially if they are in an unfamiliar environment.
Recreate your bedtime routine at home to make it easier. Bring familiar items, such as favourite stuffed animals or stories. Add extra blankets to sleeping bags and ensure that each child has an emergency torch or nightlight nearby.
Glow sticks can be a great way to track your children after the sun has set. You can have a “treasure” hunt with glow sticks to burn that last bit of energy before you settle in for the evening.
If fire bans permit, you can also toast marshmallows under the stars. This is one of the simple pleasures that kids will remember for a lifetime.
7. Capture the Moments – Memories that Last a Lifetime
Camping is a great way to capture family memories that you will laugh about for many years.
Encourage your children to take pictures of the trip themselves. You can give them a disposable digital camera or even let them borrow (for a short time) your phone. Take photos. For older kids, they might like to keep a nature journal. They could draw trees or list the birds that they see.
Make a scrapbook together or a slideshow once you get home. It’s fun to look back at these memories, and it makes kids want to do the same thing again.
Don’t Forget the Camping Essentials
It’s tempting not to pack much, but there are some essentials that you won’t regret. Here’s a quick checklist
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Hats and sunglasses
- Warm clothes for the night
- Ponchos and rain jackets
- First-aid kit
- Matches (or a lighter) (stored in a safe place)
- Power banks or extra batteries
- Rubbish bags
- Reusable Water Bottles
Preparedness for sudden weather changes, minor injuries, or boredom can make a disaster a mere incident.
Camping with Kids is Worth it (really!)
Camping with small children is not easy. Dirt, noise, misplaced socks, and bees are all part of the experience. For every little hassle, you’ll reap the rewards: the giggles at the campfire, your child’s pride after pitching a tent, and your family’s shared sense of adventure.
Even if you are a camping skeptic, ic give it a try. Start with a simple night in your backyard, or try a campground that is “family-friendly”. Your kids may not love every moment, but you will. That’s a great start.
What if you can’t do without a comfortable mattress and running water, even if it is free? Glamping can be a great alternative. Don’t be surprised when your children start asking for the real deal next time.
