Camping with Kids: Tips to Make It Easy and Fun
Camping with kids can feel a little like herding squirrels in the woods, but it can also be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences your family will ever share. With the right prep (and a few sanity-saving strategies), you can turn your next trip into an adventure your kids will be talking about for years.
Here are my go-to tips to make camping with kids easy, fun, and a little less chaotic.
1. Choose the Right Campsite
Pick a campground with family-friendly amenities:
Flush toilets
Showers
Flat, shaded tent pads
Nearby hiking or playgrounds
Pro Tip: State parks are usually a solid choice for first-time family campers. Many have ranger programs or nature centers that are free and educational. And many have spectacular views to boot.
2. Involve the Kids in Packing
Let kids help pack their clothes, favorite snacks, and maybe a stuffed animal or two. This helps them feel involved and builds excitement.
Make sure their gear includes:
Layers for warmth
Extra socks
A rain jacket
A flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Downloadable: Printable Kids’ Camping Checklist (PDF)
3. Keep Meals Simple (and Fun)
Stick to easy-to-make meals like hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, foil packet dinners, or even build-your-own tacos.
Don’t forget campfire classics:
S’mores (check out these fun glow-in-the-dark marshmallow roasting sticks)
Pie iron treats
Roasted marshmallows
Pro Tip: Let kids help with meal prep. Give them safe, age-appropriate tasks like wrapping foil packets or assembling s’mores.
4. Prioritize Comfort at Night
A good night’s sleep can make or break the trip. That goes for kids and parents.
Use a quality sleeping pad or air mattress (Learn more about sleeping pads vs. sleeping bags)
Bring their pillow and favorite blanket
Choose a tent large enough for everyone to move around (How to choose the right tent)
Pro Tip: Do a backyard trial run before your trip. Let the kids sleep in the tent so they’re familiar with the experience.
5. Bring Entertainment
When the hikes are over and dinner is done, you’ll be glad you packed extras. Ideas include:
Card games
Scavenger hunt lists
Nature journals
Glow sticks
Binoculars
Pro Tip: Create a simple nature bingo game for your kids to complete throughout the trip. It keeps them engaged and observant.
6. Be Flexible and Keep It Light
Kids might get dirty. They might stay up too late. They’ll probably eat more marshmallows than vegetables. And that’s OK.
Camping is about creating memories, not perfection. Embrace the adventure, even when it doesn’t go according to plan.
Final Campfire Thoughts
Camping with kids isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard. With a little preparation and a flexible mindset, you can give your children a love of the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.
The dirt will wash off. The memories won’t.
Happy camping,
JP