Camping with Kids: Tips, Tricks, and Fun Activities to Make the Most of Your Adventure
Camping with kids can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for the whole family. It’s a chance to unplug, explore nature, and bond as a unit. However, it can also come with its challenges—especially when it comes to keeping the kids entertained. With a little planning and creativity, you can turn your camping trip into an adventure they’ll never forget. Here are my top tips on what to bring and some fun activities to keep the little ones engaged and happy.
What to Bring
Camping Gear:
Tent: Choose a spacious tent that can accommodate the whole family comfortably. Consider a cabin-style tent for extra space, or one with dividers to create separate “rooms.”
Sleeping Bags & Pillows: Invest in good-quality sleeping bags to keep the kids warm and cozy, even in cooler weather. Don’t forget the pillows for added comfort!
Flashlights and Lanterns: A must-have for nighttime, especially if you’re camping in the wilderness. Glow sticks (more on these below) are also a great backup for extra lighting.
Camping Chairs: Folding chairs are perfect for relaxing around the campfire.
Food & Cooking Supplies:
Portable Stove & Fuel: If you’re not cooking over an open fire, a portable stove will be your best friend.
Cooler: Keep perishables fresh and ready to cook.
Snack Packs: Have an assortment of easy-to-eat snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and fresh fruit for the kids to munch on during hikes or activities.
Clothing & Comfort:
Layered Clothing: Weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack layers for warmth during the evening and early mornings.
Waterproof Gear: If you plan to do water activities, pack waterproof shoes, jackets, and pants.
Hats & Sunscreen: Protect their skin from the sun’s rays.
Fun Activities for Kids While Camping
Glow Stick Night Hike: Glow sticks aren’t just fun; they also help keep track of the kids during nighttime hikes. Stick a few glow sticks to their backpacks or around their wrists, and go for a nature walk under the stars. The glow makes it easier to spot them, and the kids will love having a little light trail as they explore.
Natural Jewelry Making: Collect natural materials like pinecones, leaves, flowers, and smooth stones. Then, gather string or twine and show the kids how to make bracelets, necklaces, or even crowns. This activity can be done during downtime at the campsite or as part of a nature scavenger hunt.
Water Play: If you’re camping near a river, lake, or beach, water play is always a hit. Bring along small inflatable boats, paddles, or a water bucket for splashy fun. You can set up a mini water station with cups and small buckets to help them “fish” for rocks, or simply let them wade in shallow areas. Always supervise them closely near water!
Scavenger Hunt: Before heading out on a hike or exploring the campsite, create a scavenger hunt list for the kids. Include things like a feather, a smooth rock, a red leaf, or a pinecone. Not only will this help them engage with the environment around them, but it will also keep them busy as they search for items.
Campfire Stories & Marshmallow Roasting: There’s nothing quite like sitting around the campfire, toasting marshmallows, and telling stories. Let the kids come up with their own silly stories or get creative with classic campfire tales. You could also make it a storytelling game where each person adds a sentence to the story, creating a fun, sometimes hilarious adventure.
Nature Art: Set up an art station with some paper and crayons (or just use natural materials like leaves and sticks) and let the kids create their own masterpieces inspired by the outdoors. They can press flowers or leaves, sketch the trees, or make their own nature-inspired drawings.
Outdoor Obstacle Course: Create a fun and challenging obstacle course using natural features of the campsite. Have them crawl under branches, jump over logs, or climb over rocks. Time them and make it a little competition (with prizes, of course, like extra marshmallows for dessert!).
Fishing (if possible): If you’re camping near a lake, river, or stream, fishing can be an excellent way to spend time with kids. Even if they don’t catch anything, they’ll enjoy the process of learning how to cast a line and wait for a nibble. Always check local regulations to make sure fishing is allowed, and bring the necessary permits.
Campground or Trail Games: Games like tag, hide and seek, or even a game of "I spy" can be easily adapted to fit the outdoors. You can also bring along a ball or frisbee to play catch in the open space.
Other Tips for Camping with Kids
Preparation is Key: Plan ahead for activities, especially when the kids need to wind down. Bring coloring books, small puzzles, or even a few quiet games for the evening.
Safety First: Always keep an eye on the kids during water activities and hikes. Teach them about respecting wildlife and staying on the trails.
Incorporate Learning: Camping is a perfect opportunity to teach kids about the environment. Discuss plants, animals, and the importance of nature conservation.
Camping with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By bringing the right gear and planning a few fun activities, you’ll be setting your family up for a memorable adventure in the great outdoors. Whether you’re sitting around the campfire telling stories, splashing around in the water, or creating nature art, these simple yet meaningful moments will stay with your kids for years to come.