Let’s face it: Sometimes camping with kids doesn’t exactly give us that peaceful, easy feeling. In fact, sometimes it’s downright stressful. But with a little preparation and a few key items, it’s possible to actually enjoy the great outdoors with your family.
While there are many common-sense essentials for camping, there are some items that are especially fit for camping with kids. We’ve compiled a list of 25 items that will make camping with your kids the fun and relaxing getaway that it’s meant to be.
Something soft to sleep on
Of course blankets and sleeping bags are important, but sometimes a sleeping bag might not be quite cozy enough for outdoor sleeping. Air mattresses or sleeping pads will help your child feel more like they’re at home in their own bed, which can be comforting when sleeping outside for the first time. This sleeping pad made by Coleman (Amazon, $46) is great because it’s already got a pillow attached and is weather-resistant.
Clip-on insect repellent
Don’t let the aggravation of bug bites — and the kids whining about how much they itch — ruin your camping trip. Clip-on insect repellents give your kids the opportunity to explore the terrain without having to reapply bug spray all the time. This clip-on repellent (Walmart, $11) by OFF! lasts for up to 12 hours.
Camping LED light
Even adults get scared in the dark sometimes, so imagine how our kids must feel on a camping trip once the sun goes down. Having plenty of light sources is essential when camping with kids. A fire is great, but it’s always good to have some light to allow you to see your way around in the dark. This LED headlamp from LE (Amazon, $17) is a great option since it allows your hands to be free while you explore. Plus, it will make your kids feel like little cave adventurists.
Plenty of snacks
Of course, marshmallows are an essential piece of any camping trip, but it’s always a good idea to bring plenty of food to feed those hungry mouths once they get done exploring. You can find tons of kid-friendly snack recipes for the perfect camping snacks all over the web, and especially on Pinterest.
Comfort items
Does your child have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal? If so, bring it along on your camping trip. It could help to ease any anxiety they may have about being away by making them feel like they’re back at home. Comfort items can be lifesavers while camping with kids!
A big, room-like tent
Tents are typically a staple of any camping trip, and they come in a range of sizes, shapes and prices. For kids, having a big tent that the entire family can sleep inside sort of feels like playing in those blanket forts that they build back at home. Again, comfort is essential for them in case they get frightened.
Just when you thought you had conquered getting your kid to sleep in their own bed — now you’re intentionally sleeping three feet away from them. Oh, the irony.
A not-too-remote location
It’s a good idea to practice camping outdoors in your own backyard before you take the plunge into something more remote. In fact, the first few times you camp with your kids, it’s not a bad idea to keep your location fairly central. There are many campgrounds that offer toilets, showers and shelters for when it storms. This is especially good for kids who are a bit wary about peeing on trees for the first time.
Their friends
Of course, camping is twice as fun when you’ve got friends to share the adventure with. It’s great if your kid is able to play alone, but if you consider bringing your kid’s best pal along for the ride, they might have even more fun and make even more memories.
Walkie-talkies
Kids love walkie-talkies, and they’re super helpful while camping. Walkie-talkies allow you to keep in constant contact with your child while they roam. These walkie-talkies from Kidzlane (Amazon, $35) have a radius of up to 2 miles and are made specifically so that kids can easily operate them.
Safety whistle
Whistles are simple and affordable, yet can be a vital aspect of the safety of your child while camping. These whistles (Amazon, $2), made by Unique, are perfect for kids. They can wear them like a necklace and blow them if they’re in some sort of trouble — or just to get on your nerves, but hopefully they’ll practice caution if that’s the case.
First-aid kit
There’s a good chance that while your kids are rummaging through the woods, they’ll acquire some scrapes. First-aid kits are essential to any camping trip, especially with kids. This first aid kit by Coleman (Amazon, $20) comes with 205 pieces and everything that you might possibly need in the event that someone gets hurt. As always, safety first.
Compass
It’s a good idea to have a compass on hand any time you’re camping in a remote area, but even if you’re in a location that is fairly central, your kids will still love trying to figure out how to use a compass. They’ve probably seen cartoons or movies where characters go on treasure hunts, and a compass is always involved, so they’ll have fun pretending to be searching for buried treasure with the guidance of their compass. This compass by Coleman (Amazon, $11) even has an LED backlight, so it’s great for any time of day.
Bonus points if you have a map or a field guide of your camping ground and can teach your kid how to navigate the area.
Binoculars
Kids are curious by nature, so help encourage their curiosity with a set of binoculars to examine nature. These binoculars by Educational Insights (Amazon, $10) are made especially for kids to use, and come in fun colors.
Outdoor toys
Toys are the way to any child’s heart. There’s a variety of outdoor toys that you can pack for your kids to take camping. Think fishing poles, kites, Frisbees, balls, etc. You can never have too much entertainment in the event that the outdoors doesn’t maintain your child’s attention.
Outdoor books for exploring
Make your camping trip both educational and fun by bringing along a book that teaches your kids about nature. This book about the outdoors (Amazon, $5) is made especially for kids by TIME for Kids magazine. It will teach your child all there is to know about nature and survival, and it’s fun to read! You may even learn a thing or two yourself.
Plenty of water
Hydration is key any day, but especially while camping, since there’s a higher chance of your child becoming dehydrated. If you don’t want to pack an entire case of bottled water, bring a filter or a filtered water bottle for safe drinking water.
Kid-sized life jacket
If you’re camping anywhere near water, it is absolutely vital that your child has a life jacket that fits properly. This is for their own safety and your personal sanity. Have them wear it any time they’re near the water. There’s a good chance they’re going to think it looks cool and not mind wearing it at all. You can find life jackets for kids at any big retailer or outdoor store. We found this kid’s life jacket (Amazon, $18+) made by Stearns on Amazon.
Quick-dry and rainproof clothing
There’s a good chance that your child is going to get either sweaty or drenched in water at some point during a camping trip. This is just par for the course. Quick-dry and rainproof clothing is great in this case, as it keeps your child as dry and comfortable as possible. There’s a ton of kid-friendly rainwear online, but we love this adorable rain jacket (Amazon, $9) made by Cloudnine that we found on Amazon.
A comfortable place to sit
Sometimes sitting on rocks isn’t the most comfortable place to find refuge while camping. Bringing fold-up chairs is a comfort on any camping trip, but for kids, even more so. Fold-up camping chairs are easy to find and come in a variety of sizes and prices. This fold-up camping chair made by Quik Shade (Amazon, $27) offers extra shade from the sun for your child.
Hand sanitizer
Of course, a day with kids wouldn’t be complete without the use of hand sanitizer. It’s especially important to keep hand sanitizer on hand while outdoors because they’re going to get into everything. We love this hand sanitizer from Babyganics (Amazon, $16/3-pack) because it’s alcohol-free.
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