One of the best ways to spend quality time with your kids is a camping trip. It’s a low-cost way to holiday together, and it’s a brilliant way to get them connecting with nature, away from screens. As a parent, your main job is making the trip safe and fun for everyone — so here’s your complete cheat sheet to a hassle-free camping trip with the kids.
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7 Top Tips for Camping with Kids
Planning is key when it comes to camping with kids. Just like any holiday, there are some do’s and don’ts. Here’s a quick cheat sheet of top tips to help with the planning, so you can relax and enjoy the trip once you arrive.
#1. Have a Practice Camping Experience
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It can be tempting to pack the bags and head straight off on your camping trip. But if it’s your kids’ first time camping, a practice run helps. Pitch a tent in the back garden, or let them watch some videos about camping so they know what to expect on the trip. Help them see it as a chance to learn new skills.
A practice run is also a great way for you to work out exactly what you’ll need — and just as importantly, what you don’t need to pack.
#2. Keep Your Routine
Some parents let go of their kids’ usual routines on holiday. That can backfire, especially when camping. Try to plan your camping activities around their normal schedule.
If they nap at three in the afternoon, keep that nap going while you’re camping. If dinner is usually at six, aim to have it ready around then too.
Sticking to routine as much as possible helps you avoid dealing with grumpy, overtired kids while you’re out and about.
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#3. Plan Activities in Advance
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Many campsites offer activities your children can join in with, so it’s worth checking what’s on offer and matching it to your kids’ interests and confidence levels. Horse riding might not suit a child who’s nervous around horses, for example — a hike or a campsite scavenger hunt could be a better fit.
Do a little research before you go to see what’s available locally that you can enjoy together as a family. Some campsites offer bike or boat hire too, which is a nice way to explore at your own pace.
#4. Pack Some Outdoor Toys
Campsite activities are great, but kids also need things to do in their downtime. Try to leave digital devices at home — they’re hard to charge on a campsite anyway, and it keeps everyone’s attention on the outdoors. Pack toys that make the most of being outside, like skipping ropes and water squirters.
#5. Go Over Camping Rules
Before you head off, make sure your kids know the safety rules and understand why they matter. A few useful reminders to go over together:
- Not to go too far without a parent
- Never approach animals, wild or domestic
- Stay where you can be seen, or tell a parent before going anywhere
- Don’t wander off at night
- Be very careful around campfires
- Only go near water with an adult
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#6. Bring a First Aid Kit
You and the kids will be out exploring, so it pays to be prepared. Bring a first aid kit so you can deal with the usual scrapes and bumps that come with hiking and outdoor play. Make sure it’s stocked with bandages, tweezers and antiseptic ointment.
#7. Keep Things Organised
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It’s tempting to pack everything you own to stay comfortable on the trip, but a well-organised kit beats an overloaded one. Stick to the essentials.
Make sure you’re set up for the journey too — check that car seats are fitted correctly, pack snacks and drinks, and bring along some games to play during the trip.
Now that you’ve got the cheat sheet sorted, enjoy the fun part: planning where to go and what you’ll all get up to together once you arrive!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to prepare kids for their first camping trip?
A practice run helps most. Pitch a tent at home or watch some camping videos together so your child knows roughly what to expect, and use the trial run to work out what you actually need to pack.
Should we stick to our usual routine while camping?
Yes — keeping nap times and mealtimes close to normal makes a big difference to how happy and settled kids are on a camping trip.
What safety rules should we go over before we go?
Cover the basics: staying within sight, never approaching animals, care around campfires and water, and always telling a parent before wandering off.
What should be in our camping first aid kit?
Pack bandages, tweezers and antiseptic ointment as a minimum, so you can handle the everyday scrapes that come with outdoor exploring.
Related Articles
- 40 Sure Fire Tips To Make Camping With Kids Fun
- My Top Tips for First Time Camping with Kids
- Easy Camping Meals the Kids Will Love to Help Make
- 10 Super Handy Camping Hacks
Before You Go
Camping with kids gets easier every time you do it. If you found this cheat sheet useful, why not save it or browse our other family adventure ideas for more inspiration before your next trip?
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