What to Take Camping with Kids: A Guide for Smart Campers
As a father of three kids and an experienced camper myself, I’ve done it all when it comes to camping with kids. Between loading my car with all the necessary gear and preparing my kids for the experience, I know how exciting and daunting it can be for first-time campers. I’m here to make things easy for you and help you make the most of this great adventure. Let’s talk about what to take camping with kids – because planning and packing are vital to any successful excursion.
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The Basics
Before we start talking about what to take camping with kids, let’s start with the basics. Of all the things you’ll need when camping with kids, the number one priority should be safety. Make sure you have all the safety gear your kids need, such as a first-aid kit, a basic tool kit, extra blankets, and flashlights. Other essential items include a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, any food, snacks, and drinks for the trip, and a campfire starter.
Fun and Games
Once you’ve taken care of the basics, it’s time for the fun stuff! As an experienced camper, I know that the key to an enjoyable camping trip with the kids is to keep them entertained. To that end, I’d recommend bringing along plenty of games, toys, and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Take cards and board games, a kite, frisbee, or a frisbee golf set, dodgeballs, and water guns. Have enough entertainment to keep everybody busy and have a backup plan if it rains.
Clothing and Accessories
When packing for camping, be sure to bring enough clothes for all members of the family. Depending on the time of year and the location, this could mean clothing suitable for winter, as well as warm items like hats, mittens, and scarves. Don’t forget the swimsuits for swimming, and don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray to protect the whole family from sunburn and bug bites.
Cooking and Eating
One of the joys of camping is cooking delicious campfire meals. To make sure you have everything you need to cook, you’ll want to bring pots and pans, utensils, and dinnerware and flatware. To keep food safe, make sure to bring a cooler filled with food and drinks, as well as plenty of baggies and zip-lock bags. And of course, no camping trip with kids is complete without s’mores! Don’t forget the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for around the campfire.
Other Useful Items
Finally, there are a few miscellaneous items that can make the camping experience all the more enjoyable for everyone. Things like a cell phone charger, portable auxiliary speakers, a multi-tool, a flashlight, and toiletry items should all be included on the checklist. You may also want to bring a hammock or camp chairs, depending on your camping preferences.
Extra Tips for Camping with Kids
In the video below, I provide 4 extra tips for camping with kids that will help make the experience fun and educational for the whole family. From planning activities to teaching kids campfire safety, these tips will help ensure that your camping adventure is a success.
Camping with children can be an exciting and rewarding experience if you plan and pack properly. Be sure to have the right gear and prepare for unpredictable weather. By following the above steps and the tips in the video, you’ll be sure to have a successful camping experience with the kids!