Camping Hacks with Kids
Posted by Little Trekkers on 3rd Jul 2024
Camping with kids can be a fantastic family holiday and a wonderfully rewarding experience, but it does require some extra planning and creativity to ensure everyone has a good time. Here are our Little Trekkers useful camping hacks and tips to make your family adventure smoother and more enjoyable.
- Pack Smart and Light: Use packing cubes or ziplock bags to organize clothes and gear by category or day. This will make it easier to find items quickly without rummaging through the entire luggage.
- Bring a First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, especially with kids. A well-stocked first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain killers, bug spray and any necessary prescription medications is a must. We have a super handy Little Life Family First Aid Kit available.
- Plan Easy Meals: Pre-prepare meals at home that can be easily cooked over a campfire or a portable stove. Think foil packet meals, pasta salads, and sandwiches. Don’t forget snacks like granola bars, fruit and chocolate bars!
- Use a Tent Carpet or Foam Tiles: Bring along interlocking foam tiles to place on the floor of the tent. This adds an extra layer of insulation and comfort, making the tent feel more like home.
- Glow Sticks and Solar Lights: Use glow sticks to mark tent lines and pegs to prevent tripping in the dark. Solar lights are great for illuminating the campsite without needing batteries.
- DIY Hand Washing Station: Create a simple handwashing station using a large water jug with a spigot, some soap, and a hand towel. It’s handy for quick clean-ups before meals or after messy activities.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Plan a scavenger hunt to keep kids entertained and engaged with nature. Create a list of items to find, like different leaves, rocks, or bugs. This can be a fun educational activity. You can print out our FREE Nature scavenger hunt.
- Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: Invest in good quality sleeping bags and mats. Consider bringing along a favourite blanket or pillow from home to help kids feel more secure and comfortable. Shop our camping range.
- Portable Potty: For younger kids, a portable potty can be a lifesaver at night or when the campsite bathrooms are far away.
- Insect Repellent and Sunscreen: Protect kids from bugs and sunburn by applying insect repellent and sunscreen regularly. Don't forget sunhats and mosquito nets!
- Games and Activities: Bring along some lightweight games and toys like UNO, colouring books, or a frisbee. These can be great for downtime at the campsite.
- Plan for Weather: Always check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Bring waterproofs, hats, and layers to ensure everyone stays comfortable regardless of the weather. A warm hat is sometimes a must at bedtime, even in summer!
- Nighttime Rituals: Stick to familiar bedtime routines as much as possible to help kids settle down and feel secure in the new environment.
- Safety Rules: Set clear safety rules about staying within sight, avoiding certain areas, and what to do if they get lost. Consider using walkie-talkies for communication if the kids are old enough.
- Leave No Trace: Teach kids the importance of leaving the campsite clean. Make a game out of picking up trash and explain why it’s important to respect nature.
By following these hacks, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable camping trip for the entire family.
Happy camping!