Camping with kids can be both exciting and daunting, and successful outings hinge on thorough preparation. Our community of caravan and camping enthusiasts have shared their collective wisdom on essential items to pack, to ensure a fun family camping adventure. Here’s a list of all their top suggestions, helping you plan the best trip with your kids.
1. Extra Clothes and Footwear – Dawnie M P & Tarah H
Pack ample changes of clothes and shoes, including waterproof options and warm layers. While camping, you may be at the mercy of changeable weather, so it is important to be prepared for all scenarios. On a camping holiday, kids are bound to busy playing and exploring outdoors so packing extra clothes can help keep them clean and comfortable after activities like hiking, playing or swimming.
2. First Aid Kit and Children’s Pain Relief – Darren L, Lyn M & Dawnie M P
Packing a first aid kit for your camping holiday with kids is crucial for a safe and happy trip. Accidents often happen around kids and it’s important to be ready for them and avoid an emergency. A good first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and treatments for common ailments. Adding children’s pain relief medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage fevers, sore tummies and minor aches.
3. Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer – Cheryl L, Sharyn S & Linda H
Wet/Baby wipes are an essential ‘camping with kids’ item! These come in super-handy for quick clean-ups and simple hygiene, especially before meals or after play. Hand sanitizer can also make a difference when you’re out and about exploring with the kids.
4. Snacks and Hydration Packs – Coral Ju & Chrissy F
Keep a variety of healthy snacks handy to fuel the little ones’ energy. Camping trips can often involve lots of physical activity and kids get super hungry! To keep them happy in between meals, pack lots of snacks. Hydration packs are excellent for kids to carry their own water, encouraging them to stay hydrated throughout the day.
5. Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Carmen W, Suzanne W-D & Jessica C
Sunscreen is really important for any family outing but especially on a camping trip where kids could be outdoors playing for hours on end. Protect your family’s skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen and use insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. Remember to encourage kids to practice sun safety and re-apply during their adventures.
6. Board and Card Games – Amy M. G, Leanne C & Denean T
Board and card games are perfect for evening entertainment or rainy days. Games like Uno, Scrabble, and other portable board games can engage the family in fun and entertaining challenges and they’re super easy to pack! If you want to keep the kids away from screens on a camping holiday, these games are a great choice.
7. Outdoor Activities – Bec M, Prue L & Glenn H
Bring along gear for fishing, sports equipment like a frisbee or a ball, and other interactive games to encourage kids to play outdoors and explore. If you’ve got the room, pack the kids bikes or even try rent some at the park you’re staying in. Most kids want to be outdoors on a camping holiday so it’s a good idea to be prepared with lots of outdoor activities to keep them busy.
8. Books and Craft Supplies – Chrissy F & Kristie H
These are ideal for quiet times and evening downtime. Packing drawing materials, coloring books, and simple craft projects can keep children engaged creatively. Include a few family favorite storybooks for bedtime reading or rainy days.
9. Marshmallows – Veronica H, Suzanne W-D & Paul B
A campfire favorite, marshmallows are perfect for roasting and making s’mores, adding a sweet treat to your evening festivities. They are a hit among kids and adults alike so make sure you pack lots of ‘em!
10. Comfort Items – Jessica C & Dawnie M P
Don’t forget blankets for cozy evenings, pillows for a good night’s sleep, and extra coats and jackets for cooler nights. These items ensure comfort and warmth throughout the camping trip and help create a home-away-from-home campsite.
With these top 10 essentials recommended by our experienced camping community, your next camping adventure with the kids is set to be both safe, enjoyable and comfortable. Remember, camping is not just about enduring the outdoors but embracing it, and with the right preparation, you can create a delightful experience for everyone involved. Pack wisely, plan ahead, and most importantly, have fun making wonderful memories in the great outdoors!
For more Camping with Kids tips, check out our Family page.
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