Tips for camping with kids

At the weekend, I had my first camping with kids experience. And I have another coming up in a few weeks…

From this first trip, I learned a lot. If you’re planning on camping with kids, there are loads of benefits. Here are some:

• It’s cheap
• You’re outside
• It feels wholesome
• Kids can be kids

But, to make it a good camping trip, especially for your first, I’ve got a few tips for camping with kids.

Tips for camping with kids

Take sleep masks

Tents are light. If you’re camping in the summer, the sun won’t set until 9, or even 10! It rises early, too.

Expect a late night

You can very likely say goodbye to 7pm bedtime. My girls (4 and 2) went to bed at 930. If you’re someone who finds sleep really stressful (like me) you’ll need to let things go this night. Prepare to be a little tired the next day!

Camp somewhere entry level

Go somewhere really kid friendly with toilets and a cafe. Kids activities are a bonus! We went to Thomley in Worminghall which had loads for the kids to do, including a bouncy pillow, park, floor is lava, archery, and a bouncy castle. You might be tempted to go wild, and for some kids, wild might work. But for your first trip, think about somewhere you don’t have to constantly entertain the kids. Like if you were to go to an open field.

Take non perishable snacks

You’re unlikely to forget snacks, however, you need to make sure they’re not going to get spoiled in the heat. If it’s hot, keep them in a cool box just in case. Good ideas here are:

• Brioche rolls
• Fruit
• Crisps
• Nuts
• Granola bars
• Flapjacks
• Dried fruit
• Rice cakes
• Peanut butter

Looking for non UPF snacks to take? Check out my blog, non UPF snacks for kids and non UPF crisps.

Bring a charger

Yes you’re at one with nature, but at some point your little one might just need a minute or two. I found that a screen was VERY helpful when I needed to take the tent down but my two year old was tired and just wanted me. I had no choice but to take the tent down, so she sat with a screen while I did it. She also followed me around crying for a little while. She was VERY tired! Make sure you’re prepped with a fully charged phone and a charger. Take a battery pack if there isn’t electric at the campsite.

Don’t trust an airbed – always check it!!

I took an airbed and a fold out mattress. I shouldn’t have trusted the airbed. It was flat after one hour! Always check that the airbed hasn’t got a puncture before you go. I ended up sleeping on a hard floor and saw most hours on the clock. And at 20 weeks pregnant, it’s safe to say I wasn’t comfortable…

Take activities

Whether you’re camping in the woodlands or in a family friendly campsite, take a few activities. Maybe a game, or something they really love to play at home. For Martha, it’s babies. She loves changing babies nappies. For Ida, it’s board games. While they had so much at Thomley, they still enjoyed a little recharge playing with familiar things they love.

You could take:

• Bat and ball
• Football
• Toys
• Dolls
• Scooter/Bike
• Play food
• Board games

What’s your best camping with kids tip?