Camping is a summer staple for a lot of people. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend a weekend out in the fresh air. But, camping with kids is a whole different animal. When you bring your children into the mix, there is a lot more that needs to go into a simple camping trip.
That doesn’t mean it can’t be done! In our guide, we outline everything you need to know to have a successful, safe, and fun camping experience with your children. Plus, we spoke with the parents at Sawyer to learn about their favorite camping gear for kids to give you inspiration for your next trip out into the woods.
Camping with kids
Camping safety tips for parents
A good camping trip is a safe one. As you abandon civilization with your children, make sure you are ready for anything. Use these camping safety tips for parents to help you prepare for your trip and keep everyone comfortable while you are camping.
Bring a first aid kit
This seems like a give-in, but it is important to remember. A well stocked first aid kit is essential to any camping trip, but especially if your children are there, too. We recommend purchasing a first aid kit for camping and then supplementing it with any additional supplies you feel you may need (like an Epi-Pen if your child has allergies). Generally, first aid kits should have Band-Aids, fabric bandages (like Ace), antiseptic wipes and cream, antibacterial ointment, anti-inflammatory and painkillers, gauze, scissors, aloe, eye drops, and tweezers.
Establish boundaries
When you arrive at your campsite, establish boundaries with your child. It is best if you can use physical elements that won’t move to do this. For example, you can tell your child, “our campsite boundaries are from the car to the picnic tables,” rather than drawing a line in the sand with your foot, since the wind might erase the line.
Keep the tools safe
When you are camping with your family, remember to keep the tools away from the little ones. The axes, knives, and even shovels are dangerous, so lock them up in the car or away from the children as much as possible. If you want your children to feel involved, you can buy tools made for kids like plastic shovels and buckets so they can participate safely.
Follow the rules
Set your child up for success by telling them the rules of camping before you head out on your trip. Safety is your number one priority so ensuring that they follow the rules is paramount. Go over them with your child before and during your camping trip. Here are some of the most important camping safety rules for kids but feel free to add your own based on where you are camping.
- Never go anywhere alone. Children should always have a buddy or adult with them at all times while camping in case one of them gets hurt, the other can get help.
- Wear shoes at all times. Adults should follow this rule while camping, too!
- Don’t go near water unless with an adult. If you are camping near a stream or lake, your child needs to know that they cannot swim or even go by the water unless they are with an adult.
- Never eat anything found in the woods. A good rule of thumb for children is not to eat anything they find. We don’t know what is safe and what is not, so just don’t let them eat anything except what you have brought.
- Keep it clean. Explain to your child that it’s our job to keep the environment as clean as we found it. But, keeping the campsite clean is also an important part of keeping the family safe from animals. Likewise, children should not bring any food into the tent.
- Always keep a whistle and flashlight handy. Equip your child with a whistle to wear around their neck in case they need help or need to scare away an animal. You can also give them lightweight flashlights on wristbands or fanny packs to keep them safe.
- Don’t touch wild animals. Depending on the age of your child, they might have only seen and interacted with domesticated animals until their first camping trip. Therefore, it’s important that you remind them not to touch or approach any animals that they see while camping.
Camping gear for kids
Your child will have more fun, and be more safe, in the wilderness if they have the right equipment. Here is some of the best camping gear for kids that parents at Sawyer have bought for their children.
Camping with kids checklist
Stay organized by writing everything down and checking items off when they are packed. You can use this camping with kids checklist to start and then add your own items.
- 1 family-sized tent
- Ground cover or tarp + a tarp to go over the tent in case of rain or cold
- Sleeping pads or air mattresses
- Sleeping bags or sheets and blankets
- Portable crib or Pack ‘n Play for babies/toddlers
- Pillows and a comfort item for your child
- All of the clothing essentials + extra in case of accidents
- Sweatshirts, sweatpants, jackets, gloves, and hats for cooler nights
- Rain gear
- Camping chairs and beach blankets
- Fully stocked first aid kit
- Toiletries for each family member + toilet paper
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Towels
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Fire supplies (fire starting timber, newspaper, lighter fluid, matches)
- Camp cooking supplies, depending on what you plan to make (pots and pans, cooking utensils, camp stove)
- Food items for camp meals + fun items like s’mores supplies
- Cooler with ice
- Reusable water bottles + bottled water in case it is not easy to refill bottles
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Toys that can get dirty or are made for outdoor use (bubbles, shovels and buckets, deck of cards, coloring books)
- Walkie talkies for long distance fun
- Summer reading books and books for bedtime
We hope this guide has helped you prepare to go camping with kids! Remember: camping should be fun and comfortable for everyone. If your child is having trouble adjusting to sleeping outdoors or any of the other elements of camping, listen to them and work together to find a solution. Happy camping!
If you are looking for in-person and online activities for your child, check out what our educators are offering on Sawyer everyday. There’s something for everyone!
