The Wood To Water Guide to Camping With Kids – Tips, Tricks, & Hacks!
, by Laurence, 14 min reading time
Survive the summer holidays with Wood To Water's ultimate guide to camping with kids. Find tips, tricks, & hacks to avoid tantrums & boredom!
Planning a summer holiday trip camping with the kids? Rather than let the stress take over, use our guide to make it a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
As your kids enter different phases of life and development, it can get harder to keep everyone happy and entertained.
The eldest isn’t interested in doing anything other than lounging in the tent, while the youngest is constantly getting into mischief, and suddenly you’re dealing with multiple tantrums and boredom-induced meltdowns.
But a little bit of planning goes a long way when it comes to camping with kids.
We've got some sound tips, tricks, and hacks to help you survive the great outdoors with your little ones.
In This Article:
Tips to Make a Family Camping Trip Run Smoothly
To help you make the most of your family camping experience, whether it’s your first trip or as a family, or you want things to go better this time around, we’ve got you covered with our tips to help make things run a little smoother for everyone.
#1 Be Prepared With Strong Camping Skills
Having strong camping skills ensures that you can efficiently set up camp, handle unexpected challenges, and maintain a safe environment for children.
Skills such as pitching tents, starting a fire, and navigating through the wilderness reduce stress and provide a structured experience, allowing you to focus on creating fun and engaging activities for the entire family.
This preparedness translates to a smoother, more enjoyable camping trip for everyone involved.
The best thing is that you don't need to have a wealth of camping experience to do this. Watching some YouTube vlogs or reading blogs like the Wood To Water blog can give you all the knowledge you need to nail camping!
Knowing how to build a campfire will make your first evening under the stars much less stressful, too!
#2 Invest in a Quality Family Tent
Updating your old festival tent is a must if this is your first camping trip as a family! A quality family tent offers ample space and durability, ensuring comfort and protection against the elements.
With multiple compartments, it accommodates privacy needs and varying schedules, preventing disturbances.
Reliable materials and sturdy construction withstand weather conditions, providing a safe haven.
#3 Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions
British summer weather is famously unpredictable, ranging from scorching sun to sudden downpours. By packing versatile clothing, waterproofs, and sun protection, you can stay comfortable no matter what the skies throw at you.
A well-prepared camper anticipates these fluctuations, which reduces stress and keeps the family's spirits high.
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Being prepared for all weather means packing...
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#4 Pack to Create a Safe Home Away From Home
Packing extra windbreaks and shelters can create a private, safe compound for the whole family to enjoy, regardless of the weather.
These additions provide essential protection from strong winds, glaring sun, and unexpected rain, ensuring comfort and safety.
They also help define a secure, private space where children can play freely and adults can relax, making your camping experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
#5 Plan Your Camping Activities in Advance
Planning activities in advance ensures that each day is filled with engaging and exciting pursuits, minimising downtime and preventing the dreaded "I'm bored" complaints.
By having a variety of games, crafts, and explorations ready, you can keep children entertained and stimulated throughout the trip.
This foresight reduces stress and creates a balanced itinerary that caters to everyone's interests, making it more enjoyable for the entire family.
How to Keep Children Entertained When Camping
One of the hardest parts of a camping holiday with children is keeping them entertained all day and into the evening.
Of course, a lot of activities are weather-dependent, which can mean a lot of last-minute changes to the itinerary, so we've included activities for all weather types to help you pivot when you need to!
General Camping Activities
Assuming that the weather is going to be generally fine (not too hot, not too wet!), here's a list of general camping activities to keep everyone entertained during the day!
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for the kids to find, like specific leaves, rocks, or animal tracks.
- Campfire Stories: Share spooky or funny stories around the campfire to spark imagination and bonding.
- Hiking Adventures: Explore nearby trails and let the kids lead the way using a map or compass.
- Stargazing: Bring a telescope or simply lie on blankets and identify constellations and planets.
- Outdoor Games: To keep energy levels high, play classic games like tag, hide-and-seek, or capture the flag.
- Geocaching: Engage in a modern treasure hunt using GPS devices to find hidden caches.
- Photography Expedition: Give the kids disposable or digital cameras to capture their favourite moments and nature scenes.
- Environmental Education: Teach children about local flora and fauna and the importance of conservation.
Each of these activities can be tailored to fit the ages and interests of your children, ensuring that the entire family has a memorable and enjoyable camping experience.
Wet Weather Activities
The weather during British summertime has just as much chance of being a washout as it does of being glorious sunshine, so our tips and tricks couldn't be without some wet weather activities for the whole family.
- Rainy Day Crafts: Bring along some craft supplies like coloured paper, markers, glue, and stickers. Creating nature-themed art or DIY jewellery can keep kids busy and creative even when it’s pouring outside.
- Board Games and Puzzles: Pack a few favourite board games or puzzles to enjoy indoors. They are great for family bonding and can keep everyone engaged during a rainy day.
- Story Time: A collection of favourite books or story audiobooks can be a lifesaver. Reading together or listening to stories can be comforting and enjoyable while huddled inside a tent.
- Indoor Scavenger Hunts: Create an indoor scavenger hunt. Make use of the items around your tent or campsite, and give the kids a list of things to find or identify.
- Cooking Together: Use the downtime to cook or bake simple recipes. Making s'mores or preparing sandwiches together can be a fun and messy activity that breaks the monotony. See our list of 10 stress-free lunch ideas when camping with the kids!
Hot Weather Activities
Occasionally, our summers are baking hot, and it's almost too hot to do anything, especially when your options are out in the sun or in a hot tent, but that doesn't stop kids from wanting to be entertained!
Here are some suggestions to keep kids entertained but cool on a hot camping trip!
- Water Play: Bring along water balloons, squirt guns, or even a small inflatable pool to keep kids cool and entertained during hot weather.
- Nature Exploration: Go for a family hike, encouraging children to identify plants, insects, and animals. Equip them with magnifying glasses or binoculars for a more immersive experience.
- Craft Time: Use natural materials like leaves, sticks, and stones to create art projects or build mini forts.
- Treasure Hunts: Organise a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the campsite. Use small toys or treats as treasures for the kids to find.
- Solar-Powered Projects: Engage the kids with solar-powered experiments, like a solar oven or a DIY solar-powered toy. These activities keep them busy and teach them about renewable energy.
By planning for different weather conditions and a range of activities, you can keep your children entertained and happy throughout your camping trip, no matter the weather.
Tricks for Avoiding Tantrums In the Campground
No matter how old your children are, there's always the risk of a tantrum or two, but don't let that put you off the idea! There are things you can do to help avoid tantrums in the campground.
| Tip | Description |
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Maintain Routine |
Stick to your child's usual meal and nap times for a sense of security. |
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Bring Comfort Items |
Pack familiar items like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal for reassurance. |
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Keep Snacks Accessible |
Pack healthy food and snacks to prevent hunger-induced meltdowns. |
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Plan Short Activities |
Plan short, engaging activities with frequent breaks to avoid overwhelming toddlers. |
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Involve Kids in Decisions |
Give toddlers choices like picking snacks or activities to reduce frustration. |
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Involve Kids in Camp Activities |
Let them help with age-appropriate tasks like collecting kindling, or preparing meals. |
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Use Positive Reinforcement |
Praise good behaviour to encourage a positive camping experience. |
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Create a Quiet Space |
Designate a calming space like a small tent with pillows and blankets. |
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Prepare for Downtime |
Pack quiet activities like books, colouring supplies, or quiet toys. |
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Stay Patient and Calm |
Remain calm during tantrums to de-escalate the situation and model emotional management. |
Implementing these strategies can minimise the chances of tantrums and ensure a happier, smoother camping experience for your entire family.
Choose a Camping Style That Works for You!
This is our number one top tip for camping with kids!
We all have an image in our head of what we want our perfect family camping trip to look like, filled with laughter, s'mores, campfires, and being off grid, but that doesn't always work out.
Part of having kids is going with the flow and changing your plans. If it's too hot or too wet to go out and do things, it's okay to resort to tablets and phones for entertainment in the shade, even if it means breaking your screen time rules!
If your children don't take to the great outdoors like you'd hoped on their first camping trip, it's okay to head further afield to towns for regular entertainment like movies and shopping. It's even okay if you decide to sack it all off and head home early.
Ultimately, the main goal of a holiday is to ensure that you're having a good time, and if that means you have to go glamping instead of camping, it'll be worth it for the memories.
Explore the 45 best campsites in England by region to find a location that works for you!
Key Takeaways: Top Tips for School Holiday Camping with Children
Planning the perfect camping trip for your family is something that many of us dream of, and even though it can be difficult to execute, it's not impossible.
With our helpful tips, tricks, and hacks, you can ensure your whole family creates lasting memories on your camping trip, and the adults can survive the school holidays a little easier!
Don't forget to check out our Essential Family Camping Checklist to make sure you have everything you need and don’t forget to pack any of the essentials!
FAQs
What Age is Appropriate for Camping?
Camping can be a wonderful experience for children of almost any age. With proper preparation and shorter trips, newborns to toddlers can enjoy the outdoors, while school-age children and teens can engage more independently in activities, making it a versatile family adventure.
What Should Kids Sleep on When Camping?
Kids should sleep on comfortable, insulating sleeping pads or air mattresses to provide cushioning and warmth. Ensure they have a suitable sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures, and bring along their favourite pillow or a soft blanket to make them feel at home.
Where is Best to Camp With Kids?
The best places to camp with kids often include family-friendly amenities, nearby attractions, and safe environments. Popular choices include national parks, designated family campgrounds, and sites with kid-friendly activities. Always consider locations like the Lake District, Cornwall, or New Forest for their scenic beauty and engaging outdoor opportunities.
Is Camping Good for Kids?
Yes, camping is good for kids as it fosters a connection with nature, encourages physical activity, and promotes family bonding. It provides opportunities for experiential learning, boosts problem-solving skills, and allows children to develop independence and resilience in an outdoor setting.
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