10 Stress-Free Lunch Ideas When Camping With the Kids
, by Laurence, 6 min reading time
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best lunch ideas when camping with kids that’ll keep their bellies full & happy. Find freeze-dried meals, wholesome dishes & more!
If you’re looking for some quick, easy, and stress-free lunch ideas when camping with the kids, we’ve got some super recommendations that you can whip up in not time at all.
Making sure you’re well prepared on your trip with meal ideas is essential, especially when you’re camping with little ones who can be picky eaters. These lunch ideas are not only kid-approved, but they’re also convenient and won’t require a lot of time or effort to make.
So whether you’re off on a 10-day campsite trip or a long weekend away, these lunch ideas will keep everyone’s bellies full and happy.
10 Easy Camping Food Ideas to Make the Kids Happy:
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#1 Pasta Salads
Pasta salads are a great option; they can be made in advance and easily stored in a cooler bag to take on your camping adventures. Plus, they are versatile and can be made to suit everyone's tastes.
Try adding some grilled chicken or veggies for an extra boost of protein and nutrients.
Our Summit To Eat Salmon and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect choice for a quick, easy, and delicious pasta salad. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to pack, so these packets won’t take up much room in your food storage or cooler bag.
#2 Vegetable & Hummus Platter
Another quick and easy lunch option is a colourful vegetable and hummus platter; kids love dipping, and this encourages them to eat their veggies!
Just pack a variety of chopped vegetables and some hummus for dipping (shop-bought if you don’t have time to make your own). This option requires no cooking and is perfect for hot days.
#3 Pre-Made Wraps
Wraps are another great option for a quick and easy lunch while camping with the kids. You can make them ahead of time and then store them in a cooler bag ready for the next day.
Some ideas could include turkey and avocado, ham and cheese, or veggie and hummus. For added nutrition and fibre, opt for wholegrain wraps as opposed to white wraps.
You can also get creative with fillings and let the kids choose their own combinations. This adds an element of fun to mealtime and encourages them to try new foods.
#4 Foil Packet Meals
For a twist, try 'foil packet meals'. Simply combine slices of sausage, potatoes, carrots, and onions in aluminium foil and cook them over the campfire for a smoky, delicious meal without any pans to wash.
These meals are easy to prep ahead of time and can be customised with your favourite vegetables and proteins.
#5 Tomato Soup with Cheese Toasties
Another easy camping favourite is tomato soup with cheese toasties, which can be cooked on a camp stove or over the fire, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.
For the grilled cheese sandwiches, pack sliced bread and your choice of cheese, and the soup can be bought ahead of time to make the cooking process even easier.
#6 Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a classic camping meal that can be easily upgraded with various toppings.
Simply wrap your potatoes in foil and place them over the campfire, turning occasionally until they are soft and cooked through.
Then, top with your favourite toppings, like baked beans and cheese, for a hearty and filling lunch option.
You can even opt for our Firepot Posh Baked Beans, which come in a convenient pouch and are ready to eat in just a few minutes.
#7 Skewers
Skewers are a fun way to get the kids involved when making lunch while camping, and they also require minimal cleanup.
To make the perfect skewer, start by threading your chosen ingredients onto a long skewer stick. Then, cook over the campfire until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
The best part is that everyone can customise their own skewer with their favourite ingredients.
#8 Vacuum-Sealed Packs
Vacuum-sealed packs of food are a great option for longer camping trips, as they can be easily stored and transported without taking up too much space.
These packs come in a variety of options, such as pre-cooked meals or raw ingredients like meat and vegetables.
Simply heat them up over the campfire or on a portable stove for a quick and convenient meal.
#9 Chilli
Chilli can easily be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed container or freezer bag for easy reheating at the campsite.
It's a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for colder camping nights. Plus, it can be easily customised with your choice of ingredients.
Or, if you don’t want to spend time making the chilli from scratch, the dehydrated FirePot Chilli Con Carne and Rice is a delicious option that only requires boiling water to prepare. You can also serve with rice and tortilla chips and have a Mexican cuisine night!
#10 Burgers & Hotdogs
A classic camping meal that never fails to disappoint. These can be easily prepared and cooked over the campfire or on a portable grill.
For a healthier option, consider using turkey or veggie burgers instead of traditional beef patties.
Don't forget the buns and sides like chips or potato salad!
Summary: Easy Camping Meals for Your Next Trip
With these 10 tasty camping food ideas, you'll be sure to keep your little campers happy and well-fed during your next camping trip.
Whether you prefer sandwiches, wraps, or grilling up some burgers and hotdogs over the fire, there's something for everyone in this list.
Check out our range of camping meals to save even more time and effort during your outdoor adventures.
FAQs
What If Someone Has Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
Most of these lunch ideas can be tailored to suit specific dietary restrictions. For example, opt for gluten-free bread instead of traditional bread for sandwiches.
Just be sure to pack the necessary alternative ingredients.
Just be sure to pack the necessary alternative ingredients.
What Food Can I Take Camping Without a Fridge?
You should opt for non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, dried fruits and dry pasta.
These types of food can be safely stored without refrigeration, and you also don’t need to worry about them spoiling.
These types of food can be safely stored without refrigeration, and you also don’t need to worry about them spoiling.
What Is An Easy Camping Breakfast for Kids?
Some easy breakfast options include overnight oats, campfire french toast, or even just cereal when you need something quick and easy.
You could even pack some fresh fruit and yoghurts, but make sure to keep these in a cooler box with ice packs to keep them fresh.
You could even pack some fresh fruit and yoghurts, but make sure to keep these in a cooler box with ice packs to keep them fresh.
