Jen’s six tips to camping with kids!
Camping with kids certainly isn't for everyone but for us, it’s been some of our best parenting memories and we highly recommend it. It’s always an adventure! There’s something awesome about getting outdoors and watching your little ones explore nature.
I grew up camping, and some of my best childhood memories are from those trips - late nights, swimming in lakes and beaches, and roasting marshmallows by the fire. We wanted the same experiences for our kids, so we started camping as soon as we could! Our first trip was when Rio was just 8 months old, and our oldest was 2. They loved it!
If I'm being honest it can feel like a bit (or a lot) of extra ‘mum admin’ to get everything organised, but trust me, it’s worth it! Over the years, we’ve picked up a few tips to keep camping with kids fun and stress-free. Here are my top six tips to make your family camping trip a breeze… Well, maybe not a breeze, but definitely doable!
Keep meals simple
The simpler, the better - whether you're grilling on a BBQ, cooking in a caravan, or using a campground kitchen. Our go-to meals are nachos, spaghetti bolognese and pasta bake. Here’s the biggest hack: prepare your first night’s dinner at home. Trust me, after setting up camp, you’ll be so thankful for a pre-made batch of mince that just needs a quick reheat for nachos
2. Choose a family-friendly campsite
Not all campsites are created equal, especially when you’ve got kids in tow. Look for a spot with solid amenities like clean bathrooms, nearby water, and a safe area for the kids to explore. A playground nearby is a must for us - it’s the perfect way to burn off some energy. If you can, choose a campsite near hiking trails or beaches for extra adventure. Our go-to spots are the Tasman Holiday Parks - Papamoa, Waihi Beach, and Miranda. These spots are in the North Island and are all amazing.
3. Downtime kit
Let’s be real - camping with kids isn’t exactly a relaxing getaway. What holiday ever is, right? That’s why we always plan a “chill hour” each afternoon. It’s a little break for Mum and Dad while the little one naps.
To keep the older kids entertained, we give them a "downtime box" which they fill before we leave with coloring books, cards, Lego, and a few other bits and bobs. It keeps them happily occupied so we can unwind and recharge for the next adventure. We try our best to keep the iPad off-limits when the kids have the outdoors to explore, but sometimes, you just gotta do what you’ve gotta do to catch your breath. Make sure to download a few Netflix shows before you head away, this way, you won't burn through all your data or deal with the dreaded “loading circle” while waiting for Bluey to load.
4. Celebrate the small wins
Camping with kids isn’t easy, so celebrate the small wins! Made it through the first night? Celebrate! Had a campfire without tantrums? Celebrate that too! Got the kids to bed before 10 p.m.? Definitely celebrate that one. These small wins build your confidence and help you enjoy the adventure even more.
5. Embrace Flexibility
Camping with kids rarely goes according to plan - and honestly, that’s part of the fun! Embrace "planned spontaneity." There will be messes, surprise weather changes, late bedtimes the list could go on! Let go of the expectation that everything has to be perfect. Focus on the small, special moments, and if you find yourself needing a little help with that…. a 3.00 p.m. gin never hurts!
6. Must-Pack Essentials
Over the years, we’ve developed an Excel spreadsheet (Organised I know) to keep track of everything we need for our camping trips. Here are some must-take items that make a huge difference when you’re living in a caravan… these are the ones you’ll be so glad you didn’t forget:
Zip-lock bags – Perfect for everything, from snacks to storing wet clothes
Collapsable bins/buckets – A total game-changer for taking dirty dishes to and from the kitchen or hauling beach toys
Torch & Glowsticks –Torch for practicality and nighttime loo trips, glowsticks for some evening fun!
Dustpan & brush – Essential for quick clean-ups, especially with kids tracking in sand or dirt.
Bungee-cord clothesline – A lifesaver for drying wet towels
Sand-free mat – A must for your tent or caravan entrance. It keeps sand from being tracked inside-total game-changer!
Battery-powered fan – Keeps your tent cool at night and doubles as white noise. Campgrounds can be noisy so it helps with the little ones sleeping
Mosquito lantern – A must-have to keep the bugs away.
Electric pump – For quick mattress inflation - no one wants to spend forever blowing up air beds
Outdoor rug – A waterproof rug outside your tent to keep dirt and sand away, plus it’s a great spot to sit and eat!
Wet Wipes – Stock up - need I say more! They’re perfect for cleaning hands, wiping down surfaces, or any quick refresh you need
I hope this blog helps, or maybe even inspires you to give camping a go. Camping with kids is such a fun way to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. It doesn’t need to be perfect - just embrace the fun, laughter, and chaos along the way. I think these camping trips will be the stories my kids will cherish for years to come!
I can’t wait for our summer camping adventures this year!
Jen x
