Camping with Kids – 10 Easy Ways to Create Core Memories
Camping with kids is one of the best ways to slow down, reconnect, and build lasting memories as a family. Whether you’re new to family camping or already love life in the great outdoors, these 10 ideas will help you make the most of every moment together.
And trust me—pinky promise!—camping with kids of any age (even angsty teens) isn’t as hard as it sounds. In fact, it might be one of the best things you can do for your kids right now. A growing number of children and young adults have never known a world without the internet.
Tips for Camping with Kids
TDLR: Tips for Camping with Kids
1. Set a Course for AdventureTime
The first couple of times you go – hype it up as much as you can. It’s a new family adventure, that everyone has a chance to participate in. Let them pick our their own sheets/sleeping bag for the camper/tent, have them pick their favorite songs for the car ride.
Believe or not, your kids loves hanging out with you! Whether it’s changing a tire, packing up the camper, or riding the latest Mountain Coaster – include them as much as possible in the planning, preparation and even the rocky moments of the trip (there will be plenty).
2. Pick a Kid-Friendly Location
If you have kids who are new to camping, consider staying at a KOA or Jellystone style Camping Park. They have everything from Tents Sites to Luxury Cabins – and something to do everyday for your child. We often get a site close to the playground so our child can safely come and go throughout the day.
Bonus: playground sites are always very quiet at night. 🙂
3. VIP Camper Gigs
Assign “gigs” or “jobs” that are of the utmost importance to your kids during your camping trip. Jobs like kindling gatherer (we call it fairy fire), epic rock hunter, etc.
Acknowledge the importance of their role – and any small moments where they “saved the day” – this is liquid gold for your family’s tribal connection, and gives your kid purpose during the trip. It also helps with the digital detox you will inevitably face the first day of your trip or when you first setup camp.
4. Relax the Rules.
Let them get away with something normally not allowed. As much as your OCD will allow, relax your schedule. Let them sleep in, and try to plan activities around their natural cycles – earlier for young ones, later for the older ones.
Or better yet – don’t plan anything at all – and let them discover what they like best.
5. Create a Campfire Tradition
Start a nightly tradition, whether it’s telling jokes, sharing moments of the day, or just simply being together watching the flames. It’s an ancient oratory tradition, and a great way to reconnect with your children, especially as they grow older.
You can also share your favorite tales, spooky stories (age-appropriate!), or make one up together as a family. Let each person add a sentence or character to keep the fun going.
6. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Keep your kids engaged with a simple scavenger hunt. Make a list of things to find like pinecones, a feather, or something smooth, or something red. This helps them connect with nature while having fun exploring.
7. Unplug and Stargaze
Camping is the perfect time to ditch the screens and look up. Spread out a blanket, watch the stars, and see if you can spot a constellation or shooting star. It’s a peaceful way to wind down the day and spark wonder. A great idea is to bring binoculars, or a tripod telescope for nightly viewing.
8. Craft with Nature
Bring a few basic craft supplies and encourage kids to create with what they find around camp. Try nature bracelets, leaf rubbings, or stick people—it’s low-key, creative fun that encourages imagination. If you are staying at a KOA or Jellystone, they will have activities like these daily, with lots of new friends to make them with.
9. Bring a Camping Journal
Pack a notebook and let your kids jot down what they saw, learned, or loved each day. Journaling helps lock in memories and gives them something to look back on years later. For the younger ones who are not inclined to journal just yet, do “reviews” out loud of each location you visit. It’s a fun way to share memories of your trip. This is especially fun for your YouTube obsessed kiddos.
10. Celebrate the Little Wins
Maybe it’s their first time swimming in a river, going on a hike, or just spending the night in a tent or camper. These milestones are worth celebrating. A high five or a “you did it!” can go a long way toward building lasting confidence and memories.
Be sure to reward these epic acts of bravery – making it through their first thunderstorm, or climbing a particularly difficult rock – acknowledging them overcoming these situations will build priceless feelings of accomplishment.
Final Thoughts
Camping with kids shouldn’t be complicated—it’s all about being present and creating simple, joyful moments. Step away from the daily grind and embrace the chance to connect, laugh, and explore together. You’re not just going camping—you’re building a collection of core memories your kids will carry for a lifetime.
Looking for more family camping inspiration? Check out our latest kid-friendly campsite reviews and outdoor tips.
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