Camping with children is no picnic, but many parents embrace the challenge for the sake of outdoor experiences. Matt Collins, a garden and travel writer, shares his family's camping essentials along with tips from other parents.
Essential Gear for Family Camping
Beyond the basics like tents, sleeping bags, and cookware, certain items can reduce stress. A camping lantern is a top priority for Collins's six-year-old. The multifunctional, rechargeable LED lantern from B&Q (£29.99) offers a main beam for night walks, a sidelight for the tent, and a flashing red emergency light.
Hannah from Hampshire recommends a foldable camping table: 'This is the first thing we set up when camping with the children, so they can entertain themselves with colouring while the tent goes up.' The low camping table from Trail (£19.99) provides a dedicated space for kids to eat, play, or store nature finds.
Organisation and Comfort
Stackable trugs help maintain order in the tent. Lucy from Suffolk explains: 'We put shoes, Crocs, walking boots etc into one; dirty washing-up into another; and use a third for clean utensils, plates, mugs etc.' The square flexi-tub from Tooled Up (£10.95) is a versatile option.
John from Kent emphasises the value of a tent porch or awning: 'Tents can feel pokey once you’ve crammed everything – and everyone – in; adding a porch or awning gives you that extra eating, changing or storage space.' The Coleman classic awning (£58.95) is a recommended choice.
Entertainment and Activities
A flying disc is a camping staple. Collins suggests Hi-Gear's soft-rimmed disc (£6 at Go Outdoors) for easy throwing and catching. Craft supplies, such as Posca paint pens (£23.99 from Ryman), allow kids to paint on stones and other found objects.
Harry from Cardiff recommends the game Kubb: 'It has a low bar of entry (even toddlers, who love to lob a stick erratically), but enough challenge to keep everyone interested.' For rainy days, card games like Flip 7 (£7.99 at John Lewis) provide downtime.
Books add to the camping experience. Titles like 'Bugs to Spot' (£3.99), 'The Lost Spells' (£14.99), and 'Fifty Things to Do With a Stick' (£12.99) encourage engagement with nature.
Tech and Gadgets
A portable digital microscope, such as the Tomlov P10 (£24.68 on Amazon), lets kids explore insects without a smartphone. Clare from Hampshire says: 'It’s fabulous if you’re a watcher of bumblebees returning to their burrows.'
The Groov-e kids digital HD camera (£12.93 from Robert Dyas) is a hit with Collins's son. The Merlin Bird ID app (free) identifies birds by song; James from Hertfordshire notes: 'He loves collecting new birds he hasn’t heard before.'
Yoto Mini audio player (£59.99) provides comfort at bedtime with story-telling cards, including the Cooltime: Camp Songs Pack.
Sleeping Gear and Clothing
The Big Agnes Wolverine 20 kids sleeping bag (£79.96) features a sleeve for a blow-up mat, preventing kids from wriggling off. Collins found it effective during a chilly 4°C night. The Big Agnes Divide insulated sleeping mat (£79.96) complements it.
Zoe from Hampshire recommends Crocs: 'With children going in and out of the tent so often, Crocs make life so much easier, particularly at night.' Prices start from £9.99 at Schuh.
Snuggly socks, like Peter Storm trekking socks (£14 for a two-pack), keep kids warm at bedtime. Lucy from Suffolk says: 'They sleep really well when they’re cosy in their sleeping bags, and then everyone benefits!'
Health and Safety
A tick remover is essential. Clare from Hampshire advises: 'Tick Twisters are good for removing ticks properly.' The tool costs £2.98 for three from Christies Direct. Removing ticks within 24 hours reduces Lyme disease risk.
Food and Drink
Marshmallows are a fail-safe incentive. Collins and his son used Epic Snax Co's Giant Toastin’ Marsh-Mallows (£2 at Waitrose). Harry from Cardiff reminds: 'Crucially, don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine. Or several …'
What to Leave at Home
Parents advise against walkie-talkies, which lead to squabbles and disgruntled neighbours. Kids' camping chairs are often unused; Jess from Birmingham says: 'They rarely sit on a chair; they just want to sit on the floor!' Top Trumps cards are boring for adults. Stomp rockets are unpopular: 'Everyone will hate you,' warns Kate from Hertfordshire. And don't stress about keeping kids too clean: 'Part of the joy of camping is letting them find their feral selves,' says Clare.
