Camping is a great family activity whether it’s for a family holiday or just a weekend getaway. If you’re considering a family camping trip for the first time, start with a weekend away not too far from home and get a little experience.
Benefits of Family Camping
Most of all family camping is lots of fun. There’s something quite magical about sleeping in a tent, getting closer to nature and spending time together with memories that will last a lifetime.
Camping is a great value option for a family holiday, offering the chance to explore somewhere new without breaking the bank.
Children have a freedom not usually experienced if you stay in a hotel or holiday accommodation. Running around, exploring and making new friends with other children on the campsite offers them a little indepdence.
Choosing a Family-Friendly Campsite
The best family-friendly campsite will really depend on the age of your children and what you’re looking for.
Many of the larger campsites will have activities on site from playgrounds to entertainment and even swimming pools. There are some fantastic campsites in the UK located next to family friendly attractions. Wellington Country Park in Berkshire and the Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire are two of our favourites. You can explore the park during the day and then relax at the campsite in the evening.
Facilities at campsites can vary greatly, so have a think about how much you want to rough it. Do you want family sized hot showers or are you happy with basic toilets. If it’s your first family camping holiday you might want to start with at least the basics of hot showers and a communal freezer where you can store your ice packs.
Top Tips for Camping With Kids
- Be prepared – make a list before you leave for everything you need and buy any camping essentials from a camper store.
- Inflatable tents – An absolute game changer is an inflatable tent meaning one parent can put it up while the other keeps an eye on the kids. You can get them involved too helping to put pegs in and unpacking sleeping bags.
- Bring head torches – it makes it much easier to get to the toilets in the dark if you can hold your child’s hand on the way and still be able to shine a light.
- Outdoor fairy lights – battery operated outdoor fairy lights area great to string up around the tent and helps guide you back in the dark at night.
- Have a wash bag with a hook that can hang up – so much easier when you’re in the washing facilities if there isn’t a surface to put things down on.
- Flip flops or sliders – perfect for the shower if the floor is looking a little dirty.
- Plan meals – if you’re arriving late afternoon or evening it can take a while to get your tent set up, make sure your first meal is a quick and easy one to prepare.
- Freeze milk – keeping your food cool over a number of days in a coolbox can be tricky so it’s worth freezing some of your liquids in advance. They act as extra cool blocks and slow defrost.
- Don’t forget teddy – if your child has a favourite cuddly toy, bring them along
- Extra blankets – even on a summer’s evening it can quickly cool off. Bring extra blankets to put over your kneeds as you sit around a campfire. Woolly hats are a good idea too.
- Snacks – don’t understimate the power of snacks and having plenty on hand when you’re camping with kids.
Educational Opportunities
Camping is a great opportunity for children to learn about nature, science and history. Campsites on located on farms often have a chance for children to meet the animals.
Setting up your tent, cooking together and exploring the local area offer great opportunities to learn new skills and teamwork.
Family Camping Activities
Who doesn’t love toasting marshmallows and it’s even more fun when you’re outdoors around a campfire. Check before you leave if your campsite has firepits that you can hire or if BBQs are allowed.
Camping is a great base for family adventures. Check out local walks, family friendly attractions and events for when you’re visiting.
Keeping Kids Entertained on a Family Camping Trip
Don’t forget to bring a range of activities to keep your kids occupied when you’re on the campsite. Outdoor games like cricket and football are ideal. Card games like UNO, colouring in and books are great backup if it’s raining and you’re hiding out in the tent.
Camping is an ideal family holiday packed with fun, adventures and the chance to connect as a family.
