Camping Tips & Ideas for Kids

Tips & Ideas to make your adventure an even greater adventure!

Begin to make a checklist of things that you need to take along for your camping adventure and add to the list over time.  Store your list on your computer, then print it out before your next camping excursion.  Here are a few other items to enhance your camping experience.

Purchase an inexpensive pad to place beneath your tent.  It will save the bottom of your tent from getting dirty and will add to the life of the tent.

Take your food with you.  Try to premix items and store them in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags, or buy pre-packaged items such as pancake mix.

Take extra bags for storing your trash and dirty laundry in.  An extra pillowcase makes a nifty laundry bag, too.

Take along at least one source of fresh, clean water.

Take along a spray bottle that has been filled with one part alcohol and nine parts water.  It makes an excellent refresher and skin cleanser.

Cook, clean, and tend to any calls from Mother Nature at least 100 yards from any water source of nature to avoid polluting.

A CD player will add a bit of life to the campsite, as will any musical instrument.

Capture your memories with a camera in the camp.

If you have access to a telescope or a pair of binoculars, camping provides an excellent opportunity for stargazing.  The skies are much blacker away from the city lights and the stars are so big, and so bright.  You'll have a great opportunity to see things that you generally wouldn't see, such as the Milky Way and distant planets.

Take a hat along, no matter what the season.

A cell phone is a great modern day invention that can summon help in an instant. 

A clock is very helpful for many reasons - such as for camp checkout time, or to determine if you have enough daylight to hike a trail.  The sky can be deceiving, so it's best to rely on the known.

Take along at least one source of light.  A flashlight is a basic necessity when camping and can also be fun inside the tent.

A good book is a nice way to relax with the kids.

A deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment. 

A map is an invaluable source that you won't want to leave behind.

While you are at your campsite, if you notice a large rock on your picnic table, then you've had a seasoned camper make prior use of the campsite.  A large rock is wonderful for holding down several items at once on the table.  If there isn't a large rock on the table, find one and leave it there during your stay for the next visitors.  They'll appreciate it!

Some other basics you may want to take along are: a lighter, a canteen, bedding (don't forget the pillows), cooking stove & fuel, lantern, pot, skillet, eating utensils, plates, cups, paper or cloth towels, food, wash cloths & towels, bar & liquid soap, tablecloth, toilet tissue, firewood, clean sticks for any roasting you plan to do, personal gear (clothing, shoes, socks, undergear, sunglasses, sunscreen, bathing suit, coats & sweaters, toothbrush & paste, deodorant, light makeup, sleeping gear, shampoo, mirror, etc.). Some toys to keep the little ones entertained along the journey can come in handy, too.

Do you want to include the family pet?  If so, plan accordingly.  Most state parks require proof of vaccination and registration, and that you keep your pet on a leash while visiting the park.  Be sure and pack extra bags to pick up anything your pet leaves behind.

And whatever you do, don't forget the marshmallows, graham crackers & chocolate bars! 

UNPACKING - When the fun is done and you're home from your adventure, keep in mind that you'll have to unload everything that you pack.  You will want to weigh the benefits of taking some items vs having to unload them once you're home.

For example: baby shampoo makes an excellent body wash and will do a great job on those dirty dishes, so rather than packing bar soap, dish soap & shampoo, you may just want to take the shampoo.  Speaking of dirty dishes; do you want to take along dishes? Or would paper plates be more convenient?  True, dishes are more environment friendly.  But there are times when convenience is important too.  Just make sure that they are properly disposed - and that should keep everything in balance!

Have fun on your camping journey!