Top Camping Supplies for Kids: All the Gear You Need
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If you’ve ever gone camping, you know having all the right gear costs a pretty penny (and that’s why I’m more of a glamper!). Between a tent large enough to sleep the entire fam, camp chairs, and high quality sleeping bags, getting ready to rough it can cost more than a night at a hotel! But when camping with kids, well, having the right camping supplies for kids makes all the difference.
(Hot tip: Stocking up now as Summer wraps up is perfect - retailers are starting to drop prices on all their outdoor gear.) Keep reading for deets on the best camping supplies for kids so you’re ready for your next camping adventure...
Here are 10 Camping Supplies for Kids you need:
1. Camp Chairs
Unless you want to share your lap nonstop with your kids, camp chairs for every member of the family is a total must (and honestly, how sturdy are those chairs anyways?).
Give your younger campers a place to pop a squat with a camp chair that easily folds up and can even be used at home when everyone is playing out front with the neighborhood kids. If you want to get fancy, you can even find a folding camp chair that comes with a side table for meals, crafts and games.
2. Sleeping Bag
(Kinda obvious I know!) Whether you’re big on family camping trips or sending your kiddos off to summer camp, they’ll need a sleeping bag. When searching for the perfect one, keep in mind the length (kids' sleeping bags are shorter and therefore cheaper) and the level of warmth you’ll need. It’s a good idea to consider what time of year your family indulges in camping. If you ever go in the fall or winter, grab a warmer option to use all year long.
3. Flashlight
A middle of the night trip to the bathroom calls for a flashlight, and kids love a good headlamp. The great part about headlamps is they are less likely to get dropped and broken, since kids can operate them handsfree! Bonus points if you pick up some that are rechargeable so you don’t have to power through batteries (pun intended).
4. Emergency Whistles
Thanks to the copious amounts of true crime podcasts I consume, I feel I can speak with authority when I say that an emergency whistle is a must for kids. Because let’s be honest: it’s a great big world out there and young campers can easily get separated. Having an emergency whistle can give your kids the confidence to explore the great unknown but know that that help is a whistle away.
5. Camp Fans
A camp fan comes in extremely handy if your family enjoys car camping (ugh, no one wants to be stuck in a stuffy vehicle with their toddlers' bad breath). The great part is most camp fans have an LED lantern can can be powered with a simple USB cord which means you can even hook it up to your mobile phone.
MORE OF A 'CAMPING BUT MAKE IT GLAMPING' GIRL? WE GOTCHU.
More Top Camping Supplies for Kids you need:
6. Wattle Bottle or Hydration Pack
I can hardly think of anything worse than a whining, thirsty kid on a long hike - can you? That’s why making sure each kiddo has their own water is a must. You can go with a trusty old water bottle (this one comes with a paracord handle for easy carrying and a carabiner to hook onto a bag).
Or, up your game by outfitting each child with a hydration pack. These hand backpacks come with a built- in bladder you can fill up with water, and kids can use the attached straw to take sips along the way. No stopping needed!
7. Folding Picnic Table
Have you ever shown up to a campsite only to find there are no picnic tables? Don’t leave your set up to chance and pack your own! This folding picnic table option is great because it not only provides instant counter space, but seats too. It's made from aluminum which makes it lightweight and easy to carry. Just make sure to monitor how how the day is before sitting down - a beaming sun can make this table hot to the touch!
8. First Aid Kit
You’re a mom which means you probably have a decent stockpile of bandaids but being out in nature is a whole other ballgame. As much as no parent wants to think about having to use a burn patch or an emergency blanket in the wilderness, this outdoor first aid kit will make sure you can handle any boo boo that comes your way.
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR OWN CONTENT CREATOR JOURNEY?
More Top Camping Supplies for Kids you need:
9. Camping Bed
Getting kids to sleep is always an adventure, and even more so when it's not their usual set up. Whether you have one kiddo or a whole crew, this Disc-O-Bed Kid-O-Bunk is a great option and probably the coolest cot I’ve ever seen. Basically, it’s a travel bunk bed! You can transform it into two single cots or even a couch if you’re not keen on the bunk style. It can even be used at home for sleepovers!
10. Hammock
After you’ve hiked your way to oblivion, everyone is going to want a place for some R&R. If you or the kids need a little space, a hammock is the perfect cozy spot to grab a nap or read a few chapters. This Wild Owl Outfit option comes in single or double sizes (perfect for cuddling with the littles!), holds up to 500 pounds, and folds up nice and compact.
