There are two types of people in this world; those who love camping and can’t get enough of it, and those who prefer to stick with the luxuries of a roof over their head, running water and a bed you don’t have to share with insects!
For those of you on team love it we have complied our top tips for camping with kids!
1 – Games
Have games, activities and a picnic blanket for the kids while you put the tent up. If you’ve ever been camping you’ll know that getting your tent erected can, at times, be a little stress inducing which isn’t helped by having little people asking when it’ll be ready. Make sure you take stuff for them to do whilst you get the tent sorted (and have a cold one ready to crack open once it’s up!).
2 – Chairs
Take camping chairs for everyone. Otherwise your kids will end up on the chairs and you’ll be on the floor. Trust me, it happens every time!
3 – Snacks
Snacks, snacks and more snacks! The kids will be running around outdoors all day, which will make them more hungry than usual! Take loads of snacks to help them keep up with life outdoors!
4 – Torches
Take torches for everyone – including the children so everyone can see where they’re going once the sun has gone down. Head torches are very useful for night time bathroom visits!
5 – Bedding
Take loads of bedding and layers and hot water bottles if you have them for the nights. No matter how hot it is during the day it will probably be cold at night – so be prepared! Putting layers underneath your airbed or mattress will help to keep you warm at night. Something like a picnic blanket underneath an airbed can really make a difference.
6 – Potty
Have a travel potty with you to avoid toilet trips across dark fields with little ones in the night. Or take TravelJanes for the adults – google it!!
7 – All weather gear
Take all-weather gear – wellies and raincoats/all-in-ones as well as sun cream and hats! You never know what the great British weather might decide to do! Also, waterproofs on dewy mornings come in handy (especially if you’re camping with a crawling baby!)
8 – Washing line
A drying rack or washing line for wet towels and clothes comes in very handy.
9 – Bin the bedtime routine
Relax and forget the bedtime routine – let the children go to bed when they’re sleepy. Less stress for everyone!
10 – Bite cream
Take insect bite cream in case of insect bites or stings or encounters with stinging nettles. Antihistamine is also a good thing to keep with you.
11 – Extra ice block
Freeze a pint of milk to use as an extra ice block, which you can use once it’s defrosted.
12 – Batch cook
Batch cook something like spaghetti Bolognese and freeze it. You can then have that for dinner on the 2nd night if you want a variation from BBQs!
13 – Most important
Most importantly – take your Daisy First Aid kit with you!
Head here to download our camping checklist which lists all the essential and non-essential items you could ever need on a camping trip with little ones!
Happy camping!