Fun Cooking Ideas for Camping with Children: Easy and Delicious Meals
Camping with children is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to meals. As a parent who loves outdoor adventures, I’ve discovered that the key to a successful camping trip with kids is making cooking as fun and simple as possible. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different recipes and methods that are not only easy but also enjoyable for the whole family. In this article, I’ll share my favorite cooking ideas for camping with children, so you can create memorable meals that everyone will love while keeping the process fun and stress-free.
1. Make Your Own Mini Pizzas
When it comes to meals that children absolutely love, pizza is always a winner. For camping, I like to prepare mini pizza kits. It’s easy, interactive, and a great way to let the kids get involved in the cooking process. All you need are some simple ingredients like pita bread, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and a selection of toppings. You can even pre-cut vegetables or have a variety of meats available for them to add to their own pizzas.
We’ve done this many times on camping trips, and it’s always a hit. Each child can customize their pizza, and it’s fun to see how creative they get with toppings. All you need is a campfire, a grill, or a portable stove to cook the pizzas in foil packets. It’s an easy and delicious way to keep everyone satisfied!
2. Foil Packet Meals
One of the easiest ways to cook while camping is by using foil packets. These meals require minimal clean-up and are a great way to make a variety of dishes with minimal effort. Foil packet meals are especially good for kids because they can be customized to each person’s liking.
For a simple yet hearty foil packet meal, try chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. Simply place the chicken and sliced veggies in the center of a large sheet of foil, drizzle with olive oil, add some seasoning (such as garlic powder, salt, and pepper), and seal it up tightly. Place the packets over the campfire or on the grill to cook. They take about 20-30 minutes depending on the heat, and the best part is that they’re perfectly portioned for each person. Kids love the hands-on aspect of opening their packets and discovering what’s inside!
3. S’mores with a Twist
No camping trip is complete without s’mores, but why not add a fun twist to the classic treat? Instead of the usual graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, try using different ingredients to keep things interesting.
We’ve experimented with different variations, such as using peanut butter cups or caramel-filled chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness. Sometimes, we even use waffles instead of graham crackers for a unique take on the traditional s’mores. The kids get so excited about trying different combinations, and it’s a fun way to add a little adventure to dessert time!
4. Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast is one of the trickier meals to prepare when camping, but I’ve found that make-ahead breakfast burritos are a lifesaver. You can prep these at home and simply heat them up at the campsite. This meal is perfect for busy mornings when you want something filling but don’t want to spend too much time cooking.
To make the breakfast burritos, scramble some eggs, cook some bacon or sausage, and add cheese and any other favorite toppings like peppers, onions, or potatoes. Then, wrap the ingredients in large flour tortillas and wrap each burrito tightly in foil. At the campsite, just heat them over the fire or on a portable stove until they’re warm and ready to eat. The kids love them, and they’re an easy, hands-off way to start the day.
5. DIY Trail Mix
While not a full meal, a good trail mix can keep the kids energized during hikes or other outdoor activities. I love creating a custom trail mix before the trip, adding a variety of ingredients that my kids enjoy. You can include nuts, dried fruits, seeds, chocolate chips, pretzels, and even some cereal. It’s a great way to introduce kids to different textures and flavors while keeping them satisfied and nourished during their outdoor adventures.
The best part? You can customize each trail mix bag based on individual preferences, which is a huge hit with picky eaters. Just pack the mix in individual bags, and you’ve got a fun, easy snack to grab on the go.
6. Campfire Stew or Chili
If you're looking for something more filling and hearty, a campfire stew or chili is always a crowd-pleaser. This is one of my go-to meals when I need something satisfying that will warm us up after a day of outdoor activities. You can easily make it with ingredients like ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and vegetables. The great thing about chili is that it’s incredibly versatile—you can add whatever veggies or spices you have on hand.
Once everything is in the pot, let it simmer over the fire or on a stove, and it’s ready to go. This meal is perfect for making in large batches, and the kids enjoy helping stir and taste-test along the way. It’s also great for leftovers the next day.
7. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
If you're looking for a healthy yet fun dessert or snack for the kids, fruit and yogurt parfaits are a perfect choice. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a great way to sneak in some healthy fruit while keeping things exciting. Layer yogurt with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, and mango, and add some granola or nuts on top for crunch. It’s a simple, light treat that everyone will love, especially on a warm camping day.
The kids can even make their own parfaits, choosing their favorite fruits and toppings. It’s a fun way to let them get involved with the meal while eating something nutritious.
