Delightful and Easy Cooking Ideas for Camping with Children
Making Camping Meals Fun for Kids
When it comes to camping with children, cooking can become one of the most exciting parts of the adventure. Whether you're roasting marshmallows over the fire or preparing a hearty breakfast, kids love being involved in the cooking process. It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce them to the wonders of outdoor cooking while creating lasting memories together. If you're planning your next family camping trip and looking for fun, easy, and child-friendly meals, you're in the right place! Here, I’ll share some of my favorite camping meal ideas that are perfect for children of all ages.
1. DIY Pizza on the Grill
One of my kids' absolute favorites is DIY pizzas cooked over the campfire. The best part about making pizza while camping is that every child can customize their own creation, making it a fun activity that doubles as a meal. I like to bring along pre-made pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives. Once the fire is ready, each child can shape their own dough, add toppings, and then cook the pizzas on a grate or a foil-lined pan over the fire. It’s a win-win: the kids get to be creative, and everyone enjoys a hot, cheesy pizza!
2. Foil Packet Meals: Simple & Mess-Free
Foil packet meals are one of the easiest and most mess-free cooking methods for camping. You can prepare them in advance and let the kids help with the wrapping, which adds to the excitement. These packets are versatile, allowing you to include any ingredients you like, but I prefer to use a combination of chicken, vegetables, and potatoes. Simply chop everything into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Place the packets on hot coals and let them cook for about 20-30 minutes. The result is a delicious, steamy meal that everyone will enjoy, and the kids love unwrapping the foil to see what’s inside!
3. S'mores Variations for a Sweet Treat
No camping trip is complete without s’mores! But instead of the traditional marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker combo, why not shake things up with some fun variations? Some of our favorites include:
- Peanut Butter S’mores: Spread peanut butter on your graham crackers before adding the chocolate and marshmallow. It’s a creamy twist on the classic treat!
- Nutella S’mores: Swap out the chocolate for Nutella for a gooey, hazelnut-flavored s’more.
- Caramel S’mores: Add a slice of caramelized apple or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet and fruity twist.
These variations allow the kids to experiment and discover new flavors, and it's a fantastic way to make s'mores even more fun!
4. Breakfast Skewers: A Fun and Tasty Morning Meal
Breakfast can be a challenge when camping, especially with little ones who might not want to sit still long enough to eat. A great solution is breakfast skewers! You can thread a variety of ingredients onto a skewer, such as cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and small pieces of toast. Once prepared, simply heat the skewers over the campfire for a few minutes, or cook them on a grill. This way, the kids get to eat on the go while enjoying their own personalized breakfast creation. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
5. Campfire Banana Boats
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both fun and easy to prepare, campfire banana boats are the way to go. Slice a banana lengthwise, leaving the peel on, and stuff it with your favorite sweet fillings, like chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or peanut butter. Wrap the banana in foil and place it over the fire for about 5-10 minutes, until the chocolate is melted, and the banana is soft. The result is a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings around the campfire. The kids will love the hands-on experience, and it’s a healthier alternative to traditional desserts.
6. Creative Sandwiches for Picnic Meals
When we go camping, we often bring along some bread and fillings for easy, no-cook picnic lunches. But instead of just slapping together boring sandwiches, we make it fun by cutting the bread into different shapes using cookie cutters. It’s amazing how a star-shaped sandwich can make lunchtime feel like a special occasion! We also love adding a variety of toppings such as fresh veggies, cheeses, and meats, allowing the kids to build their own sandwiches. And don’t forget the homemade hummus or peanut butter for extra flavor!
7. Campfire Popcorn
Popcorn is another campfire classic that’s quick, easy, and fun for the whole family. You can make it traditional by popping kernels in a pot or use a special campfire popcorn maker. The kids love shaking the pot to hear the kernels popping, and they’ll eagerly watch as their snack turns from kernels to fluffy popcorn. To take it up a notch, add some fun seasonings like cinnamon sugar, garlic powder, or even melted butter. It’s the perfect snack for a movie night in the great outdoors!
8. Creative Salad Options
Even while camping, it’s important to balance your meals with healthy options. But who said salads have to be boring? You can get creative with fun salad toppings like dried fruits, nuts, and cheese, and serve them in mason jars for a more rustic feel. A simple campfire salad made with fresh greens, apples, and a sweet vinaigrette can be a refreshing side dish to any meal. The kids will love the novelty of eating their salad from a jar, and it’s a great way to introduce them to more nutritious foods!
Conclusion: Making Memories Through Campfire Cooking
Cooking with kids while camping is about more than just preparing meals—it's about creating memories, having fun together, and enjoying the great outdoors. From DIY pizzas and foil packets to creative desserts and snacks, there are endless opportunities to make mealtime exciting and memorable. I encourage you to get your kids involved in the cooking process, and don’t forget to let them unleash their creativity. Whether it's cooking around the fire, eating under the stars, or enjoying a homemade dessert, these moments will be cherished for years to come. Happy camping!
