How to Get Kids Excited About Camping: Tips and Ideas for a Fun Family Adventure
Camping is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend quality time with your family while reconnecting with nature. However, if you’re a parent like me, you know that getting kids excited about camping can sometimes be a challenge. Whether it's their reluctance to leave the comforts of home or the idea of being away from technology, getting them on board with the idea of spending time outdoors can take a little extra effort. Over the years, I've discovered several ways to make camping more exciting and enjoyable for kids. Here’s how I got my kids to love camping, and I hope these tips help you do the same!
1. Make Camping an Adventure from the Start
One of the easiest ways to get kids excited about camping is to make it sound like an adventure. We all know that kids love a good adventure story, so why not create one for them? Start by telling your children about the exciting things they'll experience, like seeing wildlife, hiking trails, and sleeping under the stars. When we went on our first family camping trip, I told my kids it would be like going on an expedition. The idea of discovering new places and camping in the wild thrilled them.
Another great idea is to involve them in the planning process. Let them help pick the campsite and choose which activities they’re most excited to try. By giving them a say in the planning, they’ll feel more invested in the trip and eager to get started.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet for Younger Kids
If you have younger kids, you might want to start with a shorter camping trip. I remember when we first took our kids camping, we chose a two-night weekend getaway instead of a week-long excursion. This way, they could get a taste of camping without feeling overwhelmed or bored. Starting with a short trip lets you all get a feel for the camping experience, and it makes it easier for your kids to get excited about future trips.
For very young children, consider camping in a more accessible location with amenities like clean bathrooms and close parking. This will help ease any anxieties they might have about being far from home while still providing the sense of adventure that makes camping so appealing.
3. Bring Fun, Kid-Friendly Camping Gear
Kids love having their own gear when they go camping, and having some fun, age-appropriate equipment can help them feel involved. My kids loved having their own mini camping chairs, sleeping bags, and even headlamps for nighttime walks. The excitement of having their own gear made them feel like they were real campers!
There are so many fun camping gadgets designed specifically for kids, such as kid-sized tents, themed sleeping bags, and colorful lanterns. You could even bring along a few special treats, like a camping-themed puzzle or a book about the wilderness to read together at night. It’s amazing how the right gear can spark excitement and make your kids feel more prepared for the adventure ahead.
4. Plan Fun Activities for Everyone
One of the best ways to get kids excited about camping is to plan activities they’ll actually enjoy. Kids are naturally curious, and outdoor activities offer a wide variety of options. When we went camping, we made sure to plan a variety of activities, from nature walks to scavenger hunts to campfire storytelling.
Here are some fun ideas to keep the kids engaged:
- Organize a scavenger hunt: Create a list of items to find in the surrounding area (like a pinecone, a specific leaf, or a bird’s nest).
- Have a campfire sing-along: Kids love singing, and it’s a great way to unwind after a long day of outdoor fun.
- Set up a nature art station: Collect leaves, rocks, and flowers to create nature-inspired crafts or pictures.
- Go on a night hike with flashlights: Explore the woods at night and see what nocturnal creatures come out.
5. Encourage Technology-Free Fun
One of the challenges of getting kids excited about camping is the lack of screens. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that kids won’t enjoy an experience without their phones or tablets. But I’ve found that encouraging my kids to disconnect from technology actually makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Instead of letting them get bored without their devices, I encourage them to engage in other fun activities, like playing board games, reading books, or simply exploring the outdoors. The beauty of camping is that it offers a break from the constant distractions of everyday life, and once the kids get the hang of it, they’ll find plenty of ways to have fun without screens.
6. Make Meal Times Special
Food is a big part of the camping experience, and meals are often something kids look forward to. Cooking over a campfire or preparing meals together can be a fun bonding activity. I always bring along a variety of kid-friendly meals like hot dogs on sticks, s’mores, and breakfast pancakes cooked on a camping stove.
For added excitement, let the kids help with meal prep. Whether they’re making their own sandwiches, stirring a pot of chili, or roasting marshmallows, they’ll love being part of the cooking process. It also helps to get them involved in setting up the campfire or choosing their favorite snacks to bring along.
7. Share the Magic of Camping with Family Traditions
One of the reasons camping is so magical is the traditions you create. Whether it’s telling stories around the campfire, watching the sunrise over the mountains, or having a family movie night in the tent, these little traditions make camping even more special for kids. It’s the anticipation of these rituals that keep them excited about returning each year.
For my family, camping is about making memories together—whether it's the first time we saw a shooting star, or the time we had an impromptu talent show by the campfire. These moments stay with the kids long after the trip ends, and each new trip is an opportunity to add to our growing list of memories.
