The thought of taking your kids camping for the first time can be a bit daunting. What if they hate it? What if they're bored? What if nobody gets any sleep? Trust me, I've been there. But I can honestly say the rewards – the shared adventures, the campfire stories, the mucky faces – are worth a hundred times more than the effort.
The secret is to re-frame it. It's not about enduring the outdoors; it's about building a fun, temporary home together. A little bit of preparation can transform their first trip from a test of endurance into a core memory. Here’s how.
Before You Go: Build the Excitement
Have a Garden Camp-Out
A tent can seem strange. Make it a familiar, fun space by pitching it in the garden first. Let them play in it, help set up sleeping bags, and get used to the sounds. It makes the real thing far less intimidating.
Look at Pictures Together
Find the campsite's website and show them what it looks like. Point out the playground, the woods for exploring, or the stream. Seeing it beforehand turns the unknown into an exciting destination.
Give Them a Special Job
Kids love to feel important. Make them the "Official Torch Holder," "Chief Peg-Passer," or "Campsite Explorer." Giving them a role makes them feel like a crucial part of the team.
Pack a 'Fun Bag'
Let them pack a small bag with their favourite things – a teddy, some colouring books, a frisbee, or a favourite card game. Having familiar comforts and entertainment on hand is a great safety net for quiet moments.
Choosing the Right Family-Friendly Campsite
Look for a Playground
This is my number one tip. A good playground is a lifesaver. It’s a magnet for kids, a place where they can burn off energy and make friends, giving you a priceless half-hour of peace with a cup of tea.
Check for Family Bathrooms
Many sites now have dedicated, larger bathroom cubicles with a shower, toilet, and sink all in one lockable room. They make showering and getting a small child ready much, much easier.
An On-Site Shop is a Bonus
For your first trip, knowing you can buy forgotten essentials like milk, matches, or Calpol can take a lot of pressure off your packing. Some even sell fresh coffee and pastries in the morning!
Consider Car-Free Zones
Some sites have areas where you park your car separately and use a wheelbarrow to take gear to your pitch. This creates a safer, quieter space for kids to run around freely without you worrying about traffic.
Essential Gear (Beyond the Obvious)
You'll find full packing lists on my checklists page, but here are a few kid-specific essentials.
A Proper First-Aid Kit
Don't just hope for the best. Pack a dedicated kit with plenty of plasters, antiseptic wipes, insect bite/sting relief cream, and children's paracetamol like Calpol. It’s a must-have for peace of mind.
A Head Torch for Everyone
A head torch is far better than a handheld one as it keeps hands free. Giving each child their own makes them feel grown-up and makes late-night trips to the toilet block much less scary for them (and easier for you!).
Adam's Recommended Gear
Lightweight Kids Headlamp
"We give our kids a simple, lightweight head torch like the Xndryan model. It's incredibly light so they don't mind wearing it, it's bright enough for their needs, and simple enough for them to use on their own."
Check Price on AmazonLayers, Layers, Layers
Even in summer, UK evenings get cold. Pack more layers than you think you need. A warm fleece, a waterproof jacket, wellies, and a woolly hat are non-negotiable, whatever the forecast says. See my guide on how to stay warm!
Familiar Comforts from Home
Sleeping in a new place can be tough for some kids. Packing their own pillow, a favourite teddy, or a familiar blanket can make their new canvas bedroom feel much more safe and cosy.
At the Campsite: Making it an Adventure
Become Nature Detectives
Go on a scavenger hunt to find a feather, a smooth stone, a Y-shaped twig. Explore the woodland, build a den out of fallen branches, or just lie on the grass and watch the clouds. Let them get muddy! Check out more free camping activities here.
Master the Campfire Magic
If your site allows it, a campfire is the absolute highlight. Let kids help collect kindling and watch from a safe distance as you light it. It's a magical experience that leads to the best part of any camping trip: toasting marshmallows.
Make New Friends
Campsites are one of the best places for kids to make instant friends. The shared freedom of being outdoors breaks down barriers, and soon they'll be part of a giant game of tag that spans three pitches.
Become Campsite Chefs
Involve them in the cooking. Simple, safe tasks like washing vegetables in a bowl, buttering bread rolls, or stirring the pasta (with supervision!) makes them feel involved and proud of the meal you create together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best age to take kids camping for the first time?
There's no single 'right' age, but many families find age 4 or 5 onwards is a great time to start. At this age, kids are often excited by the novelty, can understand basic safety rules, and are less reliant on rigid nap schedules. However, you know your child best! Even toddlers can enjoy camping with careful planning and adjusted expectations.
How long should our first family camping trip be?
For the very first trip, I'd strongly recommend keeping it short and sweet. One or two nights is ideal. This gives everyone a taste of camping without the pressure of a long stay if things don't go perfectly. A successful short trip builds confidence for longer adventures next time.
What if my child gets scared at night?
It's common for kids to feel a bit uneasy with the new sounds and darkness. Bring familiar comforts like their own pillow and teddy. A good head torch they can control themselves often helps. Keep torches inside the tent dim to preserve night vision. Talk reassuringly about the normal night sounds (wind, owls). If possible, a practice camp-out in the garden can really help familiarise them beforehand.
