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Contrary to what many people will tell you, camping with kids can be a fun and worthwhile experience! While there’s no magic gear that will make your camping experience completely hassle free, here’s a list of camping gear for kids that can make it a whole lot smoother and more engaging for your little ones. Plus, getting specific camping gear for kids can help them learn how to prepare for the outdoors and carry (some of) their own gear. It’s a win-win!
The camping gear for kids listed below has been tested and recommended by outdoor moms and dads. And…if you like sleep, be sure to read to the end for our bonus item.
1. Kid-sized sleeping bag & pad
While it seems financially smart to invest in a grown-up sized sleeping bag your kid can grow into, it may come at a cost to their comfort (which will inevitably come at a cost to your comfort). That’s because excess space takes more time and energy to heat, so they’re little bodies won’t stay as warm. If you’re going to be tent camping, especially if the temperatures drop significantly at night, you’ll want to consider buying a kid-sized sleeping bag for your little adventurer.
Kindercamp sleeping bag from REI is a family favorite. Kelty Kids sleeping bags is also a great option my families love. Or, if you’re more of a quilt fan, check out the UGC Youth Bandit Quilt.
And while you’re at it — a sleeping pad is a great camping gear for kids too! Many parents recommend the Z-lite pads
2. Kid-sized backpacks and hydration packs
Get your kids excited about hiking and their own hydration by getting them their very own hydration pack. Kids think the pack is fun which makes it more likely they’ll stay hydrated on the trail without you having to remind them!
This Camelback mini system is a great option for little ones.
If you’d rather skip the hydration pack and just get a backpack that allows them to carry some of their own stuff, REI Tarn 18 is an option many adventurer parents rave about; it’s light and durable. The Tarn 12 is slightly smaller and is a suitable camping gear for kids as young as 6.
3. Small head lamp and glow sticks make great camping gear for kids
Giving your kids their own light can help them feel more independent — they can head to the bathhouse by themselves or stay up to read. Black Diamond Wiz head lamp is a great camping gear for kids — it even changes colors! Or if you want to get really fancy — a dino headlamp.
Glow sticks are also a great option for the campground — they’ll provide some light as well as entertainment.
4. Keen SeaCamp Sandals
These sandals are water friendly and sturdy and durable enough for hiking and running.
5. Kid Cookbook
Sit back and let your kids make the meal one night. This cookbook is easy for kids to read and is full of kid-friendly recipes that the whole family will enjoy.
6. Quad Chair
Don’t overlook this camping gear for kids. Make sure your kids have a place to sit around the campfire with these kid-sized foldable chairs.
7. Binoculars
Kids love exploring with binoculars — any cheap set will do!
8. Walkie Talkies
Just like with the binoculars, any cheap set will do! These are sure to keep the kids entertained at the campground or on the trail.
9. Water Bottle
Make sure your kids have their own durable water bottle before hitting the trail!
10. Hammock
If you’ve got kids old enough to read or play quietly, a hammock can be a great option to have while camping.
11. Old, durable camera
Like their parents, kids love documenting adventures too. Buy any cheap digital camera — or use an old GoPro or point-and-shoot you may have lying around — and let their imaginations run wild. Just make sure it’s durable!
12. Bucket and shovel
A cheap collapsible bucket will come in handy at the campsite. They’ll have a ball exploring and digging around the campsite.
13. Cheap paint and brushes
This may seem like an odd piece of camping gear for kids…but rock painting will keep kids engaged while you finish chores around the campsite! Just grab any old paint set and brushes!
And…don’t forget this camping gear for kids: Dark Room Tents
Ok this gear is really for parents. Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you want the kids up at the crack of dawn — get a dark room tent to make sure they (and you) sleep! It’s more expensive than a regular tent, but if you value sleep it’s probably worth the cost.
