Surviving (and loving!) camping with little kids: 5 mom-tested tips

Camping with little kids might initially sound overwhelming—muddy shoes, sticky marshmallow fingers, bugs, unpredictable weather—but it can become a fun adventure with a little preparation and the right mindset. There’s something magical about trading screen time for stargazing, and sticky fingers somehow feel less stressful when you’re outside.

At KEEP>GOING First Aid, we believe in embracing adventure and teaching our kids to do the same. Camping is the perfect way to step outside our comfort zones and build resilience, strength, and independence in our four kids —and in ourselves.

Here are some great tips to help make your family camping trip a success:

1. Pack smart—and be prepared for the unexpected

You don’t need to bring everything you own, but there are a few things you really don’t want to forget. At the top of our list? A KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit.

Our pre-packed kits are designed with busy families in mind—and especially handy when you're out in the wild. Think moleskin for blisters after a long hike, nosebleed plugs for dry mountain air, a tick remover for those creepy crawlers, anti-itch cream and sting relief pads for bug bites, and butterfly closures for minor cuts that need a little extra support. It’s everything you didn’t know you’d need—until you do. Pop one in your hiking backpack, car, or tent so you’re ready to keep the fun going, no matter what.

Other must-haves:

• Bug spray (mosquitoes are nobody’s favorite memory)
  

• Kid-friendly sunscreen
  

• Wipes and hand sanitizer
  

• Plenty of snacks
  

• Layers and extra clothes (because someone will end up wet)
  
  

2. Keep them busy—with nature, not screens

Camping gives kids space to be kids. Let them dig in the dirt, collect rocks, or float leaves down a stream. But if you’re looking to help guide their energy a bit, try some of these simple activities:

• Nature scavenger hunt: Make a list of things to find—like a pinecone, a feather, or something yellow.
  

• Stick building: Challenge them to make a tiny shelter or fairy house with sticks, leaves, and bark.
  

• Campfire storytelling: Take turns making up silly or spooky (but not too spooky!) stories.
  

• Cloud watching or stargazing: Let their imaginations run wild.
  
  

3. Teach them how to stay safe

Before you even unzip the tent, take a few minutes to set some basic safety ground rules:

• Stay within sight of an adult or the campsite.
  

• Wear shoes (yes, even when running to grab the marshmallows).
  

• Don't touch unknown plants or bugs.
  

• Know what to do if they get separated—like blowing a whistle or staying in one place.
  
  

Camping is a great time to give your kids more independence while setting clear, age-appropriate boundaries.

4. Step outside the comfort zone—it’s where growth happens

Maybe your child is nervous about sleeping in a tent or trying a new food cooked over the fire. That’s okay. Camping naturally invites us to do things that are unfamiliar—and that’s a good thing.

When kids face small challenges like starting a campfire, helping with dinner, or brushing their teeth in the dark, they build real-life confidence. They're learning that they can do hard things, that discomfort is temporary, and that a little dirt never hurt anyone. As we always say: they can’t learn to get back up if we never let them fall.

5. Make it enjoyable—for everyone

Let’s be honest: if the adults are stressed, the kids will feel it. So give yourself permission to keep things simple. You don’t need to plan every minute. You don’t need gourmet meals (hot dogs taste better outside anyway). And if your kids eat too many s’mores and go to bed late? That’s okay.

Embrace the chaos. Laugh at the mess. Watch the sun set and remind yourself—this is what memories are made of.

The big takeaway

Camping with little kids isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. When we trade control for curiosity, we open the door to real connection, wonder, and joy.

So go ahead—zip up the tent, grab your KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit, and get out there. The bugs, bumps, and battles will fade. But the memories you make together? Those will last forever.