Easy Tips to Make Camping Fun for the Whole Family
Thanks to Skillet Creek Campground for sponsoring this post!
Setting out on a family camping adventure is not just a getaway; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, foster a love for nature, and bask in the simplicity of the great outdoors. Read through this camping guide, crafted with families in mind, for ideas and tips to ensure everyone has a great time your next camping trip.
Whether you’re in search of ideas for exciting outdoor activities for the entire family, curious about the top camping toys and activities to pack for younger kids, or ready to uncover family camping hacks, we’ve got you covered!
Safety First:
Prioritize safety when camping with young children.
- Secure Campsite Setup: Choose a level campsite away from cliffs, water bodies, and potential hazards. Clearly mark the boundaries of your campsite to help children stay within a safe area.
- Supervise Around Water: Ensure that life jackets are worn during water activities, even in shallow areas.
- Fire Safety: Establish a safe distance between tents and the campfire. Teach children about fire safety rules, including never playing near the fire.
- Child-Friendly Insect Repellent: Opt for natural and safe insect repellents suitable for children.
- Compact First Aid Kit: Include kid-specific items like band-aids, child-safe pain relievers, antiseptic wipes and any necessary medications for children. Be prepared for minor injuries or discomfort.
- Navigation: Teach children basic navigation skills and the importance of staying on marked trails.
- Wildlife Awareness: Educate children about local wildlife and the importance of observing from a distance. Store food securely to avoid attracting animals to the campsite.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts and local authorities.
Additional Ideas:
- Have appropriate clothing and gear for varying weather conditions.
- Provide children with bracelets equipped with built-in emergency whistles for added safety.
Family Camp Gear:
Having the right gear is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable family trip. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, cooking over a campfire, or simply relaxing under the stars, the right equipment enhances the overall experience.
Make sure to check off the essentials and consider these less thought-of items for a well-prepared and memorable camping adventure! These items are beyond the basics but nice to have for your family:
- Dutch Oven: Ideal for one-pot camping meals, a Dutch oven allows you to cook a variety of dishes over a campfire or camp stove.
- Camping Pillow: While often overlooked, a camping pillow ensures a more comfortable night’s sleep compared to stuffing clothes in a stuff sack.
- Collapsible Water Container: Save space when traveling and ensure you have an extra water supply with collapsible water containers.
- Clothesline with Clips: A portable clothesline helps you dry wet clothes or towels, and clips ensure items stay in place.
- Pop-Up Trash Can: Keep your campsite clean and organized with a pop-up trash can that’s easy to store when not in use.
- Inflatable Solar Light: Lightweight and solar-powered, inflatable solar lights provide ambient lighting inside your tent or around the campsite.
- Emergency Whistle: Carry a loud, durable whistle for safety, signaling, or to alert others in case of an emergency.
- Portable Camp Sink: A portable sink with a water dispenser and drainage system simplifies the dishwashing process at the campsite. Plus, it helps reduce waste by minimizing the need for single-use items.
- Picnic Blanket: A versatile and comfortable blanket can serve as a gathering spot for a quick meal, a comfy place for stargazing, or even an additional layer for warmth during chilly evenings.
Fun Camping Activities for the Whole Family:
Engaging activities for all ages are crucial for a successful family camping trip. From nature-inspired crafts to family-friendly hiking, these activities ensure that every member of the family has a memorable and enjoyable experience.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for each family member to find in nature. It could include specific leaves, rocks, flowers, or even animal tracks.
- Family-friendly Hiking Trails: Research local trails suitable for various fitness levels. Pay attention to information on trail lengths, difficulty, and points of interest for an enjoyable family hike. If you are camping in Sauk County, Wisconsin, check out these hiking trails.
- Fishing: If you’re near a lake or river, fishing can be an enjoyable activity for both kids and adults. Bring along basic fishing gear and enjoy some quiet time by the water.
- Bike Riding: If your family enjoys bike riding, look for campsites with bike trails to take in the beautiful scenery. Exploring nearby trails is also a good option, and a great activity to explore a new city.
- Bird Watching: Bring along a beginner’s bird identification guide and binoculars for a family-friendly bird watching adventure.
- Storytelling Around the Campfire: Encourage family members to share their favorite stories or create a collaborative storytelling session. It’s a great way to bond and spark creativity.
- DIY Outdoor Crafts: Pack basic crafting supplies for projects like making leaf rubbings, nature collages, or friendship bracelets.
- Geo-Caching: If you have a GPS device or a smartphone with a geocaching app, try this modern treasure hunt activity. It’s a fun way to explore the surroundings.
- Star Gazing: Explore the night sky together. Bring a star chart or use a stargazing app to identify constellations.
Camping Etiquette for Families:
Foster a sense of community while camping by adhering to camping etiquette. From respectful noise levels to Leave No Trace principles, these guidelines ensure a harmonious camping environment.
- Respectful Noise Levels: Emphasize the importance of keeping noise levels considerate of other campers and make sure your group is following quiet hours or you risk being asked to leave.
- Mind Your Pet: If camping with pets, keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Be considerate of other campers who may not be comfortable around animals.
- Follow Trail Etiquette: Yield to hikers going uphill and those on narrower trails. Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
- Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to marked trails to minimize environmental impact. Avoid creating new paths or shortcuts that can harm vegetation.
- Respect Private Property: Be aware of private property boundaries and avoid trespassing.
- Leave No Trace Principles: Educate your family on the principles of leaving no trace. Remind them to clean up thoroughly and respect the area.
Camping Toys and Leisure Items:
While you explore the great outdoors with kids, it’s a good idea to pack a variety of engaging activities for outdoor fun to help keep them entertained.
- Camping Board and Card Games: Choose compact and travel-friendly board games or cards suitable for outdoor use such as Uno, Checkers, Cribbage, etc…
- Portable Hammocks: Provide a cozy spot for relaxation. Ideal for reading, napping, or stargazing in the evenings.
- Nature Exploration Kits: Prepare small kits with magnifying glasses, bug containers, and notebooks for kids to explore the natural surroundings.
- Bubble Wand: A simple and delightful way to add some magic to your outdoor experience.
- Rock Painting Kit: Let kids express their creativity by painting rocks and leaving them around the campsite or on trails for others to find.
- Coloring Books and Crayons: Portable and mess-free, coloring books are a great option to keep kids occupied during downtime.
Additional Ideas of Items to Pack:
- Football
- Kite
- Roller blades
- Frisbee
- Small ball
- Cornhole set
- Pop-Up Tent for Kids — Offer a personal space for kids to play or nap. Easy to set up and adds an element of adventure for young campers.
Kid-Friendly Campfire Meals:
Satisfy the taste buds of even the youngest campers with creative meal planning ideas.
- Foil Packet Dinners: Plan easy, customizable foil packet meals. Each family member can choose their ingredients for a hassle-free dinner.
- Campfire Pizzas: Bring pre-made pizza dough and various toppings for a personalized campfire pizza night.
- Camping Quesadillas: Use a portable grill or camp stove to make easy and customizable quesadillas.
- Sausage and Veggie Skewers: Thread sausage slices, colorful bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Grill the skewers for a flavorful and fun camping dinner.
- Campfire Cones: Fill waffle cones with favorite toppings like marshmallows, chocolate chips, and fruit. Wrap in foil and heat over the campfire for a delicious treat.
- Campfire Tacos: Fill tortillas with pre-cooked seasoned ground meat, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and any other favorite taco toppings. Kids can assemble their own tacos!
- DIY Trail Mix Bar: Set up a trail mix station with various nuts, dried fruits, and candies allowing kids to create their personalized mix.
Camping Sleeping Tips for Kids:
A good night’s sleep is essential for an enjoyable camping experience.
- Choose the Right Sleeping Bag: Select a sleeping bag appropriate for the season and expected temperatures. Pay attention to the temperature rating and insulation type.
- Use a Sleeping Pad: Place a sleeping pad underneath your sleeping bag for insulation from the cold ground. This also adds an extra layer of comfort.
- Dress in Layers: Wear layers to bed so you can adjust your clothing as temperatures change during the night. Avoid overdressing, as overheating can disrupt sleep.
- Ventilate in Warmer Weather: In hot conditions, ensure your tent is well-ventilated to prevent overheating. Consider leaving the tent door or windows partially open for airflow.
- Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Stick to a consistent bed time for your children, even while camping. Create relaxing bedtime routines to signal that it’s time to wind down.
- Earplugs and Sound Machine: If you’re camping in a noisy environment, consider bringing earplugs to enhance sleep quality. A battery operated sound machine is also a great way to block out unwanted noises and may be a critical component if your child is used to sleeping with one in their room at home.
- Comfort Items: Bring small comfort items from home, such as a favorite stuffed animal or a cozy blanket, to make your child’s sleeping space more familiar and comfortable.
Additional Bedtime Ideas:
- Bedtime Shadow Puppets: Entertain young campers with shadow puppets before bedtime using a flashlight inside the tent.
Capturing Memories — Camping Photography Tips:
Preserve the magic of your camping trip by capturing memories through photography. Kid-friendly cameras, scenic photo spots, and DIY camping photo albums ensure that every moment is cherished.
- Kid-Friendly Cameras: Introduce disposable or kid-friendly digital cameras allowing kids to document their perspective of the camping trip.
- Scenic Photo Spots: Seek out picturesque locations within the campsite and try to capture beautiful sunsets, nature backdrops, or unique features. Watch for wildlife to photograph.
Additional Ideas:
- Time-Lapse Videos: Experiment with time-lapse photography to document the changing scenery throughout the day.
- DIY Camping Album or Scrapbook: After you get home, encourage kids to organize and decorate their camping memories.
Rainy Day Camping Fun:
Prepare for unexpected rain by having a plan for “indoor” camping fun. An easy way to accommodate rainy days is to move a picnic table under a canopy tarp that you stake down. With easy-to-pack items, you can transform a rainy day into a cozy and entertaining experience.
- Puzzles
- Books
- Crayons and coloring books or paper
- Craft Supplies
Additional Ideas:
- Research nearby cities ahead of time and consider visiting a library, children’s museum, or other indoor attraction if the weather will be unfavorable for the entire day.
Local Moms’ Best Advice for Camping with Kids:
I asked our online community if they had any hacks for camping with kids and these were the responses:
- “Hang battery powered Christmas lights in the tent for some twinkle and low lighting.”
- “Pack a 3 drawer plastic storage container full of snacks and anything else you might need to find quickly (sunscreen, bug spray etc). Keep it in the back of your car for easy access.”
- “Bring walkie talkies. It is so easy to communicate with the kids and they think it is cool so then they don’t feel like you are checking in on them.”
- “Head lamps, lanterns, and glow sticks are all really helpful and fun.”
- “We do a LOT of backyard camping. It’s free. And if the weather gets bad, we can go in the house.”
About This Article’s Sponsor:
“Nestled just a mile away from Devil’s Lake, Skillet Creek Campground is your ultimate destination for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Owned and operated by the Gieck family, Skillet Creek Campground offers a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
In 2021, Chris and Lea Ann Gieck fulfilled their dream of owning a campground by purchasing what was formerly known as Wheeler’s Campground and renaming it Skillet Creek Campground. With nine years of experience as seasonal campers at this very campground, the Gieck family’s passion for the outdoors and dedication to providing an exceptional camping experience shine through in every aspect of Skillet Creek Campground.
Situated on 70 acres of breathtaking wooded and green landscapes, Skillet Creek Campground boasts a tranquil setting with its namesake creek meandering through the property. A fishing pond and wooded hiking trail further enhance the natural beauty of the campground, providing endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.
Under the Gieck family’s stewardship, Skillet Creek Campground has undergone exciting enhancements while preserving its natural charm. From the addition of a 1-acre swimming pond, rental cabins, and extra full hook-up sites, to the upcoming debut of the Skillet Creek Canteen, there’s no shortage of amenities to enhance your camping experience.
Scheduled to open on Memorial Day Weekend of 2024, the Skillet Creek Canteen will be a multipurpose building located next to the swimming pond. Boasting a pavilion space, concession area, and three bathrooms, this new addition promises to be a hub of activity and relaxation for campers of all ages.
The 2024 events calendar will be jam packed including Spring Specials, with discounts to kick off the season. Returning favorites include the beloved Poker Run, Wigout Wine, and thrilling Halloween weekends. Live music will set the mood for some weekends, adding to the fun. Don’t miss out on new activities like the Cardboard Boat Race, Prom Weekend, and Fallfest featuring a 3k Race Run/Walk. With something for everyone, this year’s calendar promises adventure, relaxation, and cherished memories for the whole family.
Skillet Creek Campground invites you to join them for a season of fun, relaxation, and cherished memories. Book your stay today and make some treasured family memories.“
