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Parent and two kids walking toward a tent at sunset

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Camping with kids

Camping works when kids are comfortable and busy. Start with the gear that matters most for them, then pick activities for their age, from toddlers to teens, including rainy days. Babies have their own pages.

Kids' boots, jacket and backpack on a wooden table START WITH THIS · GEARCamping gear for kids Kids running through a campsite in the woods ACTIVITIESFamily camping activities

Gear

Kid wearing hiking boots on a forest trail Boots Two kids' sleeping bags Sleeping bags Kids' camping chairs beside a campfire Chairs Kids' explorer kit with a compass and a notebook Kits Two kids' walkie-talkies at a campsite Radios Child using binoculars by a lake Binoculars
Baby asleep in a carrier on a parent's back in the forest Babies and toddlers

Activities

Family playing cards on a blanket at camp Games Marshmallow roasting over a campfire Campfire Teens by a lake at sunset Teens Lantern lit inside a tent on a rainy day Rainy day

Frequently asked questions

What should kids wear camping?

Layers they can add and take off on their own: a quick-dry shirt, a warm fleece and a rain jacket. Add closed-toe shoes with good grip, a hat and a spare outfit for each day, because kids get wet and muddy.

How do I entertain kids at camp?

Give them small jobs first, such as gathering sticks or carrying water, then keep a few simple games close: cards, a scavenger hunt and flashlight tag. Pack a rainy-day bag too, with cards and small crafts for the tent.

Can babies go camping?

Yes, with a simple plan. Pick a campsite close to home with bathrooms and shade, dress the baby for the temperature and follow safe-sleep guidance on a firm, flat surface. If your baby is very young, talk to your pediatrician first.

More topics

Clipboard with a checklist on a camp table Guides Cots lined up inside a family tent Sleep

Free camping checklist

75+ items in a PDF and 3 emails with your first-trip plan.