Parents who recoil from family camping have valid reasons: soggy towels, tangled guyropes, cramped quarters, and midnight meltdowns. Yet many families persist, believing camping builds character, imagination, and an appreciation for nature. Matt Collins, a garden and travel writer and head gardener at the Garden Museum in London, is one such parent, having taken his children, now six and three, on numerous camping trips including a European tour. Here, he and other parents share essential gear and tips for camping with kids, along with items to leave behind.
Camping Lantern
Collins notes that his six-year-old is most excited about monopolising a multifunctional, rechargeable LED lantern. It serves as a main beam for night strolls, a sidelight for the tent, and a flashing red emergency light. Despite its size, it is lightweight enough for a child to carry. The lantern is available from B&Q for £29.99.
Foldable Camping Table
Hannah from Hampshire says a foldable camping table is the first thing set up when camping with children. It provides a space for colouring during tent setup, meals, and play. The table is available from Trail for £19.99 or Amazon for £16.99.
Stackable Trugs
Lucy from Suffolk recommends stackable trugs for maintaining order in the tent. She uses one for shoes and Crocs, another for dirty washing-up, and a third for clean utensils, plates, and mugs. The square flexi-tub is available from Tooled Up for £10.95 or Amazon for £11.05.
Tent Porch or Awning
John from Kent suggests adding a porch or awning to provide extra eating, changing, or storage space, especially in dark evenings or bad weather. The Coleman Classic Awning is available from Outdoor XL for £58.95.
Camping Shelter
Tom from Birmingham recommends a separate shelter for kids to avoid tent stuffiness. A multifunction tarp from Decathlon costs £44.99, and the Eurohike shelter is available from Blacks or Millets for £100.
Flying Disc
Collins suggests bringing a flying disc for entertainment. Hi-Gear's soft-rimmed disc makes throwing and catching easier for small hands and is available from Go Outdoors for £6.
Craft Stuff
Lucy from Suffolk packs scissors, glue sticks, ribbons, and coloured cards for scavenger-inspired crafting. She recommends Posca paint pens for painting on stones, available from Ryman for £23.99 or Cass Art for £29.95.
Family Games
Harry from Cardiff recommends Kubb, a game that is easy for toddlers but challenging for adults. It requires less space than rounders or boules and is available from Jaques London for £22. Lucy also suggests Flip 7 card game for downtime, available from John Lewis for £7.99 or Amazon for £4.89.
Books
Collins recommends books like Bugs to Spot by Kirsteen Robson and Sam Smith (£3.99 from Guardian Bookshop), The Lost Spells by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris (£14.99), and Fifty Things to Do With a Stick by Richard Skrein (£12.99) to engage kids with nature.
Marshmallows
Marshmallows provide strong incentive for kids. Collins used Epic Snax Co's Giant Toastin' Marsh-Mallows (£2 from Waitrose) on a recent trip. Vegan marshmallows are also available from Ocado for £1.55.
Portable Digital Microscope
Clare from Hampshire recommends the Tomlov P10 digital microscope for zooming in on insects and taking photos. It fits in a pocket and costs £24.68 on Amazon.
Children's Digital Camera
Collins' son loves his Groov-e digital HD camera, which he packs first. It is available from Robert Dyas for £12.93 or Asda for £20.
Bird ID App
James from Hertfordshire uses the Merlin Bird ID app to identify birds by song. It is free to download from All About Birds and feels engaging for his son.
Screen-Free Audio Speaker
Collins recommends Yoto Mini radios with educational and story-telling cards for comfort in the tent. The Yoto Mini 2024 Edition costs £59.99 from Yoto Play or £60 from Argos. The Cooltime: Camp Songs Pack cards are £16.99.
Sleeping Bag and Mat
Collins highlights the Big Agnes Wolverine 20 kids sleeping bag with a sleeve for the blow-up mat, preventing wriggling off. The bag costs £79.96 from Alpine Trek or £99.95 from Little Adventure Shop. The Big Agnes Divide insulated sleeping mat costs £79.96 or £89.95.
Crocs
Zoe from Hampshire finds Crocs essential for quick exits from the tent. Kids' Crocs classic clogs start at £9.99 from Schuh or £27.99 from Crocs.
Snuggly Socks
Lucy recommends warm socks for bedtime. Peter Storm boys' and girls' midweight trekking socks are available in two-packs for £12–£14 from Go Outdoors, Millets, or Blacks.
Tick Remover
Clare uses Tick Twister tools to remove ticks within 24 hours, reducing Lyme disease risk. A three-tool set costs £2.98 from Christies Direct, or six tools for £6.99 from Amazon.
Booze
Harry from Cardiff reminds parents to bring wine. Morrisons' the Best wine collection starts at £8.
Don't Bother With
Collins advises against walkie-talkies, which cause squabbles and disturb neighbours. Jess from Birmingham says kids' camping chairs are unused; kids prefer the floor. Lucy finds Top Trumps dull for adults. Clare says trying to keep kids too clean is futile; a flannel, water, and small towel suffice. Kate from Hertfordshire warns that stomp rockets annoy everyone.
