Camping with kids: 10 tips for a successful family holiday

Camping with kids is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a holiday together. Playing outside, going for evening walks and toasting marshmallows over a campfire: these are memories that last a lifetime. Still, camping with young children can be challenging too. With these ten tips, your camping holiday will be a relaxed success.

1. Choose a suitable family tent

Space matters when you're camping with kids. Choose a family tent with separate sleeping compartments and a spacious living area where you can play and eat even in bad weather. A tent with a high interior is a real plus: you can stand upright and don't have to keep bending over when dressing and undressing the kids.

2. Invest in good sleeping gear

Kids who sleep badly are tired and irritable during the day. That's something you want to avoid. A children's sleeping bag in the right size keeps your child warm all night without them disappearing inside it. Combine it with a comfortable sleeping mat or a children's air bed with a raised edge, so they can't roll off.

3. Bring familiar things along

A favourite cuddly toy, their own duvet cover or a night light: familiar things from home help kids settle into a new environment more quickly. Especially for younger children, this can make the difference between a restless and a relaxed first night.

4. Plan activities, but not too many

The great thing about camping is that kids are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves. Endless play on the campsite, hunting for insects in the grass and building puddles after it has rained. Do plan a few fun outings, but don't overdo it. A packed schedule leads to stress, for the kids as well as the parents.

5. Get the kids involved in camping

Let the kids help with pitching the tent, collecting firewood or preparing the food. They feel involved and learn through play. A task list of their own turns it into a proper adventure.

6. Make sure you have good lighting

A head torch for every family member is a must. Kids find it exciting to head out in the dark with their own light, and it's practical for night-time toilet trips. Ambient lighting around the tent makes the evenings cosy and helps the transition to bedtime go more smoothly.

7. Be prepared for changeable weather

The Dutch weather is unpredictable, especially in the low season. Bring a rain jacket, wellies and plenty of warm layers for every child. With the right children's clothing, a rainy day is just as much fun as a sunny one, as long as you make sure they stay dry and warm.

8. Think about safety

Always bring a well-stocked first aid kit. Kids run, fall and touch everything. High-factor sun cream, insect repellent and a tick remover belong in every camping kit as standard. Also agree clear rules about where the kids can and can't go on the campsite.

9. Choose the right campsite

Not every campsite is equally suited to families with young children. Look for a campsite with a playground, a swimming pool or a lake nearby, and check that the sanitary facilities are clean and within walking distance. Campsites with entertainment programmes offer extra fun, so you as a parent can relax for a while too.

10. Make life easy for yourself

Camping with kids doesn't have to be a survival exercise. A camping cupboard keeps your things organised, a good cool box means you don't have to go to the supermarket every day, and a canopy or tarp provides shade and shelter. The better prepared you are, the more you can enjoy being outdoors together.

Everything for a successful family holiday

At Kampeerwinkel Roermond, we're happy to help you put together the perfect kit for a camping holiday with kids. From family tents and children's sleeping bags to camping furniture and games for the road: we have it all. Drop by our store on Schaarbroekerweg in Roermond or browse our range online.