Tips for Preparing Kids for Their First Camping Trip
Make Sure They Understand What Camping Is
Take the time to talk with your kids about what they can expect while camping. You can use books or even watch movies so they get a better idea of what sleeping outdoors entails. Explain the basics, like setting up a tent, exploring nature, and cooking outside. It can also be useful to explain some fun things they can look forward to, like stargazing or making s’mores over the fire. However, you should also explain some of the not-so-nice aspects of camping. That way, they’ll be better prepared to deal with unknown noises or using the bathroom outdoors.
AConfirming that the kiddos know exactly what camping entails ensures they aren’t in for any unpleasant surprises, an integral part of preparing kids for their first camping trip.
Pack Everything They Might Need
When preparing kids for their first camping trip, packing the right gear is key to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and exciting experience. Essentials like weather-appropriate clothing, kid-sized sleeping bags, portable chairs, flashlights, bug spray, sunscreen, and water bottles help children feel prepared and at ease in the great outdoors. To make the process easier, Bass Pro Shops offer everything you need in one place—from beginner-friendly fishing kits and durable hiking boots to family tents and outdoor cooking gear. With a wide selection of kid-approved and high-quality products, these trusted retailers are perfect for outfitting your little camper and making their first adventure a memorable one.
Do a Test Run
The change of environment can be stressful for kids, especially if they’ve never slept anywhere else than home. Holding a backyard or living room campout is a great way to introduce them to a new routine. You can also practice setting up the tent and even having a picnic-style dinner that isn’t cooked in the kitchen. This is a great opportunity to see how your child can handle sleeping on the ground. Although they may have a sleeping bag, you may also need to invest in a cot or air mattress to make things more comfortable.
Involve Them in Planning
Getting your kids involved in the planning process has many advantages. For one, it makes them feel more excited for their adventure. It can also encourage decision-making and empower them to take more responsibility for the trip. And best of all, it can also take some of the pressure off you as a parent to plan everything alone!
Here are some ways to involve kids in camping planning:
- Planning meals and snacks
- Creating a camping checklist
- Packing
- Looking at maps and trail guides
- Planning activities and games
- Packing their own backpack
Go Over Safety Rules
Safety is a crucial aspect of camping, especially when it comes to preparing kids for their first camping trip. The outdoors presents a whole new world of sights, sounds, and experiences—but also potential hazards like open fires, wildlife, unfamiliar terrain, and water sources. That’s why it’s essential to set clear safety boundaries with your children well before you even pitch the tent. Depending on your child’s age, these rules may vary, but they should always include basics like staying within eyesight, not wandering off alone, and understanding what to do in case they get lost.
When preparing kids for their first camping trip, it’s helpful to start talking about these safety expectations early and often. Repetition will help these lessons sink in, and turning rules into engaging, educational games—like role-playing what to do if they see a wild animal or if they lose sight of you—can make learning fun and memorable. Emphasizing safety in a calm, approachable way helps build your child’s confidence and ensures that their first camping experience is not only exciting but also secure and well-manage]
Plan Kid-Friendly Activities
Being outdoors can be a thrilling experience on its own, but it’s always good to have some activities planned as well. This will keep kids engaged while also creating a positive experience that they can associate with camping.
Here are some kid-friendly activities that you can do on your trip:
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Coloring books
- Bug-catching
- Bird-watching (bring binoculars!)
- Nature arts and crafts with rocks, sticks, etc.
- Boardgames
- Lawn games (ladder toss, corn hole, or bocce ball)
Bring Some Comforts From Home
No matter how well you’ve planned or how exciting the destination may be, it’s completely normal for kids to feel a little homesick during their first outdoor adventure. That’s why preparing kids for their first camping trip isn’t just about packing gear—it’s also about packing comfort. If you anticipate that your child may miss home, consider bringing along a few familiar and soothing items. A favorite stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, or a well-loved bedtime story can provide a strong sense of security in an unfamiliar environment. These small comforts from home can go a long way in helping your child adjust to sleeping in a tent, hearing new nighttime sounds, and being away from their regular routine. By including these emotional essentials in your packing list, you’re taking an important step in preparing kids for their first camping trip—both physically and emotionall
Test Camping Gear Ahead of Time
The last thing you want to have happen is for something to fail while you’re already at the campsite. Whether it’s a dead flashlight or a rip in your tent, testing your camping gear ahead of time can prevent possible headaches. Because of this, we recommend testing things out with your children so you can show them how everything works. This can make camping seem less confusing and even threatening, especially if they’ve never done anything like this before. Not sure what to pack for your family camping trip? Here’s all the essential gear you’ll need for camping with kids.
Have a Back-Up Plan
No matter how prepared you may be for this camping trip, there’s always a chance that things won’t go exactly as planned—especially when you’re focused on preparing kids for their first camping trip. From sudden weather changes to a surprise case of homesickness, unexpected challenges can arise that may test your patience and flexibility. That’s why having a solid backup plan is just as important as your primary itinerary.
Preparing kids for their first camping trip means thinking ahead with indoor games for rainy days, extra clothes for varying temperatures, and even an alternative meal plan in case your fire-starting efforts fall short. By remaining flexible and open to adjusting your plans, you’ll teach your kids that adventure doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun. This adaptability not only helps you manage the ups and downs of camping but also models resilience and resourcefulness for your little ones—two important lessons they’ll carry with them well beyond the trip.
For example, make sure you have:
- Indoor activities and games for rainy weather
- Appropriate clothing (like a rain jacket) for different temperatures
- A first-aid kit for medical or health emergencies
- Meals that don’t need heat (in case you can’t build a fire or cook)
We also have a few helpful tips for cooking outdoors while camping, which can make meal planning smoother, more efficient, and far less stressful—especially when you’re already focused on preparing kids for their first camping trip. From easy-prep meals to campfire-friendly recipes, having a solid plan for food will help keep everyone well-fed and happy during your outdoor adventure.
Heading into the Woods With the Kiddos
As a parent, the thought of preparing kids for their first camping trip can feel overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to consider—what to pack, how to keep them safe, and how to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. But with a little planning and patience, you can turn potential worries into teachable moments and spark a genuine love for nature in your little ones.
Preparing kids for their first camping trip means not only covering the basics, but also taking time to explain what the adventure will entail—from where they’ll sleep to what kind of food they’ll be eating and the fun activities planned during the day. Setting clear expectations early on can ease anxiety and help your children feel more confident about stepping into the great outdoors. When they understand what to expect, they’re more likely to embrace the experience and carry that sense of excitement and curiosity into every new adventure that follows.
While many of our tips are designed for toddlers and older children, we understand that preparing kids for their first camping trip looks a bit different when your camper is still in diapers. Infants and babies have unique needs that require extra consideration, especially when it comes to sleep, feeding, and comfort in an outdoor setting. That’s why we’ve put together a separate guide specifically for parents camping with babies, ensuring you feel equipped and confident to take your littlest adventurer into the great outdoors. In that guide, you’ll find tips on everything from setting up a safe and cozy sleep space in a tent to maintaining consistent feeding routines and handling diaper changes in a hygienic way while off the grid. Preparing kids for their first camping trip—no matter their age—means thinking ahead, planning for their specific needs, and creating an experience that’s not only fun, but also safe and stress-free for the entire family.
