#Win the Ultimate Camping Kit from Millets
We are so excited about two upcoming family festivals we have planned this summer – Larmer Tree and Camp Bestival.
Camping with kids can be a huge learning curve and our biggest mistake was made on our first year by camping on a hill – never easy especially with a toddler who was at the half crawling, half walking stage.
Camping at a festival is a lot of fun, it isn’t quite as back to nature as a field in the middle of nowhere as there are facilities including toilets, showers, tea / coffee and food outlets close by, although cooking outside can be fun. Check out the best camping grills at https://www.globosurfer.com/best-camping-grills/
Tents are packed in fairly closely, which can mean things can be noisy at times, but it is also a lot of fun – imagine a game of “Bogies” ringing out in the morning as you all get ready to head onto the site and racing down the slope on a skateboard with newly made friends.
It is important that you get a decent camping kit ahead of your trip. You don’t have to spend a fortune and Millets are a great one-stop shop for a camping trip and are offering one lucky reader the chance to win the Ultimate Camping kit, with some of the essential items you need for a camping trip.
Prize includes:
- 1x 4 man Beta 450 Vango tent
- 2x Adult Eurohike Adventure Sleeping Bags
- 2x Youth Eurohike Adventure Sleeping Bags
To Enter:
- Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
- Please read the rules below
- Closing Date: 31st July 2016
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- You need to complete the mandatory entry first – Answer the Question
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- Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via twitter
- Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter form below
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Why not check out Rock n Roll Mum’s competition to win the ultimate camping cooking kit too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Free competitions at ThePrizeFinder
– See more at: http://www.theprizefinder.com/content/win-ultimate-camping-kit-millets#sthash.7pICeyJx.dpuf
Isabel O
Bring lots of entertainment that doesn’t need electricity/chargers. Solar chargers are usually pretty rubbish and anyway camping is about getting away from that stuff isn’t it? Books, outdoor games (like skittles, bats, balls), water pistols, and guides to local kid friendly attractions and walking routes are all great things to take.
Dee
I would recommend taking some interesting games – something which the whole family can get involved in. It will keep the kids busy and happy!
Tracy Nixon
Practice camping at home: If your kids are outdoor newbies, pitch a tent in the backyard or even inside your home. Let them hang out in it and sleep in it so they become comfortable with a new sleeping environment.
Joanne Dodd
Bring shoes/boots that are easy to slip on and off so when a midnight trip to the toilet is needed they don’t spend 10 minutes trying to get fiddly shoes on. Wellies are the best as they protect bare feet from nettles that can be missed in the dark or even hedgehogs(speaking from experience).
Pam Smith
Find a child friendly campsite with plenty of amenities to keep them busy if the weather takes a turn for the worse. One with good loos and showers is always good!
abigail lyes
I always prefer for camping with kids with lots of snacks. Books and activities. A football and for night a hot water bottle!
Elaine Betteridge
We’ve yet to go camping with Elliot so I have no tips…but good facilities are a must for anyone, nice toilets included!
Marion Weir
Always pack rainy day activity packs. We used a tarpaulin on a hilly part of the site and the kids had great fun sliding down it in the rain. We use pieces of wood and rope to set up activity courses and it doesn’t matter about the weather lol
Maria Webster
Get them involved in helping you set up, nothing like the feeling you have accomplished something!
Kerry
Camp near somewhere where the kids can build a den – keeps them busy for hours!
emma walters
the first couple of times we went with more experienced friends who could help out or give us tips/ideas as how to make it easy/enjoyable
Sandra Bald
Take a large umbrella, great in a downpour
Also good for limiting sun exposure
Jessica Riches
Always bring marshmallows and wellies
kim neville
If first time don’t camp too far away from home and plan alternative activities if bad weather
kellyjo walters
I’ve never been with kids tbh.. but I’d pack loads of games and et wipes LOL
laura banks
take lots of outside games to play
Natalie J
Invest in a swing ball set, and also some books, colouring things just incase of bad weather. Have lots of snacks and drinks on hand and a pocket guide for bugs/wildlife etc so they can explore nature and really immerse themselves in the whole ‘off grid’ experience. Nature, muck and bugs is all very exciting stuff for these mini adventurers of mine lol. Above all else enjoy and have fun making memories 🙂
barbara daniels
as the scouts say ‘be prepared’ for anything and any scenario.
stephen lossnitzer
looks awesome and just what me and the kids need
Adam
Think ahead of every eventuality including bad weather, boredom busting things to do and illness. Plan simple meals which are quick an filling.
Helen
Kids+camping=making memories!
Wet wipes and paper and pencils are my top tips!
Paper and pencils- colouring, treasure hunts, hangman, noughts and crosses, paper planes and boats, etc etc
Wet wipes covers all sorts of mess!
CAT CULMER
Take some glow sticks. They offer a reassuring light in the dark and can be lots of fun for little people.
Janice
tire them out as much as possible by keeping them active
Jodie Holyoake
Make a game out of everything, for example make setting up the tent a game so that they find it fun to do!
glenn hutton
Have plenty of fun things to do like books and games for when it is wet…
Paul Wilson
Let the kids help with everything – setting up the tent, getting water etc.
Heidi Craske
Make sure you have plenty of things to entertain them, and that toilets are nearby.
David Paterson
Preparation, lots of things to do sun or rain.
Cherry Edwards
Take their bikes and outside games like rounders or a kite so they can play when ever they want.
Stacey Carnell
Plan activities ahead to avoid bored and unhappy kids 🙂
Paul Towers
A camping toilet in the tent!
Iain Green
Camp out at home first so children know what to expect.
Mark Johnson
Go some where child friendly where they can easily play with other kids.
nashath ullah
Plan everything before going especially all the activities to keep the kids occupied.
angela boucher
My best tip for camping with the kid’s is to try and find a quiet corner in the campsite as this makes it so much easier to get them to sleep at bedtime.
nicola mckenzie
take lots of things to keep them amused, we like to take fishing rods and we camp where there are fishing lakes and we teach our children to fish and they absolutely love it, and when the weather is bad we play board games and card games and spend some really nice family time away from games consoles and ipads etc
Lisa King
Make a list of activities for the kids to do before you leave to go camping.
Wildlife hunting is fab and geocaching is also great for the kids
Annette Oliver
Keep them involved and get them to help setting up the tent etc
Heather Haigh
Take plenty of wet wipes, and some pre-made comfort food that can be easily warmed up. Don’t forget to bring a favourite teddy or toy to sleep with.
Fiona B
Get them to help put up the tent to add to the excitement!
Stephanie Tsang
Go camping somewhere local and bring your child’s favourite teddy.
david rodhouse
Take loads of outdoor games to keep them entertained during the evenings.
Victoria Mylittlel
i would suggest to go open-minded if you have never done this before, maybe even go with those who have done this before, take the most important supplies and embrace the nature
lisa evans
Keep calm, let them help, bring plenty of toys etc or if in doubt leave your husband to get on with pitching the tent whilst you take them exploring and get out of the way!!!!
Mary Heald
Practise first, giving them specific jobs to do.
Natalie Crossan
Take lots of games to play x
Tammy Tudor
lots of planning!
Stephanie Coals
Get them involved in the whole experience so that they get the most out of it – let them experience cooking outdoors and putting the tent up for example.
Susan Hoggett
lots of family games
Sarah Mackay
Take board games with you to keep the kids entertained if it is raining
Inga Andersen
Letting them help putting the tent up and put things away 🙂
Adam Chaloner
Take a deep breath…. Count to ten and take the kids campimg.
Joshua Normanton
Camp somewhere local. 🙂
David Sweet
Try it our locally first
Fiona K
Choose a good family campsite so that there is plenty to do for the youngsters to keep them happy
Phil Darling
Choose a family campsite with great amenities for children
michelle thompson
take plenty of games to keep them entertained plenty of fluids if its hot and music all kids love music
Ann Robinson
Take board games and favouite toys so the kids have something to keep them amused and go to family friendly camp sites so the kids can run around and be kids and play with other kids
Claire Simpson
Plan ahead & bring lots of games & snacks
Rena Plumridge
Camp where there is plenty of safe open space for them to run around
Lorraine Johnson
Make a list of objects & wildlife to find & award points for the 1st person to find each one for a great family game
Joe Johnson
Be prepared for them not sleeping through the night with some extra food treats
Ellie Wood
Teach them bored games or card games before the trip, so that they don’t get bored and lose interested on the trip.
Caroline Bourne
Let them get involved in helping as it will stop them getting bored. Also, baby wipes are essential to clean all those mucky hands and faces!
Ben Audsley
take activities and games in case it rains – it usually does!
Kristy Brown
Cylumes (glow sticks) are ideal for little ones to take to bed with them rather than a large light/torch
Robert Barnes
Take a frisbee and lots of baby wipes!
Spencer Broadley
Good toilets, good night light / torches, and various fun things to do if it rains
Cristin williams
My tip for camping with kids is be organised but go with the flow! Things won’t always go to plan but that’s half the fun
Darren
We make a treasure hunt list of things to find and spot on our trip and then go hunting for them.
john jackson
pitch a tent in the backyard let the kids have fun pratending to be campimg
Fiona Martin
Take lots of fun things to occupy the children and plenty of changes of clothes!
Dean of Little Steps
Sounds like a fab competition! We do need a new tent, or at least new poles, since one of ours broke the last time we camped. So looking forward to camping again this year 🙂
Gavin
Have lots of dry clothes on hand.
joanna
I’m not keen on camping but if we were to go camping I’d make sure I had plenty of games to entertain my son.
tracy james
when camping with kids,i take lots of books and board games i,always take a football aswell.x
Pinkoddy
Don’t expect to get too much sleep!
Jo Carroll
I’d recommend plenty of backgarden camping practice first 😉
Ann M
Don’t stress about mud and muck etc !!! Kids will be rolling in it and having the time of their lives, just sit back and enjoy the great outdoors with a glass or two of wine ! xx
Bob Clark
make sure you spread the work out evenly
Louise Smith
Take an ipad or portable dvd player to watch movies or play games on at night
Robert Campbell
…the secret is is to tire the kids out!!
Francesca - From Pennies to Pounds
Oo I’ve never been camping, but I have been thinking about going with my 4 year old, she would love it! Would love to win this!
Hilda Hazel Wright
Get them involved even if it ends up taking longer. Putting up the tent, getting water or supplies, cooking, washing up…it is all part of the camping experience! It is like making a den!
Lindsey Stuart
Always try to pitch before dark, let the little ones help they will love to be involved!
Always make sure you know where the toilets are and ask your little ones to go to the loo before sleep time,
Make sure your camping sites has plenty adventure routes for during the day! 🙂 Happy Camping.
brenda heads
let the children plan meals and help shop for the food they are more likely to eat what is put in front of them. take plenty of drinks and do not camp too far away from the toilets.
Sarah N
Take board games and toys for them
Matthew P
never been camping :-/
Abigail Aris
Make everything an adventure. They won’t complain of being bored or not enjoying it, if they think its all one big adventure! Such a simple thing to do but it works.
Simon Benson
Take a pre- cooked meal like bolognese that you can heat up quickly for the first nights tea once the tent is up
simone lee
MAKE SURE YOU TAKE PLENTY OF OUTSIDE GAMES AS 90% OF THE TIME IS SPENT OUTSIDE ALSO TAKE LOTS INDOOR GAMES FOR THAT RAINY DAY
Matt McAndrew
My best tip for camping with kids: Reconsider!
Kate Toner
Go somewhere with lots of spaced take the bikes!
darren hay
Take plenty of games and books for those rainy days.
Rita Hutton
Get them to help you set up and after that, just let them have fun.
jason wills
Take them little nets with you so they can either catch butterflies or they can try and catch minnows in the stream
C Kennedy
Bring lots of games (or better, make some up!)
Sandra Henderson
cards!!keeps them amused and lots of goodies to eat.
sarah birkett
give them small responsibilities for the holiday. no matter how small
Rebecca Alderson
Make sure you have plenty of outdoor games to keep them occupied and wear them out!
iain maciver
make it fun
Amy Withnall
Never, ever forget their favourite teddy bear.
Nicola Marshall
Let the kids get involved and take lots of games to keep them entertained!
daniel baugh
Lots and lots of food. Being outdoors makes everybody more hungry than usual
Amanda
Lots of research! Try and camp on a site or area that provide activities on wet days such as indoor pool etc
esther james
Bring warm clothes for the night and books for the tent to keep them occupied if its raining
ali
take flip flops for the showers!
Eve Taylor
Plenty of snacks, fresh water, antihistamine cream in case of bites/stings, comics, torches, sausages, loo roll, dry clothes, socks. What a great prize!
Rob Winkfield
Take an iPad and a solar charger! 🙂
Karl Borowy
prepare well
Laura Harrison
Make sure you take lots of snacks, activities which you can do to keep them entertained if it’s raining (activity books, cards, personal games computers etc) xxx
Lisa Armstrong'
Bring lots of activities to keep them entertained such as a Badminton/Tennis set, Books, colouring books, Football and Puzzles.
Rebecca Nisbet
be prepared, and before you go on a proper camping trip try a night out in the back garden first.
Kathy Cakebread
Never been but I would hope for real toilets nearby so no fields for us!
Lillian Fisher
Take wellies and warm, waterproof clothes, so you can continue with outdoor walks and games if the weather isn’t the best.
Keely
Wet wipes and a solar powered phone charger are my top tips!
Jenni
I’m looking forward to when we start camping with Lucas. From when I was younger I would say the best tip is being near a park area/open space so kids can play without upsetting the none family campers x
Maggie Coates
Take enough torches for you and the kids to have one each
Jemma
Insulate from the ground up and take lots of wine!
Sylvia Paul
Pack plenty of games and snacks to keep them happy.
Joanna Kasznicki
Plenty of books, games and colouring things to do when the weather is miserable. Also bring a couple of extra pillows so they can be comfy
samantha price
finding a child friendly camp site
Hollie
Take lots of big repellant, sun cream and a first aid kit! Also, plan lots of fun games like a treasure hunt or a game spotting / looking for things in nature 🙂
ElizM
Plan lots of fun – fun food, fun games etc
Lorraine Tinsley
Take plenty of wet wipes, a torch and be prepared for the lovely UK weather, wellies and waterproofs just in case
sarah fielding
Plan lots of things to do, so they don’t get bored such as games!
Kathryn Davies
Choose an area with lots to do if it’s wet.
Zoey P
Get them helping in setting up site , and pack / invent plenty of games to keep them occupied
hazel haskayne
make it an adventure and make them feel useful by helping to set up camp, fetching water etc.
Sue McCarthy
I don’t have any children but would love to win this prize to donate to charity, to go to Romania. Would come in useful for people who become homeless due to natural disasters like the landslides they have experienced in the past.
Fashion and Style Police
Bring a lot of entertainment for the kids would be my tip. Lovely giveaway.
Jennifer Haden
Bring plenty of things to do while travelling, like little games and books
Tracy Gladman
Make it fun. Get them involved in every aspect from choosing the tent to deciding where to go.
david cavender
keep them engaged with planning the whole trip
Catherine Okey
Take plenty of games to keep them occupied if it rains.
Nicki Evans
Bring plenty of blankets and wet weather clothes and activities. You can never trust that English summer weather!
Emma Hunt
Make up little wildlife search And find sheets for the little ones to make them more excited about nature. For example, tick when u find a dragonfly, or ladybug etc
Susan Lloyd
Take lots of easy no cook foods x
Anita Hooper
Take old clothes and wellies as you never know what the weather might be like!
laura dove
We haven’t done camping with all four yet but I did camp with our eldest. I would say wrap up warm!!!
Amy Warwick
Making sure there is things to do, activities lined up and plenty of snacks!
maureen findley
allocate tasks to each child so they feel more involved
Catherine Whetton
A large umbrella, wet wipes ( you never know when you have to use them), games ( non electrical) and sun team
Roger Bufton
Have interesting things to do & go to, this will keep then happy.
pete c
give them some responsibility so they feel part of it all
Andy Caldwell
Find a child friendly campsite with plenty of amenities to keep them busy if the weather takes a turn for the worse
clair downham
have a practice run in the back garden first and always take loads to keep the little ones occupied
laura stewart
take home comforts x
Martina Pichova
I they are still little – bring all-in-one waterproofs and wellies (for any age) for rainy days.
Kristyn Harris
Take lots to keep children entertained for if the weather is good or if it is bad
Rachel
Book a B&B ha… seriously that is what I would do, everyone else can camp and I will have a bed x
Jodi hill
Take lots to do! Board games, books, crayons and paper!
kim wallace
take plenty of games for the kids if weather bad
Becky John
As our weather is so unpredictable, take colouring books and pencils, card games and board games so the kids are occupied if it’s pouring down outside!
Paula Readings
Give them fun jobs.
joanne casey
Get them involved with their own packing and help getting everything set up and plenty of games for them to play to stop them getting bored
Angela Treadway
Lots of activities for them to do x
clairejustine
This looks great!!
I’ve never been camping before but I am going to try and enter!!
Best camping tip, ermm take a warm cover for cooler nights!?
david stratford
teaching them bugs aren’t things to be scared off
Kim Styles
take plenty of waterproofs and indoor and outdoor games! collect 2ps and 1ps throughout the year if near arcades for machines to go to on a rainy day
Stevie
Mine is really simple, take forks, fresh water and pot noodles.
Dionne
Make Smores!
jennifer thorpe
take lots of activities for them to do and try to camp in a big open space, they just love running around
Kate Green
We like to highlight the differences to sleeping indoors but encouraging the bambinos to use their senses to hear different noises, smell different bits of nature and watch the stars. Getting closer to nature while enjoying a fun experience
Mary Cooper
Take plenty of Deet insecticide products to prevent bites
Susan Smith
Take plenty with you to keep them amused, we normally take a swing ball and garden games and a couple of board games
lynn savage
make a scavenger hunt bag for each child, this will keep them busy during the holiday, on one side of the bag put pictures of things to collect and on the other side put pictures of things they might see to tick off
Jemma Dwyer
take lots of reading books & games and music
Jessica Howliston
Let them help with setting everything up so they feel involved and don’t get bored! x
Newcastle Family Life
I have never been camping before, I like my home comforts a bit much. It sounds like you are all sorted for camping this summer though xx
Dawn Adams
Keep it simple, take multi purpose items, and although those crocs may not be the best looking footwear, they are the best for slipping on and off going in and out of the tent, showering in and trips to the beach.
Kat Glynn
We always do a test run in the garden at the start of each summer, just to make sure everything is still okay,
Natalie Gillham
Choose a family caravan site and be prepared so take everything you might need x
Leanne Lunn
Go with the flow, enjoy and have fun, just make sure you have plenty of blankets incase it’s cold.
renae
Take some soft mats to sleep on and take wet wipes for everything!
Rich Tyler
Getting them stuck-in so they dont get bored!
Lindsay Taylor
Plenty of outdoor games – balls, rackets, bats, etc and some cards and story books for the night. We enjoy stargazing on nights that are clear.
Alina
Entered! I absolutely love camping and can’t wait to go again 🙂
Alina from The Fairytale Pretty Picture
Ray Dodds
Take lots of games
Stephanie Lear
Buy a children’s nature book and get them to tick off any animal, insect or flower they see x
Emma Gibson
Makes sure there is plenty of things to do.
Helena Phillips
Make them feel safe and secure and that it is a fun treat not a punishment. Camping lanterns that they can use themselves. Security in that they are not too near to the tent opening so that ‘monsters’ can’t get them. Make sure the sleeping bag will really keep them warm during the night.
GEOFF WICKENS
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOT ENOUGH TENT PEGS
Katie Sharman
A night in the garden first and lots of bbc a by wipes
Jemma Beynon
I have never been camping with the kids before but if I get the chance to go camping I would definitely take lots of entertaining games
Laura Todd
Going to a campsite with lots of forest walks and things to do with the kids, even an indoor play area for bad weather, anything to keep them occupied 🙂
adrian price
DONT DO IT—-ITS MURDER
Keshia Esgate
Pack extra dry clothes
Peter Saville
Lots of books!
Beky Austerberry
Take lots of warm clothes and games and activities. Above all else make memories & have fun.
Amanda Dunn
Go with the flow! Just enjoy the outdoors, each othe and dont fuss or worry about the mess or dirt or time
Steve Weaver
Take a small tent for them during the day to play, but make sure you have extra space in your tent when evening comes on 😉
Lilinha
We’ve never been camping before, so unfortunately I don’t have any tips!
http://lilinhaangel.com/
Solange
Pick your camp location wisely. Before kids, my idea of a good campsite was “as remote as possible.” Now, I know that being near a bathroom trumps all, especially at 2am (should you be camping somewhere with bathrooms). I also avoid being along the main roads, I stay away from streams near our site, and try not to back up to any deep woods, which can look irresistible to an exploring toddler unless you’ve got an eye on them at all times.
Sandy Bonesteel
My best tip for camping with a kid or kids is to bring plenty of things for them to do in case they get bored with camping.
Jade Leigh
Foam floor tiles for the tent, I wrote a list of things that could be found in the woods and the kids ticked them off as they found them, I think its wise to have a hand washing station set up. Glow sticks are great (Dont throw them away when u get home, put them in the freezer it gives them a new lease of life!) Last but not least A football@
Good Luck all xx
Rebekah Jones
Make it an adventure and involve them!! take plenty of board and outdoor games … and keep them active in the day so they are tired at night.
paul langley
Try to do something different each day or see different things. Keep it fun. Kids easily get bored with the same thing all the time.
Kali filsell
ort and pack each day of your children’s clothes within individual small plastic grocery bags in his/her suitcase. This way your child can grab a bag in the morning and have a full set of clothes for the day, and at night he/she can stuff the dirty ones back in the bag thus not mixing up the rest of the suitcase. Give each child their own flashlight . Also give each child their own whistle just incase they get lost x
Peter Hall
Be prepared for rain
Donna Caldwell
Make sure your campsite has a little swing park or something to keep the kids entertained. Let them help set things up as well give them a task
Phil O'neill
I always make sure there is lots to do nearby and always make sure my daughters tablet is fully charged incase of bad weather.
Ruth Harwood
Make sure there’s plenty to do in the day so they get tired and sleep well xx
sarah rees
have fun and enjoy it, ensure lots of fun activities are nearby and hope for good weather
Susan B
Let the children take turns at helping you choose the campsite.
janine atkin
have plenty of activities planned
Kimberley Ryan
Make sure the site is family friendly with good facilities. Get the children involved with setting up, and choosing activities.
Clair Dukes
Make it exciting, do not stress and choose a family friendly site!
Sam McKean
Take lots of things to do in all weathers, beach games, top trumps, colouring books, portable dvd players, travel games and plenty of snacks.
Nicola S
When you first arrive find them some “safe” jobs. They’ll feel useful and involved. Take plenty of rainy day stuff too!
Elizabeth Hinds
Take lots of things to occupy them – games, books, snacks, etc. I personally don’t like going down the technology route as for me part of the camping experience is getting away from all that 🙂
Corinne Peat
Make sure you take a night light for when it gets dark so they don’t get too scared.
Juanita Powers
Always remember the baby wipes, they come in handy for all sorts of things.
And always take a smaller tent, set it up close to the entrance to the main tent and have it a a play tent, so the kids can keep there toys and play in there if it rains or use it as a sun shelter for when the sun shines
Natasha Mairs
I have never been camping with the kids but we are hoping to go at the end of August. Just need a tent first, so fingers crossed. But we will be taking loads of snacks for the kids and baby wipes
Melissa Lee
Plenty of spare warm clothing and a lot of food
cathyj
lots of activities
Angela Paull
Take plenty of things to do/games to play and lots of easy to eat foods cos camping cooking always takes longer than you think lol
Amber Rossi
Perfect family weekend – camping !
Kirsteen Mackay
Wear waterproof clothes and take lots of blankets.
Anne Johnston
Get them involved before you go to try and make it as fun as possible for them
Greig spencer
practice at home first, so you know you will like it when it comes to doing the real thing
Chrissie Curtis
Be prepared! Have a practice run at home. Take a small toy tub incase it rains and you need to keep them entertained!
Gemma Chamberlain
Buy them their own torch so they feel extra special if they wake up and need a piddle
Kathleen Lynch
My camping tips are bring a torch, warm clothes for night and have a few games at the ready.
Check everything before you go!
Tiff Jordan
Take a bag of spare cloths, bin bags, wet wipes… My mum always tells the story of how I was sick as a toddler in a tent… Be prepared!!
Judith Allen
I haven’t been camping with small children, my girl was nine when we first went. I would suggest really warm socks and pjs, it can be very cold at night even in the height of summer. And lots of food. Nothing is fun when cold and hungry.
Andy Kadir-Buxton
Use good tent pegs, as they will soon get pulled out with trips on guide ropes.
Amanda Gibson
We do a dummy run with camping for two nights in our garden, we bring the indoors outside, if we can we like to ask the children if they want a friend to come, the more the merrier is far better , and don’t forget a football, a bat and a tennis ball, great games with those 3 items.
Laura Loo
Lots of different activities to do especially for when it rains and a small paddling pool to bath in
Cheryl Price
Bring lots of games to play at night or if bad weather
Henry Little
be prepared for weather changes, and have back up activities should the weather be bad, don’t need to be stuck in a tent with the rain pelting down.
MANDY DOHERTY
Give the kids a job to do, no matter how small and try not to get too stressed
Ms Aideen McElhone Patel
Lots of extra blankets & plenty of water 🙂
Rachel Butterworth
To avoid boredom and tantrums, involve kids in everything from putting the tent up to cooking to deciding on activities.
Darren Freeman
Plenty of games…and things to wash!!
Angela Pagan
Play travel board games and card games – leave all the techy gadgets at home! I was surprised how much my kids loved playing ‘old school’ games – and no mention of minecraft all weekend! Bonus!
Hayley Elvin
Bring lots of games like a rounders set, quiz book, cards, a board game or two and let the kids join in, they love getting stuck into tasks
JULIE WARD
I’ve never been camping with kids, this is for my son and his family
Mike Amis
always take familiar food and drink with you. No point trying to force children to eat anything foreign or unusual
bella smyth
Camping tip is to relax and dont stress the kids will get muckkie to take lots of wet wipes and make a game out of everything, take them a explorers kit (magnifing glass ,notebook, pencil and torch for nighttime exploring )
Nicola Hunter
Remember to bring a waterproof over layer.
Paul Williams
cotton wool to clean cuts and grazes on the kids from playing outside, and for my ears when all the giggling and screaming gets to loud for me…smile
Wendy Smith
Take lots of things to keep kids occupied and lots of changes of dry clothes
Sonia Cash
Chill relax smile laugh and enjoy your time with them and let them use their Outdoor Voices
claire woods
take things for them to do.
Jan Walkden
Have a look at the reviews for campsites before choosing a good one for your family holiday. Bring a ball and/or frisby (outdoor games stuff etc) to enjoy.
Rachel Craig
Remember to make the time entertaining and fun, children love to learn and be helpful. Whilst ensuring they know to stay close to their parents, in order to remain safe.
Michelle o'neill
let them get involved with everything x
Emma Watson
Get them involved! Give them their own jobs to help out and get organised, after all, you’re family and families work together.
Mike Eckersley
PATIENCE!!!!!!
katie w
take wet wipes and plenty of games in case of a turn in the weather
tamalyn roberts
buy them head torches so they can see in the dark, they will love them. makes bathroom trips easier and much more fun lol
Katie Kingsbury
Take as many bin liners/black sacks and wet wipes as you can fit in the car. Oh, and lots of wine 😉 .
Rachel P
We’ve never had a tent so haven’t been able to go camping! But would love to go near the beach for a surfing holiday 😀
Rebecca Howells (@PeanutHog)
Take plenty to keep them entertained – e.g. frisby, pack of cards, ball. Get them involved in the cooking and putting up the tent. Teach them about the wildlife.
Karen Lawrinson
A nature treasure hunt is a great way of keeping them occupied. Give them a list of things to find, e.g. leaves from different trees, flowers or berries, depending on the time of year (keep an eye on little ones to make sure they don’t eat anything they shouldn’t!), various insects, etc.
Mandi
Ensure all foodstuff is kept in plastic containers, I usually take a stacking box with a lid, that way no ant invasion!
Nancy
Research the site – how kid friendly is it – is there a playground
Slip on shoes (crocs or similar) keeps the tent clean
Talk about camping before you go – establish their expectations
Take a swingball
lugworm
Earplugs!
Nicola Tayler
Find something in the car to keep them occupied when putting up the tent. There’s nothing more stressful than trying to erect the tent and stopping the children from running over the tent, or deciding to run off and explore when they are only 5!
Amy Dugdale
Don’t squash them
Sarah
Just got back from camping was brilliant, first time in a trailer tent. My advice is: take warm PJs even in summer! Getting cold is the worst thing.
Emily Downes
We are off to camp Bestival on Thursday until Monday and always pack the below;
* Bubble Wands
* Face paints – Including UV Facepaints!
* Dressing up costumes! This year it’s space so we have made Tutu’s , Jet packs, Googley alien eyes on headbands, Astronaut badges and more!
* Our Pull along cart – With Loads of fairy lights!
* UV glow bands, head bands, bracelets, necklaces, wands
* Glitter Hoop
( Nappies, Wipes, Food, Drink, Suncream!! Wellies, Raincoats, Cheap Festiwear ( Although the tutu’s for £40.00 did catch my eye on one stall last year!)
I have three children .. one aged 5- Who is into everything And would be happy to do anything and everything! Which probably will cost a fortune but He is an active one! Another aged 3 and there quarters (As my daughter likes to say) And a 20 month old turning 18 year old little madam who will most certainly jump in wet muddy puddles if it rains, Or dance and prance to MR TUMBLE on Saturday morning!…
Our best buy was a £20.00 Halfords fold away table that seats four! The table folds out into a big table with four seats, and folds back into a compact light weight case!
leanne weir
make sure the ground is nice and open for them to run about
Andrew Hindley
Bring toys and books from home and Extra bedding
Sarah Brokenshire
Play lots of games xxx
Kat Allinson
Take a few toys and books, but most importantly relax and accept that things never happen the same as they do at home
Susan Trubey
I haven’t been camping with children.
Caroline Cordery
Go with friends is my best tip- adults to help each other, kids to play with each other
Mrs S W Lee
Bring wellies, it’s bound to rain at some point with the british weather, and there’s nothing worse than wet and muddy socks!
beverley thwaites
Make it an adventure!
Emily Clark
Let them go wild and run around before bed – tire them out so they can’t complain about being cold!
donna l jones
a campsite that has loads for the children to do
James Gavin
Let them get messy and dirty, Don’t stress out
Maureen Mallea
Camp in the garden first/let them help put up the tent (should do this anyway to check everything is OK)
Sara Friend
Take various boardgames and cards for when/if the weather turns cold and wet
Sheri Darby
Getting them involved in everything from pitching the tent to cooking
Rebecca Roberts
Let them help involve them but keeping it fun
Caroline Blaza
Camp near woods or somewhere they can get out and explore.
jen s morgan
Get them to write a list of things they want to do whilst camping helping put up tent. Having toasted marshmallows etc really keeps them from getting bored x
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
Let them help on chores and task! This will teach them to do things by themselves eventually and you dont have to worry where they are when your are doing chores as they are with you!
Richard Johnson
DON’T
Kate
I haven’t been camping much, but when I have I’ve definitely relied on plenty of entertainment and food! It keeps everyone happy and busy.
Great giveaway. Thank you.
elaine stokes
let them help do everything… from making the shopping list to putting the tent up, also make sure you take plenty of wet wipes
Tean Porteus
Take a short trip first to see how you all get on in a confined space!
Kerry Brown
Lots of games and get the kids involved in helping
Keith Hunt
A little solar light so they can find tent in the dark.
Kelly Goodall
Make a checklist of different leaves, bugs etc. Go hunting
SOPHIE B
Before going camping with kids always prepare a plan for wet & dry activities.
Kerry Smith
I have honestly never been camping in my life but I’d love to try it
Clare B
The beach near us in West Wales called Penbryn
Rebecca Phillips
I don’t have any as I’ve never been yet! My other half is eager for us to camp as a family though.
jo liddement
Lots of things to play outdoors and some card games in case it rains
Matt Baker
Plenty of dry clothes!
Lou Green
Take lots of outdoor games to entertain them, and if you are able take their bikes
Paula Phillips
Take plenty of things to keep them amused, toys for playing outside and inside if the weathers not so good. If it’s going to be their first time camping put the tent up in the garden first to show them what to expect.
Jacqui Kean
Take lots and lots of clothes pegs…peg towels/clothes to hanging line, peg drawing paper to table, making a den in the trees with pegs, makes a great game of running around and pegging each other
kirsty szekeres
Board games for rainy days
A.E. ADKINS
Tether them down! Seriously though set roaming boundaries but allow independent exploration (as long as you can see or hear them)
cara-jane Hunter
take water wipes
Raphael Patrice
Take food you know they will enjoy
Kate Knight
Have a camp fire and toast marshmallows
Maria Clarke
take the bikes or scooters and if room a paddling pool
Chris Fletcher
Before we went on a proper camp – we had a little adventure in the garden! It helped them get used to camping over night without the dramas!
Robert Price
Organise plenty of things to do
michelle hamilton
have a umbrella, wellies,
Mary Fuller
Comfy clothes and footwear that are easy to out on (no fiddly buttons or anything that can get caught), keep anything not yet worn in waterproof bags & dirty clothing farange away. Lots of easy seal containers to avoid creepy crawlies. Pack of cards, colouring books and travel games to avoid boredom, & wildlife/bird books so they can find anything they see.
Emily Hutchinson
Have a practice setting up the tent before you go so they know what is involved and can help out
Mary Baldwin
Make sure you have a tent big enough – there’s nothing worse, especially if it’s raining and you’re all on top of each other.
Amy Skinner
Take some indoor activities like puzzles and board games in case it rains
sharon martin
plenty of activities and make them feel involved in setting up and helping out
Sally Hay
Outdoor crafts such as art with fallen leaves and scavenger hunts.
Emma Hart
Definitely get them involved, let them help to fetch water and hammer in tent pegs etc.
sandy ralph
get them involved from the start by helping to put up the tent, get them helping collect wood etc even get them helping to cook so they can enjoy it too and not see it all as chores
Clare Munden
Take baby wipes, they come in handy for everything!
June Morrice
Lots of games in case it rains
Ken shuttlewood
Bring lots of games, but don’t forget to bring a tablet with downloaded cartoons and shows to play when it is raining.
Marie Rule
Play lots of interesting games which get them involved in nature.
lia sturman
take old clothes then they can be binned after they have been used
Helen
Don’t – leave them with grandma
olivia Kirby
I am not sure as I’ve never been with the kids – hoping to change that and win this! I guess having a practice run in Grandma’s garden is a good idea.
louise gazeley
Take some I-Spy kind of books with you everywhere !!
richell
Make sure you have some activities for rainy days and take a little hoover you can plug into car to charge for all those little crumbs – don’t want ants in the tent!
Rachel McMillan
Good family friendly campsite
Lauren Tourle
bring lots of activities such as colouring books, blank paper, pencils, pens. things they can record what they have been doing with 🙂
Paul
Take something warm to wear at night. It gets much colder than you would think when you are sleeping in a tent. There is nothing worse than being cold!
Tasha Hamilton
Bring plenty of things to entertain the whole family, board games are always good
sue mcdermott
get them doing the washing up, it’s an adventure when you’re camping!
Dale Dow
give them as much responsibility as possible, kids love it when they feel they are in control
Tanya Vincent
Bring crocs for them to wear, extra layers for warmth at night… and enjoy!!
Adrian Bold
Lots of games or reading material in case it rains!
Jessica Hutton
Bring lots of games or craft things incase it rains xx
Gemma Holland
Pack plenty of food & drink. All of that fresh air makes for hungry & thirsty kids
Eve Burke
Get them involved in the set up of your tent or take them off to the shops and leave your partner to set up – that’s what I do!!!
Rachael Mccadden
pack stuff to keep them entertained
Tressa Herriott
Wet wipes are your friend but the most important advice would be enjoy yourself and make great memories !!!
Andrea Johnson
Go with some friends who have been before to help out if it’s your first time. Take games you can play that don’t need electricity
Robyn Clarke
Take a few “creature comforts” to make it feel a little more homely.
Wendy Collard
get a second tent and park opposite sides of the field! 😉
alice lightning
make sure they are involved from the beginning and keep themhelping throuout so they feel the enjoyment too have books and thing they can explore the surroundings with to get the nature feel kept going
Jill Fairbanks
Match up some nature books and really get them involved in setting up and finding things around them
Diana
Making sure that there are lots of activities around 🙂
Tracy Read
Choose a campsite with amenities
carol boffey
Find a place with toilets
kim wallace
plenty of games and things to do if the weather is bad
emma asante
extra clothes especially if there is a chance of getting wet and muddy and some good board games 🙂
Leslie Evans
A tent for the children and a tent for the adults.
Max yorke
Take lots of wet wipes and changes of shoes and clothing
Susan Ocock
take plenty of things to do and make sure you camp in a place where they can explore safely
Jacqueline Roberts
Take hats and socks nothing worse than getting cold at night for your kiddies.
Mike Gerrie
Go somewhere where there are plenty of activities for them to tire them out for easier sleeping at bedtime
Nancy Bradford
Do a lot of home baking beforehand and bring lots of snacks in tupperware. Choose a location with the fact that you the more time you spend with your family at the campground, the less money you will have to spend off site looking for things to entertain the kids. For instance, choose a campsite with play areas that relate to your children’s ages, pool, games room, etc. or nature nearby for walks as a family.
Juliet Kavanagh
Lots of wet wipes and plenty to do!
jill dean
It’s a good idea to take a small cricket bat or rounders bat and ball to play team games with, and you can make new friends by inviting other campers to join you if you wish.
Heather hawley
Extra bedding and wellies
liz ferguson
Make sure that the kids sleeping area is comfy, warm and dry with their fluffy pillows, cosy duvets (it can get cool on nights), and lots of fun indoor activities for nights, as they maybe a bit restless, and will benefit from entertainment xx
Allan Fullarton
Always bring marshmallows & Wet wipes.
Angela Dowling
Board games around a camp fire with toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Amy Lambert
Always make sure you pack the night before so you always take everything you need! And always bring some form of entertainment
Hayley Todd
I always make sure we have plenty of wet wipes, plenty of lanterns (both battery and solar) and definitely lots of activities, from colouring and puzzle books incase of wet weather and for the evenings, and hanging around whilst they are waiting for their meals etc, and lots of outdoor fun toys, like all-weather swingball!
Cassandra Mayers
Plan Plan plan, Children dont like to keep still so plan loads of activities.
David Crabb
Make everything fun and tell spooky stories by torchlight at night!
Tom Morrison
Kids get bored easy so make sure you bring plenty of stuff to keep them entertained like colouring books, games and portable telly or dvd player especially if it rains.
Dan Lancaster-Holmes
Get them involved in helping you set up, nothing like the feeling you have accomplished something!
suzanna gentle
Lots of running around, field games etc to tire them out so they aren’t up all night.
Laura Pritchard
Don’t sweat the small stuff, like mud in the tent – you just have to let it go as it’s impossible to fight!
Dawn Hull
Make sure you take some games / colouring in books to keep them amused if the weather isn’t good.
Suzanne Brown
Plenty of games, snacks, books and colouring!
Amy Jane Beckett
Give them role and jobs to help put the tent up
Erica Price
Make sure your beds are comfortable
Gem Cook
When camping for the first time with your kids, make sure you are less then 20 minutes from your home. Our little boy was really freaked by the darkness. Thankfully we were close enough to hop in the car and spend the rest of the night safely in our home.
lindsey graty
Bring lots of outdoor playing games keeps them entertained for hours we take a football, cricket set, swing ball, boules, and a couple of scooters.
George Williamson
Hitch up near to home in the first couple of nights and take plenty of games.
Alison
Take card games and other games and don’t forget your torch
Lucy Chester
We always take games for outside such as footballs, bowling and cricket and then we take cards and board games for when it is raining or for the car journey
Sarah Cooper
Pack handheld fans in case they get too hot.
Teresa sheldon
We get the kids involved in putting up tents, cooking they love it and I would suggest always make sure every child has their own torch near them at night
Isabelle Smith
toys and games from home xx
Claire Nelson
Make sure you have plans for every type of weather.
Simone Kilshaw
keep them active and involved. as much as possible.so many great memories can be made camping and they can learn alot.
vicky collins
My girls love to help me cook especially when we r camping… there favourite for the camp fire is wrapping bananas, chocolate buttons and Marshmallows in foil then serving them with Custard
Kelly Ellen Hirst
Let them take a come comfort with them so they settle down better. A teddy or their regular pillow from home are good ideas
Stuart Dunlop
Always find a site that will keep the kids amused. Like a river, beach or woods.
Philip Underwood
Always pack plenty of treats and marshmallows to eat around a campfire. S’mores are great to make while camping and they keep the kids happy!
Laura Nice
Always plan for rain! Games, clothes etc. Because stuck in a tent with nothing to do while its rain can ruin a holiday unless your prepared
jackie rushton
Prepare a nature hunt with different animals/birds to spot to keep kids engaged
John Tunnicliffe
Practice in the garden first. Take a well stocked first aid kit with paracetamol and blister plasters.
Emma
Plan plenty of activities to prevent boredom setting in
Tammy Westrup
Make sure there are decent toilets and showers. Be prepared with activities for all weathers
Claire fawkner
I find wine helps ????????
Herbert Appleby
be prepared for insects stings and small accidents with plasters, TCP, and insect repelent
Jemma
Colouring books and crayons!! take it back to basics 🙂
sallyann Johnston
A pair of wellies & waterproofs! They can play in the rain they will love it x
Tamsin Dean
bring extra sleeping bags/pillows as kids can get uncomfy/cold at night
Zoe Trelfa-porter
I would recommend being prepared for ever eventually.
Make sure you have your wellies and waterproofs with you and plenty of baby wipes. Take some outdoor games as well as indoor games as if it’s really raining they can have something to do in the tent X
Darren Collins
Plan ahead weather wise and be prepared for anything and not forgetting fun fun fun
Louise Crocker
Pop your tent close to a loo, if there is one available, if there isn’t, a bucket is a good idea for a midnight loo run.
Kirsty Elliott
Plenty of activities, ball games, etc and activity books
Jamie Millard
makes sure you have enough entertainment – plan for wet weather too
stephen smith
leave them a way to get in the house incase things go wrong
Oksana Fitzgerald
take lots of outside games to play
Alisa moore
Get them involved in setting up the camp
Victoria Prince
Take plenty of “old fashioned” games such as balls, cards..etc to keep them occupied!
Michelle Cheeseman
Take lots of carrier bags to put wet, muddy clothes and shoes in. Take lots of snacks and things to keep the kids busy on a rainy day.
George Wright
Plan lots of activities for wet and dry weather before you go!
Lucy Irving
bring plenty to do
Marcel
This is a great list for any new beginner. Thanks for putting the time in to create it.