17 Genius Kid-Friendly Camping Hacks Every Parent Needs to Know!
Today, I’m sharing my 17 favorite kid-friendly camping hacks that I swear by. Coming up with creative ways to make outdoor adventures more fun (and a little easier!) has become something I look forward to every summer.
Over the years, I’ve tried everything—DIY lanterns, pre-packed campfire meals, simple scavenger hunts, and even glow stick ring toss. There is A LOT to love in this list. I pulled together the most genius tricks I’ve used or come across in the past few seasons!
Camping in the summer and early fall has always been my favorite kind of getaway. By mid-July, I’m itching to pitch a tent, fire up the s’mores, and get the kids running around outside. This time of year through early October really is the best time to sneak in those cozy, memory-filled camp weekends.
My favorite thing to do before any trip is to prep a few activities or little surprises for the kids that I know will keep them happy—and me a little more sane. We get to be creative this way!
Of course, I gravitate toward hacks that are simple but pack a big punch. I’m talking marshmallow-stuffed cones, no-spill drink stations, easy hand-washing stations, and flashlight shadow puppets (which have saved more than one evening from turning into chaos).
Because I’ve loved putting together these ideas so much, I figured we could all use a post dedicated to just the best kid-friendly camping hacks. Below, I shared my top 17 that have worked like magic. There are so many good ones on this list!
Which one is your favorite, and which are you most excited to try on your next trip?
Would you be interested in a list of fall camping meals too? I’ve got so many ideas I’d love to share—just let me know!
17 Genius Kid-Friendly Camping Hacks Every Parent Needs to Know!
- Glow Stick Bracelets
Use glow stick bracelets or necklaces to keep track of kids at night—it’s fun for them and makes nighttime safer. - DIY Handwashing Station
Bring a large water jug with a spout, soap, and a towel on a hook. It makes washing hands quick and easy at the campsite. - Pre-Made Snack Packs
Pack individual bags of trail mix, fruits, and crackers. It reduces mess and keeps kids satisfied between meals. - Scavenger Hunt Cards
Print simple nature scavenger hunt cards for them to explore safely and stay entertained for hours. - Glow-in-the-Dark Tent Markers
Attach glow sticks or reflective tape to tent zippers to help kids find their way back to the tent at night. - Campfire Cones
Let kids fill waffle cones with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and fruit—wrap in foil and heat over the fire. - Pack a Play Tent
Set up a mini play tent filled with books, toys, and coloring supplies to give them a cozy hangout spot. - Use a Plastic Bin Shoe Organizer
Hang one on a tree or tent pole for holding snacks, sunscreen, flashlights, and small toys in one easy-to-reach spot. - Nature Journal
Give each child a notebook and crayons to draw what they see—leaves, bugs, animals, and more! - Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Bring extendable roasting sticks so kids don’t get too close to the fire while making s’mores. - Mini First Aid Kit
Pack a kid-sized first aid kit with band-aids featuring fun designs, antiseptic wipes, and bug bite relief. - Ziplock Bag Clothes Organization
Pack each day’s outfit in a labeled ziplock bag. It keeps clothes dry and makes morning routines easier. - Foam Floor Tiles in Tent
Line the inside of your tent with interlocking foam tiles to create a soft, warm, and comfy floor for kids. - Glow Stick Ring Toss
Create a fun nighttime game by sticking glow sticks in the ground and tossing glow bracelets as rings. - Bug-Repellent Bracelets
Let kids wear natural mosquito repellent bracelets so they stay protected without sticky sprays. - Camping Activity Binder
Fill a binder with printable games, coloring pages, and puzzles to keep them entertained during downtime. - Frozen Juice Boxes as Ice Packs
Freeze juice boxes to use as ice packs in the cooler—they’ll thaw by lunch and double as a refreshing drink.
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