Depending on which state you’re in, school holidays are either here or just around the corner – and families right across Australia are hitting the road for camping adventures. Camping with kids can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your holidays – fresh air, wide-open spaces, and memories that will last a lifetime. But it also comes with its own set of challenges. A little planning and a few clever tricks can make the difference between chaos and a KickAss trip.
1. Choose a Family-Friendly Campground
Not all campsites are created equal. Look for spots with flat areas for tents, safe swimming zones, toilets close by, and even kid-friendly extras like playgrounds or walking tracks. If you’re heading off-grid, make sure you’ve got the right power and water setup to keep everyone comfortable.
2. Keep Meals Simple (But Fun)
Kids and gourmet cooking don’t always mix, so focus on easy meals that don’t require a million ingredients. Think jaffles, sausages on the BBQ, pasta, and wraps. Involve the kids – they’ll love helping toast marshmallows, flipping pancakes, or frying up a storm on the KickAss Electric BBQ.
3. Pack Smart and Organised
Overpacking is tempting, but it just creates more clutter. Use storage tubs or organisers so you can grab what you need without tearing your campsite apart. A few essentials for camping with kids include:
- First aid kit stocked with bandaids, antiseptic and kids’ pain relief.
- Extra clothes (because they’ll get messy – and wet).
- Head torches or glow sticks so they can move around safely at night.
4. Entertainment Beyond Screens
Camping is the perfect time to cut back on devices and get the kids outdoors. Pack some classics: cricket set, frisbee, cards, board games, or a scavenger hunt list for the bush. For downtime, a projector like the KickAss Outdoor Cinema Projector turns your camp into an open-air theatre under the stars.
5. Stick to a Loose Routine
Kids thrive on routine, even on holidays. Try to keep mealtimes and bedtimes roughly consistent. A little predictability makes the trip smoother for everyone – and means the adults still get some chill-out time around the fire once the kids are tucked into their sleeping bags.
6. Make Camp Setup a Family Job
Turn pitching tents, rolling out swags, or setting up the camp kitchen into a family activity. Kids love having a role to play – whether it’s hammering in pegs or inflating mattresses (hot tip: the KickAss Jet Blower Fan Pro makes this particular job extra fun). The more ownership they feel, the more they’ll enjoy the experience.
7. Prepare for the Elements
Australian weather can be unpredictable. Pack for heat, chill, and rain. Shade awnings, sunblock, mozzie repellent, rain jackets and warm jumpers should all make the list. Nothing spoils a trip faster than sunburn or shivering kids.
Final Word
Camping with kids isn’t always smooth sailing, but with the right setup, a bit of organisation, and a sense of humour, you’ll create unforgettable family adventures. Invest in reliable 12V gear, keep things simple, and embrace the chaos – because those are the stories the kids will remember forever.