No need to be a hero! Camping with kids on your own terms:

Essentials for Family Fun, Comfort and recognizing Neurodiverse Needs

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Look, I get it! Camping is not for everyone, and there are a million ways to do it if you do. Just because you’re going to spend a night or two in the great outdoors does not mean you need to live up to anyone else’s standards of what camping is! The mere fact you are heading out there at all with kids is commendable, so it's VERY important that you make the experience as easy and comfortable for yourself, especially if you are heading out with neurodiverse members of your group who might need a few extra accommodations and preparations to make the transition to the woods easier.

Welcome to the world of camping with kids! While it might seem daunting, especially if you’re not a camping enthusiast, it's an adventure that could become your family's favorite escape. Even if the thought of trading your cozy bed for a sleeping bag makes you shudder, remember that you don’t have to be a hero. Bring all the comforts you need because even the smallest things can be a game changer, turning a potentially challenging experience into a cherished memory.

Why I Got Out of My Own Way

Believe me, I wasn't always a fan of camping. The thought of paying any amount of money to sleep outside felt... well... questionable, to say the least! But watching my kids' eyes light up at the prospect of a wilderness adventure got me moving. I set aside my apprehensions and embraced the call of the wild—for them and for the unexpected joy it brought us all. Who knew that my idea of a fun weekend would evolve from brunching in the city to roasting marshmallows under the stars? And along the way, I learned that a plush pillow from home can make all the difference.

Not a Natural Camper?

If your idea of roughing it involves room service getting delayed, you’re not alone! But even if you aren’t a natural camper, there’s a world of discovery waiting for you. With some preparation and a few creature comforts, you might just find yourself falling in love with the great outdoors. Besides, there's a certain charm in realizing you've forgotten the tent poles after you've driven two hours away from home. (Pro tip: always double-check your gear list!) And if you need to bring your favorite coffee maker to survive the mornings, no judgment here!

The Joy of Camping with Kids

Finding Happiness in the Outdoors

There’s something magical about seeing your kids revel in nature. Their laughter echoes through the woods, transforming every rock into a mountain and every stream into an ocean. Their joy is contagious, making even a humble camping trip feel like a grand escapade. Watching them chase butterflies, you might even find yourself pondering the deep mysteries of life, like how they manage to have so much energy. And while they’re at it, having a comfy camping chair for yourself can make all the difference in enjoying these moments. Speaking of which, these are hands down the best camping chairs we’ve ever owned. My husband, who is known for his ability to break a chair, has not been able to get the best of the GCI Rocker Chair, which was given to us as a gift years ago. We loved it so much we bought a second one. It was also nice when my daughter was a baby, and I was able to rock her by the campfire. While these chairs are a bit of an investment, you won’t be sorry, and they’ll outlast any folding chair by years!

From Drinks to Diaper Bags

Camping as a family means embracing the chaos and beauty of transitioning from packing for two to packing for a troop. Suddenly, marshmallows and diapers become essential items, and your once light backpack becomes a Mary Poppins-style carpet bag. You may even discover new uses for items—like how a diaper can double as an emergency pillow. And don’t forget to pack that extra blanket or your favorite snacks; it’s the little things that keep everyone smiling.

Benefits for Neurodiverse Kids

Sensory Relief

Nature is a calming balm for kids with sensory processing issues. The rustling leaves and gentle breezes offer a soothing remedy to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing them to unwind naturally. Plus, the lack of Wi-Fi is a bonus for everyone seeking a bit of digital detox. Bringing along noise-canceling headphones or a favorite stuffed animal can make the experience even more comforting.

Learning and Exploration

Camping is a treasure trove of learning opportunities. It fuels your child’s curiosity, transforms them into little explorers, and gives them a taste of independence—all while having the time of their lives. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the thrill of discovering that the "roar" you heard in the night was just a raccoon rummaging through your snack stash. So pack a journal or a camera; capturing these moments can enhance the adventure.

Preparing for the Adventure

Choose the Right Campsite

Picking the perfect campsite is like finding the right pumpkin for Halloween—it sets the stage for the entire experience. Look for spots that are a bit secluded for safety and space, but close enough to other campers to share a smile or a s’more. Who knows, you might even meet fellow campers who own a fully stocked first-aid kit when you realize yours is still on the kitchen counter at home.

For me getting a site thats a bit out if the way is ideal, I love having space to ourselves so that I don’t have to stress about my kids waking other people up at the crack of dawn or car traffic constantly passing our site so we can let the kids can run more freely. Bringing along your favorite lantern or a portable speaker can make your evenings even more enjoyable.

Essential Must-Haves

Favorite Foods and Treats

What's a camping trip without treats? Embrace the fun with candy, fresh fruit, and the classic camping treat—s’mores. These goodies turn every snack into a celebration. Remember, calories don’t count in the wilderness! Bringing that special snack that you only have at home can make the wilderness feel a little more like your own backyard. This suggestion can be divisive, but if you’re not on team roast your marshmallow on a dirty stick you found on the ground and deer likely peed on... then these roasting skewers are great for mallows and dogs!

Devices for Downtime

While camping is about unplugging, having devices for a cozy movie night under the stars can add a touch of modern magic to the rustic charm. Just make sure to pack a reliable power source, lest you find yourself performing shadow puppet shows to entertain the kids. Keep your devices charged (and your sanity intact) with a reliable self-charging power block—perfect for those starlit movie nights. Consider the Latimeria Solar Powered Power Block with Flashlight . Additionally, I have recommended these KIDSBAND headphones time and again! The headphones are a super soft headband so younger kids don’t have to try and keep them on their head or earbuds in their ears. My son loves his and likes to wear it around even when it's not connected to a device because I think they’re comfy on his head. Additionally, if you have a sensory seeker who loves to chew on everything (like I do), then you can remove the cord from these headphones and connect via Bluetooth! Win! Because there is no Wi-Fi at the campsite, you’re going to want to try as best as possible to prepare little ones for only downloaded games, movies, and shows on their device.

Comfort is Key

Sleeping well is crucial to enjoying your adventure. Invest in plush air mattresses for dreaming under the stars. We have been using the Intex queen-size mattress for a few years, and it has really held up well on rocky campgrounds and kids who jump all over it. As our family has grown, we invested in a second twin-sized one for our tent as well. These air mattresses are great for camping because they have a built-in pump and will charge from a USB cord to a power block, so you don’t have to worry about having to plug into outlets (since there won’t be any when you’re camping, haha). A snug and versatile tent will be your home away from home; we love a tent that transitions well from chilly spring nights to being more breathable in the summer. This suggestion was a last-minute addition to our car, and my husband looked at me like I was a crazy overpacker when I walked out of our house with a king-size sherpa blanket, but guess who was all snuggled up in it the next few nights??? Hahaha, he sure was. Keep warm and toasty with a luxurious sherpa blanket that feels like a hug—because nothing says “I love you” like a blanket that doubles as a portable hug machine during chilly nights. Bringing along your favorite pillow or a cozy pair of slippers might just be the game changer you need.

Creating a Relaxing Environment

Bug-Free Zones

Nothing squashes a relaxing moment like a persistent mosquito. Set up bug-free zones with repellents and clever netting for stress-free chills under the trees. Or consider starting a new family tradition: swatting contests. The winner gets an extra marshmallow! And if a citronella candle makes you feel more at home, be sure to pack it.

Don’t forget to load up on bug repellent and tick spray to help keep you and your little ones free of the pests. Do regular tick checks and bring a set of tweezers just in case you need to remove any from their hair or body. Sounds gross, I know, and it is! But better to be prepared just in case!

This year I added a new addition to our setup with the Alvantor Screen House Tent, which created a bug-free space we could pull up near the fire or into the middle of a field for the kids to relax while the adults played games. This created a nice containment space for the kiddos to have some downtime and the adults to know exactly where they were and take a break from chasing!

Stay Close to Home

We have been camping on Memorial Day weekend for 10 years straight, the last 4 with kids, and getting our group to meet us at a campground near where we live this year was a game changer for us. Keep your initial camping trips close to home. This way, if you need to make a quick exit (or a marshmallow run!), it's a breeze. Plus, the familiar surroundings can be a comfort if the kids (or you) get a little homesick. Bringing those home comforts, like your favorite throw blanket, can ease the transition at the campground, but for us, when the temps dipped down below 50 at night, it was nice to tuck the kids into their warm beds at night and then head back to the campsite for campfire breakfast! They were excited to get back there the mornings that they woke up at home.

Exploration and Activities

Encourage Exploration

Let your kids lead their own mini-expeditions around the campsite. Whether they're gathering pine cones or tracking an intrepid line of ants, it's all part of building confidence and curiosity. Just remember: every expedition is guaranteed to end with some muddy clothes, so pack extra! And if a small backpack filled with their favorite snacks and toys makes their adventure more enjoyable, bring it along. Again, another reason why sometimes being close to home can be helpful.

Seek Out Kid-Friendly Campgrounds

Find campgrounds that aren't just kid-acceptable, but kid-adorable! Look for ones with playgrounds, pools, or nature trails designed for tiny explorers. A playground can be the ultimate sanity-saver when you need a moment to sit back and enjoy your coffee—preferably before it’s gone cold. And if a nearby ice cream shop makes the trip more fun, add it to your itinerary.

Seasonal Preparations

Weather Considerations

Mother Nature can be a fickle friend, so be prepared. Invest in a tent that suits any climate, and pack raincoats, warm waterproof boots, and hand warmers for those surprise rain showers or chilly nights. Whatever you do, don’t forget the sunscreen! Even the clouds can't stop those UV rays from turning you into a lobster. A portable fan or a favorite sun hat can make sunny days more enjoyable.

The Transformation

What began as a reluctant foray into the wild has become a cherished family tradition. Each trip creates a tapestry of memories, laughter, and stories we'll tell around future campfires. From the time Dad got lost on the way to the bathroom (twice) to the unforgettable moment the kids discovered their first shooting star, each adventure is a chapter in our family's story. And it’s the little comforts we bring that often make these moments even more special.

Get out there!

So there you have it—camping with kids is an adventure that brings families closer, under the warmth of the sun and glow of the stars. Even if you start as a skeptic, you might find these trips to be some of your happiest family memories. Who knew that nature, with its dirt and bugs, could cleanse the soul as effectively as any spa day? So pack your favorite tea or a cozy scarf; sometimes, it’s the small things that change your whole outlook on the trip.

Pack your gear, embrace the adventure, and watch as camping becomes a delightful cornerstone of your family life! And remember, the most essential camping gear is a sense of humor. Without it, you might find yourself trying to cook spaghetti in a rainstorm without a pot. Happy camping!