{"id":186719,"date":"2023-03-08T15:15:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T23:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=186719"},"modified":"2023-03-30T12:18:03","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T19:18:03","slug":"perfect-kids-camping-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/perfect-kids-camping-kit","title":{"rendered":"The Perfect Kit: Camping with Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When I want time away from screens and busy schedules, I bring my kiddos car camping. My two little ones are 4 and 6 years old, but we\u2019ve braved the great outdoors since the newborn phase; it\u2019s an opportunity to bond over board games, debate the best way to roast a s\u2019more and unwind without technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the right packing list, outdoor stays can be the perfect recharge for the entire family (here are some tips for camping with kids<\/a>). Below, you\u2019ll find gear for kid-friendly overnights, from snuggle-ready sleeping bags to giggle-inducing games approved by my own little campers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ENO DoubleNest Hammock<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At camp, our two hammocks go up first. If your littles are like mine, they can use these slings to enjoy imaginary play as the grown-ups pitch tents. These hammocks from ENO<\/a> become swaying pirate ships (or sometimes a race car), entertaining them for hours. At night, I\u2019ve used them to rock babies to sleep. The breathable fabric dries fast, so it\u2019s a smooth transition bringing these into the tent even after a shower. (Just make sure to wipe off<\/a> the day\u2019s dirt first.) With its easy setup, generous dimensions and comfort, the DoubleNest is also an REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Award winner<\/a>. Pro tip: I highly recommend hanging one hammock above the other for the ultimate hammock bunk bed setup. $84.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rite in the Rain Outdoor Journal – Large<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For your budding artist or just for weatherproof doodling on a rainy camp day, these outdoor journals from Rite in the Rain<\/a> offer both a creative outlet and outdoor education opportunities. We love using these to draw what we see, make lists of critters we encounter and enjoy rounds of tic-tac-toe while cozied up in the tent. Use a pen or pencil without worrying about lead or ink bleeding on the page. A yellow cover makes this notebook easy to spot if your mini camper misplaces it on the trail. $10.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern: Outdoor 2.0<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, we inflate these MPOWERD<\/a> Luci inflatable solar lanterns. Then, we have a dance party. These lanterns offer unbelievable entertainment and excitement\u2014we use them to make shadow puppets on tent walls and to illuminate board games. Plus, these rechargeable lights are small and light enough (1-inch thick when collapsed; 4.4 ounces) that kids can carry their own. The high-efficiency solar panel is clutch because my kids routinely burn through batteries by forgetting to turn off their gadgets. Added perk: Attach the lantern strap on those tiny wrists to turn midnight trips to the campsite bathroom into a bona fide rave\u2014no matter the hour. $29.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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KEEN Newport H2 Sandals – Toddlers’<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Camping near a water source is more than just a fun opportunity to teach water-treatment<\/a> skills (we love our Platypus GravityWorks<\/a> filter). For us, water proximity is a campsite prerequisite. Splashing in the stream or going for an adult-supervised swim is childhood glory\u2014and keeping those little feet covered is crucial. My kids also love to intertwine bark, twigs and leaves to make slipshod sailboats. They race them down streams, across ponds and even through murky puddles. The KEEN<\/a> toe bumpers keep their piggies safe from pondside brush and jagged river rocks, and the secure fit and structure make hikes down to the water safer. When you return home, just pop these kicks in the washer for a quick clean. They\u2019ll be ready for school on Monday. $59.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plant.id Phone App<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The only screen time I allow on our camping trips is the Plant.id<\/a> app. My kids use it to learn a thing or two about the flora in the places we explore. They love taking turns scanning each plant (even weeds) to identify them: The app has entries on more than 12,000 plant taxa, including trees and flowers. Sometimes we take turns guessing the plant\u2019s name based on its physical features. Our favorite flower name so far: dotted blazing star (Liatris punctata<\/em>). The app saves each plant search, so you can even review your campsite finds again at home. $30 annually<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Camp Chef Everest 2X High-Pressure Stove<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We like to get creative over the camp stove and try out fun recipes we\u2019re too busy to take on at home (this cookbook<\/a> is one of our favorites for meal inspiration.) We also love morning pancakes. This stove from Camp Chef provides the even heat and stability needed to make cooking them a breeze. Wilderness-shaped pancakes are always a hit for my kids. Our favorites: the evergreen tree, the cloud and the bear face. Throw in foraged berries for a little sweetness. Thanks to a three-sided windscreen, we can use the Camp Chef<\/a> stove even on blustery days. $190<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although you may think \u201cdouble sleeping bag\u201d is code for wilderness romance, we actually use the double for co-sleeping. The Jazz 30 from NEMO<\/a> provides enough snuggle space for a grown-up and one to two little kids. The quilted layer, built-in bedsheet and featherbed-style bottom offer that at-home familiarity, while the zipper pulls on each side help us customize our sleep temps. My clammy toddler can vent while my bigger kid insulates. I volunteer as the cuddler between the two, and my partner gets a great night of sleep in his own Big Agnes Torchlight 20 Sleeping Bag (Long)<\/a>. $349.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Sleeping Bag – Kids’<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the older or independent child, having their own sleeping bag is crucial. The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 comes in vibrant colors, and the kids stay toasty all night thanks to the bag\u2019s polyester shell and synthetic insulation. (That means well-rested, happy campers for me in the morning). My daughter\u2019s little face doesn\u2019t peep out of her bright coral bag until well after I\u2019ve downed a cup or two of coffee<\/a> in peace. $69.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The North Face Wawona 8 Tent<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our tent serves as a playground, a fort and, occasionally, a battlefield, so it\u2019s important that our tent is spacious. The Wawona 8 by The North Face<\/a> delivers. We (adults) can stand comfortably inside its dome and even fit a of couple chairs in the generous vestibule. It offers plenty of room for my husband, two kids and me. The ample space also adds to the imaginative possibilities. For instance, my daughter performs her full dance routine in our headlamp spotlights. We\u2019ve even pulled off a few rounds of duck, duck, goose. Should the weather turn, you can anchor the tent with the external guylines (included) and use the vestibule for stripping muddy layers or drying gear. $699<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp – Kids’<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Young ones like my daughter often fear the dark, but this headlamp from Black Diamond<\/a> has removed that problem in our years of camping. I\u2019d argue the darkness of her own bedroom is the bigger problem\u2014maybe we should start using the headlamp at home too. Once night falls at our campsite, my daughter reads her latest fairytale storybook with the blue headlamp positioned in the center of her small forehead. Eventually, her eyelids drift closed and the book falls limp on her chest. If your little one drifts off reading like mine does, don\u2019t worry\u2014the headlamp powers off after two hours to avoid accidental battery drain. $29.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rolla Roaster Marshmallow and Hot Dog Roasting Forks – Pair<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The grand finale of a day outside: gooey, chocolaty s\u2019mores and the age-old debate of whether charred, black marshmallows are better than soft, golden ones. These forks extend 42 inches, so your littles can roast their \u2019mallows while maintaining a good distance from the fire. A knob on the handle allows them to rotate the fork for even roasting (or charring). Also, pack toothbrushes<\/a>. Gooey marshmallows late at night on summer camping trips can equal cavities. $17<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mountaineers Books Campfire Stories Deck\u2014For Kids!<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once it\u2019s dark, it\u2019s time to settle in for story time. The campfire lights flicker on chubby, chocolate-coated cheeks. We take turns drawing cards from the Mountaineers Books Campfire Stories Deck to inspire our wild, creative tales. Kids can select from different types of cards and prompts to create their stories. A \u201cshy moose\u201d card paired with the \u201cgoes fishing but catches something else\u201d card puts my 4-year-old in a fit of laughter. The \u201cnaughty opossum\u201d creature card is a crowd favorite (and cautionary tale) because this bad boy doesn\u2019t pack The Ten Essentials<\/a><\/u>, and he leaves litter at his campsite. Best thing about this game: no spooky-story nightmares. These cards keep our evenings fun and light. $14.95<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When I want time away from screens and busy schedules, I bring my kiddos car camping. My two little ones are 4 and 6 years old, but we\u2019ve braved the great outdoors since the newborn phase; it\u2019s an opportunity to bond over board games, debate the best way to roast a s\u2019more and unwind without […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14208,"featured_media":187070,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[588,724,1044,1951],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-186719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camp","tag-camping","tag-gear","tag-kids","tag-the-perfect-kit"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/camp\/perfect-kids-camping-kit","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"The Perfect Kit: Camping with Kids","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/perfect-kids-camping-kit","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/perfect-kids-camping-kit"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Wells_030819_4601.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Wells_030819_4601.jpg?fit=6190%2C4127"},"articleSection":"Camp","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Sarah Grothjan"}],"creator":["Sarah Grothjan"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["camping","gear","kids","the perfect kit"],"dateCreated":"2023-03-08T23:15:00Z","datePublished":"2023-03-08T23:15:00Z","dateModified":"2023-03-30T19:18:03Z"},"rendered":"