Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Family camping trips get a lot easier with these 4 items 

A weekend in the woods is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors and bond around a campfire. But when it comes to packing, some parents may be wondering what gear for family camping trips is needed. Camping life is meant to be a bit simpler but not uncomfortable. We’ve put together a list of some of the best camping gear that will make your next trip more relaxing, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Drifting off to dreamland under the stars 

Sleeping out under a blanket of stars, with nothing but the sounds of nature, can be a very relaxing and comforting way to be lulled into a deep sleep. This four-to-six-person tent from Ayamaya is perfect for families looking for that lull, and to relax and unwind.

In addition to its front and rear door, this tent is also equipped with four ventilation windows, perfect to catch a cool spring or summer breeze. Furthermore, it is an instant tent. This means you can simply open the carrying case and toss the tent, allowing it to open instantly. Afterward, all you need to do is anchor the tent to the ground and tie it down firmly. If that isn’t reason enough to pack up your family and hit the road, we don’t know what else is!

Shed a little light on the situation 

Having a light source while in the woods is an absolute must when it comes to packing essential items. After the sun goes down, it’s important to have a way to see in the darkness, especially for families with children. Whether it’s for your tent or other necessary tasks, a bright and long-lasting light is highly valuable. This lantern/ceiling-fan combination from Odoland is ideal for warm summer days and nights to keep you cool, while also keeping the air circulating. The constant air movement is especially helpful to keep bugs from landing — like those pesky mosquitos! This light/fan requires two D size batteries for 37 hours of continuous LED light, 20 hours of high fan speed, and 15 hours of low fan speed.

Always be prepared 

Losing precious things is never easy. That’s why helping your children feel safe while camping is just as important as purchasing tents, lanterns, emergency kits, and food. Having an extra line of defense against wandering minds and bodies is a wonderful insurance policy parents can utilize while building lasting memories in the great outdoors. These emergency whistles are perfect for nervous kiddos — and nervous parents — about their time outside. Constructed from lightweight plastic, these emergency whistles from Outdoor Life Adventures are affixed to an equally lightweight, nylon lanyard to prevent them from being lost or forgotten. Additionally, and most importantly, this whistle can be heard from up to a mile away.

Relax and recharge

Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are part of our everyday lives, even in the woods. While there are plenty of folks who enjoy electronic-free weekends or time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, others enjoy having their devices with them while sleeping under the stars. Whether it be to take photographs or videos, or simply catch the score of the game, you want your device to be ready when you are. That’s where the LuminAID PackLite 2-in-1 charging station and lantern come into play. This compact, lightweight, collapsible, and rechargeable solar-charging station is perfect for a family’s needs while roughing it between the trees. The station’s built-in solar panel allows it to recharge during the day while also charging devices.

If you and your family are looking into what to bring on a camping trip, we hope to have pointed you in the right direction — or have at least got the ball rolling on important items you will need. Every family dynamic is different, and not all families travel or pack the same. Nor do all families feel the need to bring the same kind of items with them while kicking it in the sticks. If you are struggling to find the gear you need and our list hasn’t satisfied your searches, then we’d like to suggest thinking about the most important four or five items your family would want or need in a crisis, then build from there. After all, necessity is the mother of invention!

Editors' Recommendations

Emily Pidgeon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Emily's work has appeared in the Tube City Almanac, Tube City Online and our Affinity Sites. When she's not writing, she is…
5 amazing Father’s Day activities every dad will want to do
Need an idea for Dad's Day? Try one of these cool Father's Day activities
Little girl and her dad celebrating

Father's Day might not drive up flower sales or be as huge a brunch draw to area restaurants for brunch like Mother's Day, but the day is a special commemoration as kids young and young at heart take the time to celebrate their dad. Instead of a tie or breakfast in bed to mark Father's Day, how about an activity that gets your dad out and doing something he loves?

There are a lot of cool Father's Day activities that can be a lot of fun for the whole family or just one-on-one with Dad for teens and grown kids. If you're looking for exciting things to do on Dad's Day, we've got some awesome ideas.

Read more
Why your teen should get a summer job right now
Benefits of summer jobs for teens and some employment ideas
Newspaper advertising summer jobs for teens

Summertime is right around the corner. It won't take long before your teenager is bored, moody, unmotivated, and dare we say, a tad bit lazy. On the other side of the coin, perhaps your teen is the too-cool-for-summer type who wants to socialize all day, every day, heading to the mall, beach, pool, or with friends until it's curfew time.

Certainly, the summer is your adolescent's chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some time off after a challenging school year. Summer doesn't mean teens are exempt from all responsibility, though. Spring is the ideal time to encourage your teen to start looking for a summer job.

Read more
Family fun: Your kids will love these springtime activities
Get ready to rock spring with these family fun activities
Family out for a bike ride in the woods

Spring is in full swing, but just because the school breaks are over doesn't mean the family fun has to stop. Weekends in April and May are earmarked for family fun activities. Sure, Mother Nature does tend to rain on the parade sometimes, especially in April. Don't worry. That's why there's not a shortage of cool indoor and outdoor activities to get the family together and enjoy one another this season, regardless of the weather.
Family fun indoor activities
When those April showers hit, don't waste a weekend on the couch. There are always indoor family fun activities that are a great way to spend quality time together. Looking for spring places to enjoy? Try these.
Public library
Libraries aren't extinct and chances are your local library has a lot going on, especially during spring. A rainy day is a perfect pick to head to the library and see what programs are available. From crafts to family yoga and STEAM activities, public libraries are full of fun things to do for all. Even better is the price. The programs are free for library card holders. Don't have a library card? Sign up for one now.
Museums
A rainy spring day is an ideal time to check out one of the local museums in your area. Usually, you don't have to travel far to a historic or art museum. Nearby college campuses are also great places to find museums to explore.
Theater
A Broadway ticket can put a dent in the family budget, but local theaters don't have quite as high ticket prices. If you are looking for something different this spring, try checking out a local family-friendly theater production.

Family fun outdoor activities
When those spring temperatures start heating up and flowers begin to bloom, everyone gets an itch to be outside. Here are some family fun activities to enjoy outdoors this spring.
Bike paths
Bike riding around the neighborhood is always a blast, but spring is a wonderful time to explore an area bike path. Spring temperatures are just right for the kiddos to pedal a longer distance. Look for family-friendly bike paths or trails that aren't too long or hilly if you have younger riders. For tweens and teens, get them out there peddling in nature -- the longer the better. Tweens and teens will be proud of completing a path and will have great pictures to post. Just remember the snacks and plenty of water.
Tulip farm
Tulips are one of those wonders of spring that just make you smile. If you've never visited a tulip farm, make it a point to do it this spring before the petals fade away. Tulip farms are a stunning place to spend a sunny spring Saturday or Sunday. Some even allow visitors to cut their own, which the kiddos will love.
Hit the beach
If you live near the ocean or a lake, you know how crowded these destinations get in the summer. A warm spring day can be a lot of fun on the beach. Pack a lunch and sand toys, and don't forget the sunblock. April and May can be some of the best beach days for making sandcastles and playing with your dog without people getting in the way.
Hiking
Just like bike paths, spring is one of the best times of the year to do hikes. Flowers and trees are starting to bloom again, which makes for beautiful scenery during a family hike. Kids will enjoy a hike more without the higher temperatures and the insects that summer unusually brings.
April showers, May flowers
Spring is a wonderful time of year to plan some family fun activities. Just because breaks are over, and the kiddos are back in school, doesn't mean springtime fun has to stop. There are plenty of fun family indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy this spring, from tiptoeing through the tulips and getting a head start on those sandcastle designs to exploring new museums.

Read more