Ultimate Guide: Family Camping with the Kids
Your 2025 Guide to Surviving (and Actually Enjoying) the Chaos
📌 Quick Tip for Parents Who Just Want the Highlights: Grab my FREE “Meltdown Prevention” Camping Checklist (spoiler: it includes snacks, more snacks, and a backup plan for when it rains… which it will)
1. Picking a Campsite: Where to Avoid Tears (Yours and Theirs)
“Kid-Friendly” UK Campsites That Won’t Make You Question Your Life Choices
A “family-friendly” campsite should have more than a patch of grass and a sad swing set. Here’s what to look for:
- Toilets that don’t look like they’re from a horror movie (trust me, porta-loo’s + toddlers = disaster).
- Showers we don’t want to be bathing in the river do we?
- Play areas that distract kids long enough for you to drink a HOT coffee.
- Electric hookups (because iPad = modern parenting survival tool).
My Top 3 UK Picks for 2025:
- Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall
- Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport, Dorset
- Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Ilfracombe, Devon
2. Gear Up: How to Avoid a Tent-Induced Divorce
“I Tested It So You Don’t Have To” Kid Camping Gear
Forget “lightweight” and “minimalist.” With kids, you need a tent that survives juice spills, midnight pee trips, and WWE-style bedtime wrestling or is that just my boys?
The “Holy Grail” Tent for UK Weather:
- Size: “6-person” = 4 humans + 2 stuffed animals + a trail of crumbs.
- Waterproof rating: Look for “monsoon-proof” (or just buy a tarp and pray).
My Pro Tip: Bring a nightlight for kids (aka the “I swear that’s not a ghost outside” reassurance device).
Here’s what I use: (Affiliate Link)
- WATERPROOF AND VENTILATED – The waterproof flysheet (2000 hydrostatic head) will protect you from all extreme weather co…
- SEWN IN GROUNDSHEET – The sewn-in groundsheet will protect your tent floor and is an essential part of your camping gear…
- FIBREGLASS POLES – This traditional poled festival tent has fibreglass poles which are lightweight and durable. This mak…
If you use these affiliate links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
Its an absolute bargain for what it is and you’d have plenty of space for 4-5 people.
Here’s a few more options you may like: (Affiliate Links)
If you use these affiliate links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
3. Food Hacks: Because Hungry Kids = Tiny Dictators
“Snacks or Riot” Camping Meal Plan
Step 1: Hide 50% of the snacks. Step 2: Deny all knowledge of Step 1.
UK Weather-Proof Food Ideas:
- Breakfast: Pre-made pancakes (cold, because the stove “malfunctioned”).
- Dinner: Beans on toast (aka “gourmet camping cuisine”).
- Snacks: Fruit pouches (squeezable chaos fuel).
🔥 Campfire Fun: Teach kids to roast marshmallows without setting their hair on fire. (60% success rate guaranteed)
4. UK Weather: How to Embrace the Damp
“Rain? More Like ‘Liquid Sunshine’” Survival Guide
Let’s face it: the UK weather forecast is just a creative writing exercise. Here’s how to prep:
- Rain gear: Kids in puddle suits = you drinking tea in peace for 10 minutes.
- Backup activities: “I Spy” (cloud edition) or “Count the Midges” (advanced level).
My Pro Tip from a Parent Who’s Been There: Pack one extra outfit for YOU (because kids will wipe snot on your last clean hoodie).
5. Your FREE “Meltdown Prevention” Camping Checklist
Because Forgetting Wipes = Camping Apocalypse
6. FAQs from Parents Who Clearly Don’t Trust Nature
Q: “What if it rains the WHOLE time?”
A: Congrats! You’ve unlocked the “authentic UK camping experience.”
Q: “Can I bring wine?”
A: Is the Pope a camper? Yes, but pack a reusable bottle….
Ready to Embrace the Chaos? Check out my other ultimate guides for a full breakdown and guides to everything camping and more..
