Bring the whole crew
Simple ways to make outings with kids easier — gear that helps, staying warm and organized, and keeping it fun.
Keep it close, short, and comfortable for a first trip, and lean on car camping so you can bring plenty of food, layers, and comfort. A cooler of familiar snacks, warm layers for everyone, and a relaxed plan do more for morale than any single piece of gear.
A roomy cooler, a heavy-duty tote for the inevitable pile of stuff, and a hammock or two for downtime cover most family days. Pieces that are durable and easy to clean save you the most hassle.
Layer them like you'd layer yourself — a base, a fleece, and a shell — and pack an extra warm layer, since kids cool down fast when they stop moving. Keep a blanket in the tote for evenings and chilly rides home.
Kids love hammocks, and a double is roomy enough to share or to let a child lounge safely low to the ground. Hang it low and supervise younger kids, and it becomes the favorite spot at camp.
Bring a larger hard cooler for the day's food and a small soft cooler for grab-and-go drinks and snacks, so the main cooler stays closed and cold. Pre-chill both and pack them full.
Use totes to group gear by purpose — one for towels and wet things, one for food, one for layers — so packing and finding things is quick. A little organization up front saves a lot of digging later.
Bring water and a bowl, keep the dog cool and shaded on hot days, and stash a towel in a tote for muddy paws. A durable, easy-rinse bag is handy for carrying their gear alongside everyone else's.
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