10 tips for stress-free camping with children

We know that planning a vacation with children can be a little overwhelming. And that there are a lot of decisions to make before you go. Where to go? Which campsite to choose? What to pack? What to do if the weather is bad?

To make planning and organizing your camping trip as easy as possible, we have put together a guide with tips for camping with children. At the end of this article, you will also find a checklist of things that will make your preparation and packing much easier. So let’s start planning!

1. Find your campsite

Choose a date and start looking for a campsite. The most popular dates in Croatian campsites fill up quickly, so make sure to book your place well in advance. When choosing a campsite, look at the facilities and activities it offers. Since we are writing about camping with children, we recommend choosing a family campsite.

2. Choose your accommodation

Nowadays, camping is not only associated with sleeping in a tent, but also with other types of accommodation. Pitch, mobile home or glamping tent? There are many options and it’s up to you to choose the one that suits your family best. We would definitely recommend family mobile homes as they give you the most space and comfort. And if you choose a mobile home in a themed village, in most cases you will also have a communal swimming pool and children’s playground – right on the doorstep.

3. Include your children in the planning

Don’t forget to involve the children in the planning! Show them photos of the campsite, let them choose their favorite toys and games for the trip and encourage them to pack on their own (with your supervision). Not only will they have fun participating in the preparations, but it will also help them develop a sense of responsibility, organization and planning.

4. Get the right gear

Whatever type of camping holiday you choose, pack basic camping gear. Don’t forget a tent, matches, insect repellent, scented candles to repel mosquitoes, sunscreen and rain gear. If you forget something, or if you face an unforeseen situation, you can get most of the necessary equipment during your holiday – in camping gear shops.

5. Make a list

Write everything down as you think of it – this will reduce the chance of forgetting something. Before you leave, take some time to make a final list based on your notes. Check with your family to make sure you’ve covered everything – someone may remember something you missed. To make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, check out our camping checklist!

6. Introduce your children to the campsite and the house rules

Once you arrive at the campsite and have settled in, show your children around the campsite and explain the basic rules. Take a walk around the complex and find out where the toilets, playground, swimming pools, restaurants and shops are located. Discover together the safest play areas, traffic free zones and the shortest way to the beach (if your accommodation is a little further away).

7. Cook quick and easy meals

Forget about spending long afternoons cooking lunch. When camping, opt for quick and easy meals – barbecue, lots of vegetables and salads. As well as being delicious, they do not require much skill to prepare, so even children can get involved. Most campsites have grocery stores, so there is no need to bring everything from home.

8. Visit nearby places

Camping is not just about staying at a campsite – take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Visit the place where the campsite is located, get to know the local culture and way of life. Many campsites are located near town centers, which means that you can explore them on foot.

9. Join in the fun

If you choose a family campsite for your stay, you will be greeted by numerous activities that will keep your children occupied all day long. Mini clubs, water parks, animation, creative workshops and sports competitions are just some of the activities that will keep them entertained – and you too! Join in the fun and create unforgettable family memories.

10. What if it rains

This is a question every parent is likely to wonder when camping with their children. But don’t worry, we have plenty of rainy day activities. The only thing you might be worried about is – which activity to choose.

1. Take a trip to a nearby town. Treat yourself to lunch and ice cream, and book an evening at the cinema.
2. Stay at the campsite and turn a rainy day into a fun one (those toys and games you packed for the trip will come in handy here). Open your own activity box you brought from home, play board games, or encourage your children to make a collage story about their vacation.
3. Many campsites have play areas for different ages – baby play areas, teen areas – and an animation team to keep them entertained. And in the meantime, you can relax in the wellness area.

DOWNLOAD OUR CAMPING CHECKLIST