Looking for a way to get closer to nature without sacrificing comfort? Glamping offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and homey amenities, making it a great choice for families with kids. Instead of roughing it in tents or dealing with the hassle of traditional camping, you can enjoy the great outdoors in a more luxurious, stress-free setting. Whether it’s a cozy yurt, a cabin in the woods, or a treehouse in the forest, glamping with kids provides the ideal experience for creating lasting family memories.
Here are 12 awesome tips to ensure your glamping trip with kids is as fun and comfortable as possible.
1️⃣ Choose Kid-Friendly Glamping Sites 🏕️
When planning a glamping trip with kids, selecting the right location is crucial to ensure everyone has a great time. Not all glamping sites are created equal, and you’ll want to look for places that offer plenty of activities and safety features for children.
How to Choose the Best Site:
- Look for family-friendly amenities: Choose sites with activities like hiking trails, fishing, swimming, or petting zoos to keep kids entertained. Some locations even offer nature-based programs, such as guided nature walks or junior ranger activities.
- Safety first: Ensure the site is equipped with childproofing measures, such as secure fencing around areas with water, clear pathways, and well-maintained facilities.
- Check for nearby attractions: Opt for glamping sites located near family-friendly attractions like museums, theme parks, or wildlife reserves for additional activities outside of the campsite.
By choosing a kid-friendly glamping site, you ensure your family can enjoy both the comfort of glamping and the excitement of outdoor adventures.
2️⃣ Pack for Comfort and Convenience 🧳
Packing for a glamping trip might seem easier than traditional camping, but it still requires a little extra planning, especially when traveling with kids. You’ll want to bring the essentials while keeping in mind that you’re trying to make the trip as smooth as possible.
How to Pack Smartly:
- Bring comfort items: Pack cozy blankets, favorite pillows, and perhaps even a portable fan to keep everyone comfortable in their glamping accommodation.
- Stock up on kids’ gear: Don’t forget essentials like child-sized sleeping bags, outdoor toys, bug spray, and sunscreen. It’s also helpful to bring an extra change of clothes for kids since outdoor activities can be messy.
- Plan for meals: Many glamping sites offer fully equipped kitchens or outdoor grills, but you may want to bring easy-to-make meals and snacks for the kids. Pre-plan some simple meals, and make sure to pack plenty of snacks to keep the little ones satisfied during activities.
Packing for both comfort and convenience helps make the trip more enjoyable and ensures the whole family stays comfortable throughout the stay.
3️⃣ Create a Kid-Friendly Itinerary 🌳
While part of the appeal of glamping is relaxing and disconnecting from busy schedules, creating a simple itinerary for the kids helps ensure that the trip is filled with fun and engagement. A well-balanced schedule can reduce restlessness and keep kids excited throughout the trip.
How to Plan the Best Itinerary:
- Mix relaxation with adventure: Plan activities like nature walks, scavenger hunts, or star-gazing, along with downtime for reading or playing games. This gives kids a nice variety of experiences.
- Involve the kids in planning: Ask your kids for input on what activities they would like to do. This could include something simple like roasting marshmallows around the campfire or a family bike ride through the area.
- Be flexible: While it’s good to have a plan, glamping is about enjoying the freedom of nature. Allow for some flexibility in your schedule so that the kids can explore and enjoy downtime as needed.
A balanced itinerary ensures your glamping adventure is both relaxing and exciting, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the best parts of nature without getting overwhelmed.
4️⃣ Keep Kids Engaged with Outdoor Activities 🏞️
One of the best parts of glamping is the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, and keeping kids engaged with fun outdoor activities ensures they get the most out of the experience. Nature offers endless opportunities for learning, exploration, and play—making it the perfect playground for children.
How to Keep Them Busy:
- Nature Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of items for your kids to find while hiking or exploring—things like pinecones, specific flowers, or unique rocks. You can even add challenges like “find something red” or “spot a bird’s nest.”
- Fishing or Swimming: If your glamping site is near a lake, river, or swimming pool, kids will love spending time fishing or swimming. Make sure to supervise, and bring along life jackets for extra safety.
- Campfire Fun: Kids can help with setting up a campfire (with adult supervision, of course), roasting marshmallows, telling stories, or playing simple campfire games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions.”
Keeping your kids busy with outdoor activities keeps them entertained while letting them discover and appreciate the natural world around them.
5️⃣ Prepare for Weather Changes 🌦️
Nature can be unpredictable, and it’s important to prepare for any weather changes while glamping. Whether it’s a sudden downpour, a chilly evening, or an unexpected heatwave, you’ll want to make sure your family stays comfortable and safe.
How to Prepare for Weather:
- Pack layered clothing: The weather can vary, especially in outdoor settings. Make sure everyone has layers they can add or remove depending on the temperature. Don’t forget waterproof jackets for rainy days.
- Bring weather-resistant gear: Consider packing a pop-up shelter, ponchos, and waterproof shoes to keep everyone dry during unexpected rain showers.
- Check the forecast: Before leaving, check the weather forecast for the area where you’ll be glamping. This helps you pack more accurately and avoid any surprises.
Being prepared for all types of weather will ensure your family can enjoy glamping to the fullest, no matter what the sky throws your way.
6️⃣ Focus on Safety and Supervision ⚠️
While glamping offers a more comfortable and safe version of traditional camping, safety is still a priority—especially with young kids. Ensuring that everyone is secure and well-supervised during outdoor activities can help avoid accidents and keep the trip fun.
How to Stay Safe:
- Teach basic safety rules: Make sure your kids understand basic outdoor safety, such as staying within sight, avoiding touching wild plants or animals, and knowing how to use equipment like knives or matches.
- Use safety gear: If you’re hiking or swimming, make sure everyone wears proper safety gear—like helmets, life jackets, or sturdy shoes.
- Supervise outdoor play: Even though glamping sites are usually safe, always supervise your kids during outdoor activities, especially near water or fire. Set boundaries and remind them of safety rules regularly.
Staying on top of safety will help keep the experience worry-free and ensure your family enjoys their time outdoors with peace of mind.
7️⃣ Pack Fun, Kid-Friendly Gear 🎒
When glamping with kids, packing the right gear can make all the difference in keeping the little ones entertained and comfortable. Fun and functional items will make the trip more enjoyable, whether it’s for games, crafts, or simply relaxing around the campsite.
What to Bring:
- Outdoor toys: Bring along items like a frisbee, soccer ball, or kite to keep the kids active and engaged outside. These toys don’t take up much space but provide hours of entertainment.
- Craft supplies: Kids love being creative, so pack a small box with materials like markers, paper, and glue for easy arts and crafts projects. They can create nature journals, make leaf rubbings, or design their own postcards.
- Family board games or cards: When it’s time to relax inside, board games or a deck of cards can provide hours of fun. Look for travel-friendly versions of your favorite games.
Packing a variety of kid-friendly gear ensures your kids stay entertained during both outdoor adventures and indoor downtime.
8️⃣ Plan for Easy Meal Prep 🍴
One of the benefits of glamping is the convenience of not having to worry about complicated meal prep, but planning easy, kid-friendly meals can help make mealtime stress-free. When glamping with kids, simple meals that can be cooked over an open fire or with a portable stove are key.
Easy Meal Ideas:
- Campfire skewers: Let kids skewer their own veggies and meats onto sticks for fun, customizable meals. It’s also a great way to involve them in the cooking process.
- One-pot meals: Pack simple ingredients for meals like chili, pasta, or stir-fries that can all cook in one pot, making clean-up easier.
- Snack baskets: Prepare a basket of snacks like granola bars, fresh fruit, trail mix, and crackers that kids can grab easily between activities. Keeping snacks accessible is important for keeping kids energized throughout the day.
By planning simple and fun meals, you can minimize mealtime stress and enjoy more time with your family outdoors.
9️⃣ Encourage Screen-Free Time 📵
One of the main goals of glamping is to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and your family. Encouraging screen-free time for your kids during the trip will help them engage more with their surroundings and enjoy the experience fully.
How to Encourage Screen-Free Fun:
- Establish a tech-free zone: Designate certain areas of your campsite (like the tent or outdoor seating area) as screen-free zones where everyone focuses on nature or conversation.
- Introduce new outdoor games: Activities like scavenger hunts, capture the flag, or hiking encourage kids to engage with the natural environment instead of their devices.
- Read books or tell stories: Use the evenings for family reading or storytelling by the campfire, which can spark the imagination and bring the family closer together.
By encouraging screen-free time, you can help your kids rediscover the joy of outdoor play and create meaningful family memories.
🔟 Keep a Flexible Schedule 🕒
While it’s great to have a plan in place, one of the keys to a successful glamping trip is flexibility. Kids often go with the flow, and you don’t want to ruin the fun by sticking too strictly to a rigid schedule. Allow plenty of time for spontaneous adventures and relaxation.
How to Stay Flexible:
- Don’t over-schedule: Leave ample free time for kids to explore, play, or simply enjoy nature without feeling rushed.
- Let the kids lead: Sometimes, it’s best to follow their curiosity. If they’re fascinated by a bug or want to spend an extra hour on the playground, let them enjoy it.
- Adjust plans as needed: If the weather changes or someone’s feeling tired, don’t be afraid to shift gears. Glamping is about enjoyment and relaxation, so embrace the laid-back atmosphere.
Flexibility ensures that your family can fully enjoy the experience, making the trip less stressful and more fun for everyone.
1️⃣1️⃣ Capture the Memories 📸
The beauty of glamping is in the experience, and you’ll want to capture those memories with your kids. Photos are a wonderful way to reflect on the trip and share it with others when you return home.
How to Make Memory-Making Special:
- Take candid photos: Capture your kids exploring, playing, and interacting with nature. These candid shots will reflect the true spirit of the trip.
- Create a family scrapbook: Collect pictures, postcards, and notes to make a keepsake that commemorates your adventure. Kids can add their own drawings or messages.
- Document the trip: If your kids are old enough, encourage them to keep a journal or diary of their glamping experience. This gives them an outlet for creativity and a way to relive the adventure later.
By documenting your trip, you ensure the memories last long after you’ve returned home, and your kids will love looking back on the fun they had.
1️⃣2️⃣ Teach Kids About Nature 🌍
Glamping provides the perfect setting to teach kids about the natural world. It’s an opportunity for them to learn valuable lessons about the environment, wildlife, and the importance of conservation.
How to Teach Kids About Nature:
- Go on nature walks: Point out different types of plants, trees, and wildlife. Make it a fun learning experience by asking questions and encouraging kids to observe their surroundings closely.
- Teach basic survival skills: Depending on their age, kids can learn about things like building a fire safely, using a compass, or identifying animal tracks.
- Engage in eco-friendly activities: Encourage kids to pick up trash around the campsite, recycle, and be mindful of their environmental impact.
Teaching kids about nature not only enhances their glamping experience but also fosters a deeper respect for the environment.
With these 12 tips, your family glamping adventure will be a stress-free and memorable experience. By choosing the right site, keeping the kids entertained, and embracing flexibility, you’ll ensure that everyone gets the most out of the trip. Glamping is the perfect way to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort, and with the right planning, you can make it an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
So grab your gear, pack your bags, and get ready for a glamping experience full of fun, relaxation, and family bonding! 🏕️✨
Quick Summary: 12 Tips for Glamping with Kids
- Choose Kid-Friendly Glamping Sites – Look for sites with family activities and safety features.
- Pack for Comfort and Convenience – Bring cozy items, kid gear, and easy meal options.
- Create a Kid-Friendly Itinerary – Balance outdoor fun with downtime for relaxation.
- Keep Kids Engaged with Outdoor Activities – Plan nature hunts, fishing, and campfire games.
- Prepare for Weather Changes – Pack layered clothing and gear for unexpected weather.
- Focus on Safety and Supervision – Teach safety rules and always supervise outdoor activities.
- Pack Fun, Kid-Friendly Gear – Bring toys, crafts, and games for entertainment.
- Plan for Easy Meal Prep – Cook simple meals like campfire skewers and one-pot dishes.
- Encourage Screen-Free Time – Set tech-free zones and enjoy outdoor games and storytelling.
- Keep a Flexible Schedule – Leave room for spontaneity and follow your kids’ lead.
- Capture the Memories – Take photos, create a scrapbook, and encourage journaling.
- Teach Kids About Nature – Go on nature walks and engage in eco-friendly activities.
With these tips, your glamping trip will be fun, memorable, and stress-free for the whole family!
