Camping is one of the most engaging, exciting and hassle-free holidays that you can have as a family with young children, but that doesn’t always mean that preparing for it is easy. From making sure they feel comfortable and secure to packing their favourite jumper, there can seem to be a whirlwind of things to think about. 

As a family friendly campsite, Middlewood Farm knows exactly what to pack to ensure your camping holiday goes as smoothly as possible, which is why we’ve created this checklist of camping essentials to ensure you don’t get caught out without the important stuff.

Childrens camping clothes

You can never pack enough clothes when taking your children on holiday to a place where they’re guaranteed to get themselves mucky, but when you pack smarter, you pack lighter. Make sure your tots stay comfortable no matter what by remembering to bring: 

• Thermal underwear, leggings and vests 
• Warm coat/jacket 
• Lighter layers for warmer weather 
• Lightweight waterproofs 
• Spare changes of clothes 
• Warm towels/towel robes 
• A mixture of lightweight and thick, thermal socks 
• Hat, scarf and gloves - just in case 
• Sunglasses/sun hat in summer 
• Rucksack 
• Suitable walking boots 

Packing tip for camping: roll your clothes instead of folding them, as you’ll be able to pack far more in your suitcase - an absolute necessity when taking the kids on holiday. 

At Middlewood Farm Holiday Park, you won’t have to worry about grass stains on their favourite trousers or mud tracking up their welly boots; our on-site laundry facilities allow your kids to get as mucky as they want, without you needing to store muddy clothes for the journey home. 

Camping activities for kids 

Alongside ensuring your children stay comfortable throughout the trip, keeping them entertained is likely to be your main concern when taking them camping. 

Every child is different, and you know how to keep your kids engaged far better than we do, but in case you needed a little extra inspiration, here are our tips and tricks for keeping your children entertained from the car journey there to the moment you start packing your ent away: 

1. Pack a few of your child’s favourite toys or books 
2. Bring portable board games, electronic devices or audiobooks for the journey 
3. Compact sports equipment such as balls, frisbees and tennis rackets provide endless entertainment 
4. Outdoor explorer/entomology kits will allow your children to have their own adventures whilst you relax on the campsite 
5. A deck of cards is lightweight and easy to pack, but unlocks hours of gameplay for the whole family 
6. Blank paper and a few pencils go a long way 
7. Don’t forget to plan a few walking adventures 

Sleeping supplies for kids 

Sleeping outdoors can be a challenge for children because the floor is uncomfortable, the weather can plummet at night and they don’t have access to all the familiar comforts of their bedroom. 

That’s why you should aim to bring: 

• A sleeping bag 
• Sleeping mat/air mattress to make the floor extra comfortable 
• An additional blanket 
• Hats, scarves and gloves to keep little fingers and toes warm on chilly nights 
• Comfort items such as soft toys, favourite pillows or their dummy 

You could also consider bringing a quilted onesie if you’re camping outside of the summer months, as this can be a great way of ensuring your little ones stay warm throughout the night. 

Other essential equipment 

In order to keep you children safe, comfortable and secure for the full duration of your camping holiday, you can’t afford to miss the following items from your camping checklist: 

1. Hand sanitiser or dry soap to keep hands clean before mealtimes/snacks 
2. Suncream - with a high SPF. Even if the weather is forecast to be miserable, it’s always worth packing suncream to protect your child’s skin 
3. Baby wipes for kids of all ages, in case of cuts, scrapes or if they get muck on their faces 
4. First aid kit and insect repellant 
5. Torches and lanterns to help them feel safe in the dark 
6. Camping chairs 
7. Water bottles to keep them hydrated, particularly on walks 

At Middlewood Farm, we are a family friendly holiday park who pride ourselves on providing a traditional holiday experience for campers, upgraded with all of the little things that make camping with children that little bit easier. Find free shower and baby changing facilities, laundry with washer, dryer and iron, and on-site heating at our 5 star campsite in North Yorkshire - where your kids are allowed to get mucky on outdoor adventures.