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Camping Gear We Actually Use (CO Camping with Kids)
15
items The exact gear from our free family camping packing list — temperature-rated sleeping bags, the cooler that actually holds ice, kid-sized headlamps, and the small extras that make car camping with kids worth it. Tested on our own trips, not just reco...
Sections
5
Campsite Art Supplies
Campsite Comfort
Campsite Cooking
Biking / Hiking
Safety First
Campsite Art Supplies
This is such a simple table that has held up to so much “wear and tear” at camp. It folds down easily, stashes at the bottom of the trunk without issue, and has variable heights for kids. We've had it for years and it's still going strong.
4ft Collapsible Tables
Painting at camp doesn't need to be messy. We use these to paint smooth gravel rocks, fallen leaves, coloring books, and more.
I got them for the kids but, honestly, I use them just as often as they do.
I got them for the kids but, honestly, I use them just as often as they do.
Acrylic Paint Pens || Painting At Camp
A must have! At camp…but also at home.
These paint brushes are refillable and completely remove the risk of knocked over cups of water. They work great and come in a variety of sizes for the more precise artists.
These paint brushes are refillable and completely remove the risk of knocked over cups of water. They work great and come in a variety of sizes for the more precise artists.
Watercolor Brush Pens || Watercolor Painting
So many colors in such a small, packable space! They are easy to use, quick to hydrate/dry as needed, and relatively easy to keep the colors clean (even with multiple preK kids using them).
Watercolor Paint Set 50 Colors Metal Case
This small, square sketch book is easy to pack and holds up to very wet watercoloring (the type of watercoloring kids are best at!).
The pages easily tear out which is essential for watercoloring (and sharing).
The pages easily tear out which is essential for watercoloring (and sharing).
Watercolor Sketch Book
Campsite Comfort
Great rain pants for kids. We even use them for post-rain play so the kids can sit in the sand/grass.
Feel free to size up a bit, the waistband is stretchy but also tight enough to size up.
Feel free to size up a bit, the waistband is stretchy but also tight enough to size up.
Kids Pants | Columbia Sportswear
We have this “loveseat” chair and LOVE IT! It is bigger and takes up car space but it is worth it. My daughter has fallen asleep at the campfire with us on multiple camping trips. It's sturdy and stable. We use it for our backyard, free park concerts...
Huskfirm 2 Person Oversized Camping Chair
Genuinely fantastic rain jackets for kids. They're affordable so you can size up as needed and the hood actually fits (even over helmets if you do up the zipper last).
Kids Rain Jackets | Columbia Sportswear
Campsite Cooking
I've used this cooler for a weekend trip to the desert and it (plus a few frozen water bottles) kept my food cool for three days! Highly recommend.
RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler | Lightweight Hard Ice Chest
We have a few of these water bottles. They're technically leak proof…until your kid gets a hold of them and finds the air vent. BUT they do stay leak proof in your bag. They are also narrower and fit easily into bike bottle holders. Plus, these water...
Kids Water Bottles – Thermos Brand
Biking / Hiking
This is a helmet that my daughter puts out without complaint. Even the snap is easy enough for her to do on her own (still needs help undoing tho).
Retrospec Scout Bike Helmet
This was the next step for us (after the Strider 14x) and my daughter gets SO EXCITED when she stops with the handbrake vs her feet. It's been so fun to watch her learn.
16 Inch Kids Bikes
We started out on a regular Strider and upgraded to the 14x – it helped my cautious daughter progress on the bike.
Strider 14x Convertible Balance to Pedal Bike
Safety First
This is a very basic first aid kit (you may want/need more) but it gets the job done for 98% of the scrapes we have at camp. Plus, the bandaids hold up to everything! These are my own go-to for any cuts on my hands because the bandaids stick so well!
Welly First Aid Kit
My kid loves her fox headlamp and her favorite part is easily the glowing eyes after the headlamp is turned off!
LED Kids Lantern & Rechargeable Headlamp Set