We love camping with our kids. I think anyone who camps with kids must love it, because it is a lot of work. But so worth it! I have no desire to fill our campsite with toys we play with at home, honestly I prefer for my kids to make do with what they find outside. In addition to the amazing playground dirt, trees and rocks provide here are a few of our favorite items to bring camping with us!
BioLite Luci Inflatable Lantern
We hang one of these from the top of our tent at night, but they are also a go to toy for the kids.
Wise Owl Camping Hammock
Our kids love setting up hammock “bunk beds” or “triple bunks” and creating adventures in the trees with these.
Gerber Multi-Tool
From whittling to cutting leaves, to using the pliers to pick up small rocks just because they can, multi-tools are a great way to encourage creativity camping!
Light My Fire Swedish Firesteel
This one really does require parental supervision and a healthy understanding of fire danger. But we all know, building the campfire is the best part (after whittling the perfect roasting stick all day).
LifeStraw Water Filter
Letting kids drink out of natural water sources may be intimidating the first few times, but your kids will absolutely love it!
Black Diamond Wiz
These are great, especially if you are nervous your kids are going to point their headlamps at their siblings or your eyes. It is likely, when they see a real headlamp, they will be disappointed in the 40 lumens (even before they know what a lumen is).
Nitecore NU20 Classic Ultralight Headlamp, 360 Lumen
These are incredibly light and bright!
Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube
See wildlife more closely!
SUUNTO A-10 Compass
In case you need a refresher on how to use a compass before you teach your kiddos, I found a helpful guide on Wildlife Adventures:
True North: A Fun Guide to Compass Skills for Kids – Wild | Life Outdoor Adventures
Ultralight Backpacking Trowel
Yes, we all know why this tool is necessary, but to kids it is just a fun way to dig in the dirt!
A Pocket Naturalist Guide – Colorado Wildlife
Reading Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods highlighted for me that kids care more when they know something’s name. Names matter. These guides help kids get to know their animal neighbors!
A Pocket Naturalist Guide – Colorado Birds
A Pocket Naturalist Guide – Colorado Trees & Wildflowers
Because being able to identify more flowers than the Columbine is cool.
A Pocket Naturalist Guide – Colorado Freshwater Fishes
You can find guides for several states!
A Pocket Naturalist Guide – Animal Tracks
Often the joyful noise levels of kids outdoors, means you don’t see a lot of animals, but tracks are easier to spot!
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp
Getting a tarp setup tightly so that it withstands rain and wind takes practice. Get some cord and a tarp and let your kids start practicing!
Rubber Mallet Hammer
More building tools
Aluminum Alloy Tent Stakes
NewDoar 8mm Climbing Accessory Cord
For setting up your tarp or just knot practice (see book listed next!)
My First Book of Knots -Sundsten &Jager
So, when you kids are grown, they will be able to tie knots, not lots.
TRANGO Reaction Screwlock Carabiner
Kids love building, let them work on creating pulley systems or whatever they can dream up!
Motorola Walkie Talkies
Kids love walkie talkies and they can enable your kids to experience a little more freedom while still being able to reach you if they need to.
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emily emmons 
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