Camping with children - a dream vacation for many families. But how do you make this dream come true? What preparations are necessary? Which activities make children's hearts beat faster? And how do you overcome challenges such as bad weather or boredom? We answer all these questions in this article. Get inspired and plan your next camping vacation with the whole family!
Packing list for camping with children
Camping with children by the lake
Camping with children by the sea
What are the advantages of camping with children?
Things to do when camping with the family
Tips for cooking while camping
Which campsite is suitable for camping with children?
A successful family vacation begins with the careful selection of the campsite. In addition to the classic criteria such as location and facilities, parents should pay particular attention to the needs of their children. A campsite, that is equally attractive for both adults and children, offers the best conditions for a relaxing vacation.
The location of the campsite plays a decisive role. If it is surrounded by an idyllic natural landscape, offers numerous opportunities for walks, hikes and bike tours. A campsite close to the beach, on the other hand, is ideal for water lovers and invites you to go for a long swim. Campsites are particularly attractive, that are close to lakes, rivers or forests. Here, children can experience nature up close and indulge their thirst for adventure.
The campsite facilities should be tailored to the needs of families. In addition to modern sanitary facilities and pitches with plenty of space, play facilities for children are particularly important. A playground with various play equipment such as swings, slides and climbing frames is a must. A children's pool offers a welcome way to cool off on hot days and an entertainment program provides variety and entertainment.
Other important criteria for a family-friendly campsite:
- Guest composition: A campsite, where many families with children stay, offers a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
- Sufficient freedom of movement: Children need space to run around and play. So make sure there are spacious green areas, where the children can run around, without disturbing others. Large meadows or playing fields are ideal.
- Shady spots: Shady places are important for children, especially on hot days, to protect them from the sun. Trees, umbrellas or covered play areas offer a pleasant retreat.
- A variety of play options: In addition to a classic playground, many campsites offer additional play facilities such as a sandpit, a table tennis table, a football pitch or a small farm with animals.
- Safety: Fenced pools, fenced pools, pace zones and supervised bathing areas ensure maximum safety. A first aid kit should also not be missing.
- Child-friendly sanitary facilities: Low washbasins, changing stations and baby bathtubs make everyday life with small children easier. Cleanliness and hygiene are particularly important in the sanitary facilities.
- Indoor playrooms: Indoor playrooms are ideal for rainy days, so that children can also let off steam indoors.
- Varied children's entertainment program: Many campsites offer a colorful program with games, handicrafts, treasure hunts and other activities. So the children's vacation never gets boring.
- Equipment for hire: The possibility, baby carriages, toys or other equipment, is particularly practical, if you don't want to take everything with you.
Everything you need? Packing list for camping with children
A well-organized camping vacation starts with a well-thought-out packing list. So that nothing important is forgotten, we have put together a comprehensive overview for you here.
The most important things for your offspring:
- Documents: Children's ID, vaccination card and health insurance card should always be to hand.
- Entertainment: So that it doesn't get boring on the road, pack toys, audio books, coloring books and cuddly toys.
- First-aid kit: A child-friendly first-aid kit with the most important medicines is essential.
- Food and drink: You should pack enough baby food and a camping stove for babies and toddlers. A cool box helps to keep food fresh. Find the ideal cool box for your needs here!
- Hygiene: Wet wipes, diapers and a baby bathtub are essential for babies and toddlers.
- Sleeping: Sleeping mats, sleeping bags, travel cot and travel pillow ensure a restful night's sleep.
Equipment for the whole family:
- Camping utensils: The Petromax Dimego cookware, for example, is particularly robust, lightweight and perfect for on the go. Click here for the cookware!
- Camping cutlery: The Petromax camping cutlery made of high-quality stainless steel is dishwasher-safe and extremely durable. Click here for the camping cutlery!
- Cooking in the open air: With the Petromax Dutch Oven or the Petromax Atago, cooking in the great outdoors becomes a very special adventure!
- Seating: Camping chairs and tables create a cozy atmosphere.
- Protection from sun and rain: Sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream, umbrellas and weatherproof clothing are essential.
- Clean up: Bin bags, rags and a washing line help to keep the campsite clean.
- Lighting: The Petromax HK500 kerosene lamp provides reliable and powerless light in the evening and can also be used as a heat or cooking source if required!
- Miscellaneous: Chargers, towels, handkerchiefs and an insulated picnic blanket round off the packing list.
Individual adaptations
This packing list serves as a guide. Feel free to adapt it to the needs of your family and the duration of your vacation. Other useful items may be:
- Books and games: For longer stays, books and games are a great activity.
- First aid kit: A first aid kit is always good to have with you for minor injuries.
- Snacks: Healthy snacks such as fruit are ideal for on the go, nuts and muesli bars are ideal.
- Swimsuit: Swimsuit, swimming trunks, towels and swimming aids are essential for a camping vacation by the water.
Tip: Create a detailed packing list and tick off each item as it is packed. This will help you avoid forgetting important items.
Camping with children at the lake
Camping by the lake is a dream vacation for many families. The sound of the waves, the fresh breeze and the endless opportunities for swimming and playing make such a vacation an unforgettable experience. But which lake is best for a family vacation? In this section, we introduce you to two popular destinations that are particularly suitable for camping with children.
Mecklenburg Lake District: a paradise for water lovers
The Mecklenburg Lake District with its 1.117 natural lakes, it is a true Eldorado for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The clear water is perfect for swimming, swimming and diving. Thanks to the shallow shores, the Mecklenburg Lake District is also ideal for small children. You can explore the lake landscape on your own in a kayak or canoe and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature.
Lake Garda: the Italian dream lake
Lake Garda is one of the largest and most popular lakes in Italy. Thanks to its mild climate, you can swim and enjoy water sports here almost all year round. The numerous beaches offer plenty of space for sunbathing and playing. For water sports enthusiasts, Lake Garda offers a wide range of options, such as sailing, surfing or stand-up paddling.
Why these lakes are particularly suitable for families:
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Mecklenburg Lake District:
- Natural shores and shallow water
- Wide range of leisure activities such as hiking, cycling and water sports
- Quiet atmosphere and family-friendly campsites
- Lake Garda:
- Warm climate and long bathing season
- Wide range of water sports options
- Numerous leisure activities for the whole family
You can also find camping tips and inspiration in our blog post: https://petromax.de/blogs/ratgeber/camping-am-see-unsere-geheimtipps-in-deutschland
Camping with children by the sea
Camping by the sea offers a unique combination of nature experiences, adventure and relaxation. The sound of the waves, the expansive view over the sea and the warm sand underfoot make such a vacation an unforgettable experience for the whole family. In this chapter, we introduce you to three popular destinations that are particularly suitable for a camping vacation by the sea with children.
Croatia: discover the Adriatic coast
The Croatian coast stretches for more than 1.000 kilometers and offers a multitude of beautiful sandy and pebble beaches. The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. The numerous bays and small islands are particularly attractive for families with children. Here the little ones can play in the sand to their heart's content, collect shells or catch small crabs.
Italy: sea, culture and indulgence
Italy is not only known for its delicious cuisine and historic cities, but also for its beautiful beaches. The Italian Riviera, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast offer a variety of bathing opportunities. In addition to a beach vacation, families can also discover Italy's many cultural highlights. A visit to Rome, Venice or Florence is an unforgettable experience.
The North Sea: an adventure for the whole family
The North Sea is a true natural wonder and offers a wide range of activities for families. Children can discover the unique flora and fauna on a mudflat hike. With a bit of luck, you might even spot seals. The North Sea is also known for its strong currents and rough climate. It is therefore important to pay attention to the relevant safety instructions when swimming.
Why these coasts are particularly suitable for families:
- Croatia:
- Crystal-clear water and numerous bays
- Wide range of leisure activities such as water sports, hiking and cycling
- Child-friendly beaches and campsites
- Italy:
- Warm climate and long bathing season
- Culturally rich cities and a diverse landscape
- Delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere
- North Sea:
- Unique nature experiences such as mudflat walks and seal watching
- Plenty of space to play and run around on the beach
- Child-friendly campsites with lots of activities
What are the advantages of camping with children?
Camping with children is more than just a vacation - it's an experience, that brings the whole family together and creates unforgettable memories. But what are the actual benefits of a camping vacation for children and parents?
Camping is a real adventure for children
They can run around to their heart's content in the great outdoors, play and discover the world. Whether building sandcastles on the beach, exploring the forest or observing animals - boredom is guaranteed to be a thing of the past. Camping encourages children's creativity and independence while strengthening their immune system.
Camping also has many advantages for parents
On vacation from everyday life, parents can relax and enjoy time with their children. Cooking together around the campfire, games evenings in the open air or simply observing nature - all this strengthens the family bond. What's more, campsites are often designed in such a way that parents can also relax.
Other advantages of camping with children:
- Spontaneity: Camping vacations are flexible. You can plan your trip spontaneously and be inspired by your children.
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to other forms of vacation, camping is often cheaper.
- Environmental awareness: Camping is a sustainable form of vacation, where you respect and protect nature.
- Community spirit: At campsites, you quickly get to know other families and can make new friends.
Camping with children is a wonderful way to to spend time together and experience nature. It promotes good health, strengthens the family and creates unforgettable memories.
Things to do when camping with the family
Camping is not just about sleeping in a tent and cooking around a campfire. It offers an endless variety of activities for the whole family. No matter, whether you want to actively explore nature or simply relax, there is something for everyone when camping.
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Water fun for young and old
If you are camping near a lake or sea, there are of course plenty of water sports on offer . Whether swimming, paddling, surfing or simply splashing around - the water invites you to cool off and play. A visit to the local swimming pool or a trip to the lake is also a great change of pace. -
Discover nature
Hiking is a wonderful way to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the fresh air. Pack a rucksack with provisions and off you go! Short walks or themed hikes such as a forest rally are ideal for families with younger children. -
Stargazing
In the evening, when it gets dark, it's worth taking a look at the starry sky. With a bit of luck, you may see shooting stars or even recognize a constellation. Binoculars or a small telescope make the experience even more exciting.
Other activities for the whole family:
- Building sandcastles: On the beach or lakeside, you can let your creativity run wild and build the most amazing sandcastles.
- Cycling tours: Discover the surrounding area by bike. Many campsites offer bike rental.
- Campfire: A campfire is an absolute highlight of any camping vacation. Roast marshmallows, sing songs and tell stories. You can find detailed instructions on how to make a fire here.
- Picnic: Pack a basket of tasty snacks and drinks and find a nice spot in the countryside to picnic.
Tips for cooking while camping
Camping is not just about sleeping in a tent and enjoying nature, but also a culinary adventure. Meals prepared around a campfire simply taste incomparably better! And with the versatile products from Petromax, cooking in the open air becomes a real pleasure.
The Dutch Oven - your versatile kitchen helper
The Petromax Dutch Oven is a real all-rounder and an absolute classic in the outdoor kitchen. Whether for cooking, roasting or braising - you can create the most delicious dishes in this cast-iron pot. Cook a hearty goulash soup, roast juicy steaks or bake a delicious cake - there are no limits to your imagination.
Atago - the all-rounder with charcoal or gas
The Petromax Atago combines grill, oven, stove and fire bowl in one compact, ultra-mobile design. Ideal for any adventure, it enables low-smoke grilling and is ready for use in just 2 seconds. Also available as a gas barbecue, it offers maximum possibilities to suit your needs!
Discover the Atago barbecue and the Atago gas barbecue now!
Fire pan - for roasting and grilling
In the Petromax Fire Skillet you can roast meat, vegetables and fish on an open fire. The high heat development ensures a nice crust and an intense aroma.
Discover the Fire Skillet now!
For even more inspiration and delicious recipes, we recommend our blog post: The best barbecue recipes: From savory to sweet - Petromax
Tips for cooking over a campfire:
- Planning is everything: Create a shopping list before your trip and plan your meals in advance.
- Simple recipes: Choose recipes, that can be prepared quickly and easily.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible and avoid heavy canned foods.
- Versatility: Pack a variety of spices and herbs, to add variety to your dishes.
- Washing up: Wash your dishes immediately after eating, to avoid that it smells unpleasant.
- Safety first: Always keep a safe distance from the tent and other flammable materials when cooking with fire!
With Petromax, cooking outdoors becomes an adventure for the whole family!
Our high-quality products such as the Dutch Oven, the Rocket Stove and the Dutch Oven turn cooking around the campfire into an experience. With Petromax, you can not only prepare delicious meals, but also experience real adventures.
