There’s nothing quite like camping with kids. It gives them a rare sense of freedom that’s rae these days and an adventure filled with mud, marshmallows, and unforgettable family moments. We’ll admit, the prep can feel like a mission (at Little Bell Hotel, our goal is to make it feel effortless), but once the tent’s up and the campfire’s lit, the fun can really begin. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite ideas and go-to tips to help make your family camping trip a breeze, from what to pack to how to keep the kids happy and entertained.
Entertainment
In reality, once you’re set up in a field, kids are usually brilliant at making their own fun. If you’re a family with just one child, they’ll often find new friends around the campsite, or if you can, try camping with other families or inviting a friend along. It’s always great to see children of all ages playing together, roaming in a happy little gang of muddy, giggling adventurers before returning to base to be fed and watered. Of course, it’s also about quality family time, so we’ve pulled together some of our tried and tested ideas to help fill those long, sunny days.
Big Family Games
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned game of rounders to get everyone laughing. Kids love it when the grown-ups join in, especially when they start showing them the ‘right way’ to do things! Bring along bats, balls, rackets, and even a kite or two to keep the energy going. If you’re camping as part of a special event or wedding, hiring giant games like Connect Four, Quoits, or Giant Jenga can be a brilliant distraction while the more ‘boring’ tasks are being handled.
Indoor Entertainment
British weather doesn’t always play nice, so it’s worth packing a few board games, card games, and classics like “Who Am I?” for rainy afternoons in the tent or long car journeys. If you’re a seasoned camper, you’ll know there’s something oddly magical about listening to raindrops on the canvas while playing Guess Who and working your way through the snack stash. Before you know it, the rain has passed and it’s back to the great outdoors.
Bad Weather Preparation
Don’t let a little rain put you off, nine times out of ten, the weather app is being dramatic, and it’s rarely as bad as it looks! That said, a bit of planning goes a long way. Before your trip, check out nearby cafés, libraries, soft play centres, castles, or indoor attractions you can escape to if the weather really sets in. National Trust sites are usually a great shout, often with a country house, café, or museum alongside beautiful grounds. Always pack extra clothes, especially socks, as even a quick dash to the loo from the tent can lead to some impressively soggy feet. And don’t forget a laundry bag (or two) to stash muddy, wet bits until you get home.
Silent Disco
This one’s a little different, but it’s a brilliant option for all ages. Find a local silent disco hire company and throw your own mini rave at the campsite – all the fun, without disturbing the neighbours. With silent disco headsets, everyone can choose their own playlist, and kids especially love getting involved. Let them add their favourite songs and take a turn as DJ for the night, it’s guaranteed silliness.
Bikes
If you’ve got the space, bring the bikes. Campsites are great for giving kids a little freedom (with safe supervision, of course), and if the whole family’s cycling, you might even turn the trip into a mini cycling holiday. Don’t worry if you can’t bring your own, bike hire is often available nearby. Many nature reserves, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and local towns have great hire options. We’re putting together a blog featuring the best bike hire spots across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent — so keep an eye out!
Foraging & Nature Walks
Turn a simple walk into an adventure by spotting wildflowers, identifying leaves, and even collecting ingredients for your own wild tea (just be sure to check what’s safe!). It’s a lovely way to connect with nature and keep curious minds engaged. Little ones, especially under-fives, love making their own ‘potions’, all you need is a bowl of water and a mix of petals, sticks, mud, and foliage. It’s messy, creative, and full of magic.
Festivals and Events
Why not plan your camping trip around a local festival? Across Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, there are so many brilliant events, from the quirky to the cultural, and you’ll be surprised at how many are completely free. It doesn’t have to be the big-name music festivals (though they have their place); we’re talking about the more unusual and charming local affairs. Some options are: Eastbourne Airshow, the Arundel Festival of the Arts, Artwave in Lewes, Whitstable Oyster Festival, or the English Heritage Medieval Festival. The list goes on, and there’s something for everyone.
Marshmallow Moments
It’s not camping without toasted marshmallows. Whether you’ve got a fire pit or a BBQ, this simple treat is always a hit — just don’t forget the skewers! For a quick and easy twist, turn them into s’mores by sandwiching your toasted marshmallow between two chocolate digestive biscuits
Packing: The Things You’ll Need (But Might Forget)
We’re not going to list everything you need to pack, but here’s a collection of the small, often-forgotten items that can make a big difference. In other words, the things we’ve kicked ourselves for not bringing…
Dustpan and brush (and an old towel). Ideal for giving your tent a quick spruce before heading home. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to pack up
Onesies. A cosy extra layer that actually stays on all night. Great for kids, and surprisingly good for grown-up campers too.
Eye masks. Every extra minute in bed is golden with small kids. A soft eye mask can help block the early summer light and delay those 5am wake-ups.
Flip flops or slip-on shoes. Perfect for quick midnight toilet runs without the hassle of lacing up boots or pulling on wellies.
Large water canister. Handy for everything from brushing teeth to refilling water bottles. Campsite taps aren’t always nearby!
Washing-up liquid and sponge. Because once you’ve cooked up a storm, you’ll need to clean up, even if you’ve packed everything except the kitchen sink.
Tomato ketchup. Essential for bacon baps, chips, and generally keeping small campers happy.
Refuse bags. For rubbish, muddy clothes, and anything else you don’t want mixing in with the rest of your gear.
Food & Drink Tips
Meal Planning
Plan a few simple meals ahead of time. One-pot dishes like chilli, curry, or pasta are perfect for the first night when everyone’s hungry and too tired to get creative. You can even make and freeze them before your trip — they’ll stay fresh longer in the cool box and save you from last-minute prep.
Cool Box or Cooler Bag
A decent cool box is a must for keeping food fresh. Freeze juice cartons or water bottles to use as ice blocks — they’ll double up as drinks later. While we can’t promise perfectly chilled drinks all weekend (unless there’s a shop nearby!), you’ll definitely have the first night and morning sorted.
Local Food & Pop-Ups
Check out what’s on offer near your campsite. Local pubs, farm shops, and pop-up food vans (like pizza trucks or breakfast baps) can be a welcome treat — especially if you’re craving something hot and easy after a long day outdoors. Many sites now host food vendors on Fridays or Saturdays, so it’s worth asking in advance.
Picnics & Shared Meals
Getting the kids involved in packing a picnic is a great way to keep them engaged — and it makes lunchtime an adventure in itself. For group camping, shared meals are always a winner. A big pan of paella or a round of hot dogs cooked on the camping BBQ keeps everyone happy with minimal fuss. Bonus points for marshmallows afterwards!
