Mini doll with camping accessories.

Checklists for Camping & Hiking with Kids

We at Lori love being in the city, but we enjoy nature just as much – and summer is the perfect season for soaking in the sun! If you’re planning on packing up your car and heading out of town for a hike or a camping trip as a family, here are some handy checklists to guide you along the way.

  • First aid kit
  • Insect repellant
  • Lots of snacks (keep variety in mind!)
  • Roomy cooler (to keep that lemonade cold!)
  • Sunscreen
  • Warmer clothes for colder nights
  • Activity sheets, such as a nature scavenger hunt
  • Camping chairs (to be comfy around the campfire!)
  • Lanterns and flashlights
  • Favorite doll (to soothe first-time campers)
  • Books for story time
  • Twinkle lights and decorative pillows (for extra coziness!)
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Waterproof clothes (for the hikes with a chance of rain)
  • Swimsuit (for a mid-hike swim!)
  • Extra pair of socks
  • Snacks that are easy to eat on the go
  • Water bottle
  • Binoculars (to get a closer look at wildlife)
  • Camera
  • Sunhat and sunglasses
  • Hiking map or a device
  • Bags for trash (to leave the park the way you found it!)
  • Lightweight backpack (to store it all!)
  • Playtime can help first-time campers or hikers familiarize themselves with the respective experiences! Long outdoor walks or sleeping in a tent will be unfamiliar territory, so dramatic play with dolls can give children a good idea of what’s to come.
  • To take the familiarization process a step further, you can even go on a mini hike in your local park or recreate the camping experience from the comfort of your home! Set up a tent indoors or in the backyard, put a sleeping bag and pillows inside it, then “camp”!
  • To give little campers and hikers a boost of confidence, we also recommend involving them in the packing process. Something as simple as choosing which t-shirt to wear or which snacks to take can let them know that they’re actively participating in the process.

Whether you’re camping or hiking as a family this summer, we hope you enjoy the outdoors to the fullest!