Home > Style > What To Buy > 10 Ways to Survive Camping with Kids

Feel like camping would be way too tricky with children? Our Mum Club hosts and team share their best tips to attend Camp Bestival.

Bring a Really Good Bag
1.
Bring a Really Good Bag

“Yes, camping trolleys and prams are great, but you also need a good bag to carry all your essential items in (e.g. spare kids clothes, emergency snacks, and as much booze as you can take!!!).
This extremely lightweight backpack from ROKA London is made for adventures and is perfect for festivals -it’s also made from recycled plastic bottles!
It’s so comfy to wear, has three convenient front zip pockets and generous interior storage. And, if the weather fails you, it’s also waterproof!”

Lydia House, TMC Editor

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Avoid loo dramas
2.
Avoid loo dramas

“Not just for training toddlers, this travel potty is a great queue-avoiding product for kids of any age. And if things get really bad, you can use it too.”

Luzaan Shaw, TMC Wokingham Host

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Prepare for chilly nights
3.
Prepare for chilly nights

“Make sure you pack a really good sleeping bag and warm clothes for the little ones. It gets cold in the evening, we even felt it, and we were in a bed.”

Ally Pap, TMC Wimbledon Host

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Ditch the camping chairs
4.
Ditch the camping chairs

“Ditch the camping chairs. Camping chairs are heavy and more hassle than they’re worth. I’d suggest bringing a picnic blanket or plastic sheet that you can wipe down. You can also use it to create some shade if you’re nifty enough.”

Alex Molloy, TMC Knutsford Host

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Pack a magic mirror
5.
Pack a magic mirror

“These mirrors are brilliant for getting ready as they drop down to become a full-length mirror and attach to your tent with Velcro straps. They also fold up into a stand that is perfect for make up or glitter application and are as kid-proof as mirrors get.”

Charlotte Johns, TMC Solihull Host.

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Swim wisely
6.
Swim wisely

“Take a Wild Swimming Coat: I’m sure there are lots of brands available but we all know the one I’m talking about! I’m no wild swimmer but for the walk to the showers and back this was absolutely perfect. No need to even take a towel!”

Amy Stokeld, TMC Salford Host.

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Don’t forget to BYOB
7.
Don’t forget to BYOB

“Anything that isn’t in glass is acceptable(ish) – pack wisely!”

Alex Molloy, TMC Knutsford Host.

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Wash your kids in a bucket
8.
Wash your kids in a bucket

“Shower queues are not the one, so I’d definitely recommend taking a bucket big enough for the kids to sit in, fill it with booze or clothes on arrival then use it to wash the kids and take a little dip yourself when you’re there.”

Charlotte Johns, TMC Solihull Host.

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Take endless snacks
9.
Take endless snacks

“From setting up camp to waiting until food stalls are open having your own stash of bananas, biscuits or whatever your kids usually crave will save you. As mums we all know how valuable a snack is…but when your day is extended by around 6 extra hours because us adults want to enjoy the evening entertainment…snacks are required in abundance!”

Ally Pap, TMC Wimbledon Host.

Bring your own eco glitter
10.
Bring your own eco glitter

“Avoid having very disappointed little people and pack lots of eco body glitter as they’ll see other kids with it on and want it and if you can’t get your hands on any sometimes the queues at glitter stations can be quite long. Take it and avoid the stress.”

Luzaan Shaw, TMC Wokingham Host.

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