From staking a tent in your own backyard to an overnight in the natural beauty of a state or national park, there are lots of ways to enjoy camping with your family this summer!
Camping is a great way to expand kids’ comfort zones. Whether it’s by exploring a new outdoor environment or sleeping away from home and under the stars, they can develop their sense of independence, learn how to plan ahead (what gear will we need? how will a map help us find our campsite?), and try out a different kind of nightly routine.
The best part about camping is that it can be structured or leave room for surprises—try playing a Nature Scavenger Hunt and discovering what new sights and sounds there are—it’s up to you! Either way, your family can create memories that last a lifetime.
Keep reading for tips on how to make camping with kids a success, activities and books to pique their interest in the great outdoors, and local, family-friendly campgrounds across the Adirondack Coast.
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Camping Tips & Tricks!
This is Not Like My Room at Home! | Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Grades PreK-K
O and Daniel aren’t used to sleeping in a tent! With the help of Dad, O and Daniel understand that camping can be fun, even if it’s different from living in a house. Help kids understand that keeping an open mind is important when having new experiences.
Getting Kids Unplugged and Back to Nature Through Camping
Grades PreK-3
With the flicker of the campfire replacing the glow of the screen, weekends camping out in the woods are spent bonding as a family and immersing the kids in nature, which we know is good for them on so many levels.
Make Camping With Kids a Success!
Grades PreK-3
If you or your kids have never been camping before, it can feel like a big undertaking. Here are 10 ways to make sure your family campout is a success!
Bear Camping | Kratts Creatures
Grades K-5
Come along with the Kratt brothers as they demonstrate the appropriate interaction between bears and humans in regards to food. The Kratt brothers have their food at their campsite tied up in a tree, making it unreachable for the approaching bear. This approach helps the bear survive in the wild.
The Leave No Trace 7 Principles
All Ages
The Leave No Trace 7 Principles are a framework for safe and sustainable recreation. Practicing Leave No Trace ethics can help protect the lands, waters, and communities we all know and love, ensuring they remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.
Books, Games & Local Campsites
Buddy’s Big Campout Adventure Game
Grades PreK-K
In Buddy’s Big Campout Adventure, practice being good friends by gathering items to get the campsite ready.
Nighttime is a Great Time to Explore!
Grades PreK-3
Create a nighttime observation kit and discover the mysteries of exploring at night time.
Mini Camping Tents Craft
Grades PreK-3
Pretend you are on a great camping adventure with these miniature paper tents!
Children’s Books About Camping
Grades PreK-4
Camping may seem like hard work, but the outdoors can be a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Fishing, roasting, hiking and more provide endless opportunities to explore nature, so grab your flashlight or gather around the campfire and break out one of these books on camping for kids ages 1-9.
Campgrounds on the Adirondack Coast
All Ages
Experience the Adirondack Coast the way Mother Nature intended! Campgrounds are located throughout the region’s scenic landscapes, offering incredible sights just steps away. The Adirondack Coast has a variety of camping options, including state and private Campgrounds, as well as island camping opportunities. Learn more from the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.