Glamping with Kids: The Complete Family Guide to Luxury Camping

Glamping with kids is one of the best ways to introduce children to the joys of outdoor living without the stress and discomfort of traditional camping. Children can explore nature, roast marshmallows, and sleep under the stars while parents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with comfortable accommodations, proper beds, and access to modern amenities. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about planning a successful family glamping trip, from choosing the right accommodation to packing the perfect bag.

Why Glamping with Kids Is a Great Idea

Traditional camping with young children can be overwhelming. Between setting up the tent, managing naps in uncomfortable conditions, dealing with bathroom breaks in the middle of the night, and keeping children entertained without modern conveniences, parents often return from camping trips more exhausted than when they left. Glamping eliminates many of these challenges while preserving the magic of outdoor living.

Children benefit enormously from time spent in nature. Studies show that outdoor experiences improve creativity, reduce stress, enhance problem-solving skills, and promote physical activity. Glamping makes these benefits accessible to families who might not otherwise consider camping. Children get to experience the wonder of sleeping in a tent, hearing birds wake them in the morning, and exploring natural environments, all while parents enjoy the comfort of a real bed and the convenience of on-site facilities.

Another advantage of glamping with kids is that it creates a positive first impression of outdoor living. Children who enjoy their first glamping experience are more likely to develop a lifelong love of nature and outdoor activities. For tips on comparing glamping with traditional camping, read our glamping vs camping guide.

Choosing Kid-Friendly Glamping Accommodation

Space Considerations

When glamping with kids, space is one of the most important factors to consider. A romantic glamping tent for two will feel cramped with children added to the mix. Look for family-sized accommodations with separate sleeping areas or multiple rooms. Safari tents and family-sized yurts are excellent options that offer generous floor space and the ability to create separate zones for parents and children.

Amenities That Matter for Families

Not all glamping amenities are equally important when traveling with children. Prioritize sites that offer:

• Private bathroom: Having your own toilet and shower makes middle-of-the-night bathroom trips much easier with young children.
• Kitchen facilities: Kitchen access allows you to prepare meals your children already enjoy, rather than relying on restaurant food or campfire cooking for every meal.
• Heating and cooling: Climate control is essential for keeping children comfortable and ensuring good sleep.
• Safe outdoor space: A fenced or enclosed outdoor area where children can play freely is a huge bonus.
• Electricity: Access to power for charging devices, running a sound machine for naps, or keeping medical devices charged.

Types of Accommodation

Different accommodation types offer different advantages for families. Cabins and cottages provide the most space and amenities, including full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Safari tents offer a traditional camping feel with generous space. Yurts are cozy and circular, which children find magical. Treehouses are the ultimate adventure for most kids. For specific tent recommendations, check our glamping tents guide.

Best Family Glamping Destinations

When choosing a destination for glamping with kids, consider factors like travel distance, available activities, and the overall vibe of the location. The best family glamping destinations offer a mix of structured activities and free exploration time. Look for sites near hiking trails, lakes or beaches, animal sanctuaries, or children's museums. Some destinations even offer on-site kids' clubs and organized nature programs that give parents a chance to relax while children are supervised and entertained.

National and state parks with glamping accommodations are excellent choices because they offer ranger-led programs, easy hiking trails, and educational activities designed for children. Beachfront glamping is another fantastic option, combining the joy of sand and water with comfortable accommodations. For a curated list of family-friendly options, explore our top glamping destinations.

Packing Tips for Glamping with Children

Packing for a family glamping trip requires more forethought than packing for an adult-only trip. Here is what you need to consider when packing for children:

• Extra clothing layers: Children get cold more easily than adults and seem to get dirty faster. Pack at least two extra outfits per child per day.
• Comfort items from home: Favorite stuffed animals, blankets, or pillows help children feel secure in a new sleeping environment.
• Nightlight: A portable nightlight or glow stick in the tent helps children feel safe in the dark.
• Waterproof gear: Rain jackets, boots, and splash pants ensure outdoor fun continues even in wet weather.
• Swim gear: Swimsuits, water shoes, towels, and floatation devices if there is water nearby.
• Child-safe insect repellent: Choose products specifically formulated for children's sensitive skin.
• Kids' sunscreen: High-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen designed for children.
• Portable potty or step stool: For toddlers who are potty training, having familiar equipment makes bathroom trips easier.
• First-aid kit: Include child-specific items like children's pain reliever, antihistamine, and bandages with fun designs.

For a complete list of what to bring, see our ultimate packing checklist.

Fun Activities for Kids While Glamping

Keeping children engaged and entertained is key to a successful family glamping trip. Here are activities that work wonderfully in a glamping setting:

• Nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of items for children to find in nature, such as a specific leaf, rock, feather, or flower. This activity keeps kids engaged for hours and teaches observation skills.
• Stargazing: The darker skies at glamping sites offer spectacular views of the night sky. Bring a star chart or download a stargazing app to identify constellations.
• Campfire storytelling: Gather around the campfire for stories, songs, and marshmallow roasting. Let children take turns creating their own stories.
• Nature crafts: Collect pinecones, leaves, and small branches to create art projects. Bring glue, string, and markers for craft time.
• Outdoor games: Frisbee, badminton, cornhole, and simple ball games are perfect for open spaces around glamping sites.
• Bug hunting: Provide children with a magnifying glass and a bug identification guide for hours of entomological exploration.
• Photography walk: Give children a camera or smartphone and let them document their glamping adventure from their perspective.
• Hammock time: A camping hammock is a quiet retreat for reading, napping, or simply swaying in the breeze.

Safety Tips for Family Glamping

While glamping is safer and more comfortable than traditional camping, there are still important safety considerations when traveling with children:

• Fire safety: Establish clear rules about campfires. Never leave children unattended near a fire pit. Teach children to stay at least three feet away from fires.
• Water safety: If your site is near water, supervise children at all times. Consider bringing life jackets even for children who can swim.
• Wildlife awareness: Teach children to observe wildlife from a distance and never approach or feed animals. Store food securely to avoid attracting animals to your site.
• Sun protection: Apply sunscreen regularly, especially during midday hours. Dress children in UV-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
• Hydration: Children can become dehydrated quickly during outdoor activities. Encourage regular water breaks throughout the day.
• GPS and location: In larger glamping resorts, establish a meeting point and ensure older children know the site address and your phone number.
• Emergency plan: Identify the nearest hospital or urgent care center before you arrive. Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit and know basic first aid.

Meal Planning for Family Glamping

Food is a central part of any family glamping trip. The key to success is planning meals that are easy to prepare, appealing to children, and take advantage of the unique glamping setting. Breakfast is often the easiest meal. Consider pre-made pancake mix that just needs water, yogurt with granola and berries, or breakfast burritos that can be heated on a camp stove. For lunch, sandwiches, wraps, and salads are simple options that require minimal preparation. Dinner is where glamping truly shines. Plan meals that can be cooked over a campfire or grill for the full outdoor experience. Foil packet meals where each family member customizes their own packet with vegetables, protein, and seasonings are always a hit with children. S'mores are a non-negotiable part of any family glamping trip. Pre-make the s'mores kits so everything is ready to go when the campfire is lit.

For gear recommendations to make family meal preparation easier, check out our best cooking gear guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Glamping with kids is a wonderful way to create lasting family memories in nature. The combination of outdoor adventure and home comforts makes it accessible for families of all types, including those with very young children, multiple children, or family members with special needs. By choosing the right accommodation, packing thoughtfully, planning engaging activities, and prioritizing safety, your family glamping trip will be a resounding success.

Ready to book your family glamping adventure? Explore our destination recommendations and read our packing checklist to get started.