KIDS CAMPING GEAR

Getting the kids comfortable and entertained is the secret to a family camping trip everyone wants to repeat. The five items that make the biggest difference are a properly sized sleeping bag for each child, their own camp chair, a headlamp they can operate themselves, a mosquito net for overnight protection, and something to keep them entertained at camp, whether that's outdoor games, a colouring kit, or glow sticks for after dark. Getting kids their own gear, rather than sharing adult versions, is a game changer. A sleeping bag sized for a child stays warmer because there's less dead air space to heat, a chair at the right height means they're comfortable at mealtime, and a headlamp gives them independence and confidence after dark. Our ultimate family camping checklist is a great resource for making sure nothing gets left behind before you hit the road.

Yes, and using a properly sized sleep setup for children makes a real difference to how warm and comfortable they are overnight. An adult sleeping bag is too long and wide for a child's body, leaving large pockets of cold air that their small frame can't heat efficiently. OZtrail's Junior Kingsford Sleeping Bags are specifically proportioned for smaller bodies, available in 0°C and -3°C ratings to handle most Australian camping conditions from spring through to cooler autumn nights. Pair the sleeping bag with a foam camp mat or self-inflating mat to insulate kids from the cold ground. This matters as much as the bag itself, since ground cold is often what disrupts sleep more than air temperature. For families who prefer a more elevated sleep setup, a standard single stretcher gives kids a proper bed off the ground and creates useful storage space for their gear underneath. Our tips for a great night's sleep outdoors guide has more advice on building the right sleep system for different ages and conditions.

The right camp chair for a child comes down to age, size, and how they'll use it. For toddlers and very young kids still at the eating-at-the-table stage, the Handy Junior High Chair is purpose-built for camp use - it has a high-tensile steel frame, an internal retention harness for safety, and a removable moulded plastic table top that's easy to wipe down after messy meals. For older kids who just want their own chair to sit around the fire, the Junior Deluxe Arm Chair is a scaled-down version of a proper camp chair with wide arms for support, a built-in drink holder, and a side organiser, sized correctly so kids are seated comfortably rather than lost in an oversized adult chair. For kids who love a cosy, wraparound seat, the Moon Chair Junior with its padded foam support and drink holder is always a hit around the campfire. Whatever you choose, look for a high-tensile steel frame, kid-specific safety features, and a compact carry bag so it's easy to pack.

Good sleep protection for kids at camp covers three things: warmth, insects, and light management. For warmth, start with a correctly sized, temperature-rated sleeping bag and an insulating mat - getting these two right prevents both overheating and cold ground from disrupting sleep. For insect protection, a mosquito net is one of the most underrated items in a family camping kit. The Single Box Mosquito Net hangs easily over a stretcher or sleeping mat and creates a secure bug-free zone for kids overnight, particularly important in warmer months and near waterways where mozzies are thick. For light management, particularly on summer trips where the sun rises early, a tent with BlockOut® fabric is a practical investment for families. The No-See-Um Mesh inner on OZtrail's Fast Frame tents also adds a layer of insect protection built into the tent itself, working alongside a mosquito net for extra peace of mind. Beyond gear, keeping kids in long sleeves and pants at dusk, using child-safe insect repellent, and pitching the tent away from standing water all make meaningful differences to how well little ones sleep outdoors.

Absolutely, and they're one of those items that pays for itself on the first night. Children who have their own light source become immediately more confident and independent at camp: they can find the bathroom at night without waking a parent, read in the tent before bed, and feel genuinely part of the adventure rather than dependent on adults for every after-dark task. The key is choosing a headlamp designed for kids rather than handing them an adult model. The Lumos Twinkle Kids Headlamp is built specifically for young campers - it has a single-button operation that even small children can use without help, an adjustable headband that fits comfortably on smaller heads, an 80-lumen output with up to 21-metre beam distance, and five light modes including a red SOS and red strobe for safety situations. The built-in rechargeable battery gives up to 14.5 hours of runtime on low and is IPX4 water-resistant, so it handles the usual bumps, drops, and unexpected drizzle that come with camping with kids. The Kids Headlamp Crocodile is another fun option for younger children who respond well to novelty, making it easier to get them to actually wear it.