Camping is its own reward. There’s nothing like spending time with your family outdoors. As more and more families turn to the natural environment to satisfy their vacation and relaxation needs innovative new camping gear for kids continues to be developed.
Check out camping gear available for your kids and figure out which pieces of gear will suit your young adventurer and explorer.
Coleman Kids Explorer Belt
If your child loves to hike and explore around your campsite, Coleman’s Kids Explorer Belt is a camping must have. This is a very popular item precisely because it captivates kids’ interest and encourages them to explore the natural world.
Coleman Kids Explorer Belt fits up to a 35″ waist and has pockets for storing your young camper’s treasures. The kit includes a small magnifying glass, a 12 ounce water bottle, gloves, a small shovel, and a notepad. Kids will enjoy recording observations or sketching pictures of unique things they find while camping.
Coleman Kids Explorer Belt encourages kids to explore, but is probably too juvenile for upper elementary and middle school students. This belt is ideal for the young explorer. It’s a camping toy that can serve as a training tool. I recommend replacing the small magnifying glass with a larger glass which can be purchased for a dollar.
Coleman Kids Explorer Belt can be purchased from Camping Survival for $18.95. It’s also sold on QVC for $19.99.
Tow Behind Ski Tubes for a fun water break while camping
Tow behind ski tubes aren’t new, but if you don’t have one and you do have a boat, it will be great new fun for you and your kids. Kids love riding high speed, even if you are throttled low, behind a ski boat. Tow behind ski tubes eliminate the problem of keeping kids isolated on a ski boat all day while adults ski. The great thing about tow behind ski tubes is that adults love them too.
A number of companies make tow behind ski tubes. The biggest considerations in making your purchase are size and durability. Durability goes beyond the build of the tube. Test the handles to make sure they can be comfortably gripped and are securely created as a part of the tow behind tube.
The danger of tow behind tubes is that kids get comfortable very quickly. That’s not a bad thing as long as the family remembers safety first. Kids should always wear a life vest that lifts their head out of the water. Even then, extreme caution should be used with very young kids. It’s a good idea if your kids are small to get a tow behind ski tube that holds two people.
The most popular tow behind ski tubes are literally tubes or double tubes, however, there are a variety of styles to choose from. A chair style tow behind ski tube may be better for young children. I find them more fun and less work, myself, but don’t presume that these types of tow behinds will not tump.
A great selection of fun, durable tow behinds can be found at Tow Behind Tubes. Prices range from just under $100 to around $300 depending on the model, material, and brand name. Keep in mind that you don’t want a cheap tube that falls apart when your kids are riding. Take a little time to explore your options.
Light up the night for kids while you camp
Wide beam lights are traditional and easy to find for camping. Kids will enjoy the Coleman for Kids Firefly Lantern. It lights the night, but not without a little work. Kids young and old enjoy filling the Coleman Firefly Lantern with fireflies to create their own light. It works like an old fashioned jar, but the benefits of the Coleman for Kids Firefly Lantern are its easy access and sturdy construction without glass. It’s safe and fun. Adults may even find themselves catching fireflies to fill the kids camping lantern.
This is a great item for bug collectors. It doesn’t harm the bugs, as long as you are careful when you catch them, and they can be released later.
Coleman for Kids Firefly Lantern can be purchased at Summit Camping Gear for $15.95.
While this is a fun camping accessory it is not a substitute for a good flashlight, with which every camper needs to be equipped.
Lasting night lights for camping kids
When you put out the campfire at night, it’s a sure thing that kids, especially young ones, may want a little light. If they wake up in the night in total darkness while camping it can be frightening. Coleman has help overcome the problem with Illumipods.
Illumipods are battery lit pods that last for up to six hours. We like to use them through the night in the event that someone awakens there will be a soft glow to help them orient themselves to their surroundings, at least until they can get to their flashlight. They are self adhesive and can be used as a buddy system or safety reflector when walking at night, or they can be used to mark tents.
These are recommended for ages six and up. They come in handy for a variety of uses. You can mark the port-a-potty if you need to.
Coleman Illumipods are not substitutes for flashlights. Make sure every camper, even the kids are equipped with a wide beam flashlight with fresh batteries for their safety and security of mind.
Coleman Illumipods can be purchased for $5.80 at Camping Lanterns. They can be nearly twice that price on other websites, so don’t get suckered in by high prices. It will also pay to check the outdoor living department of your local discount department store.
Adding a few cool kids’ perks to your camping equipment can make your camping trip more safe, more fun, and more family friendly.
Now get packing and head out camping with your kids.
