Camping Meals for Kids: Tasty Recipes for Outdoor Family Adventures
Planning a family camping trip and worried about feeding your picky eaters?
Look no further! We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to delicious and easy camping meals for kids that will satisfy even the most discerning young palates.
From hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering desserts, these recipes will ensure your outdoor culinary experience is both fun and stress-free.
Why Camping Meals for Kids Matter
Feeding children while camping can be challenging, but it’s crucial for maintaining energy levels and creating lasting memories. Our curated selection of kid-friendly camping meals goes beyond the usual hot dogs on a stick, offering nutritious and exciting options that both kids and adults will love.
Kid-Friendly Camping Breakfasts
Are you ready for some delicious camping breakfasts that kids will love? We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite kid-friendly camping breakfasts that won’t just please the eye, but will also help you start your day with lots of energy. As an added bonus, all of these kid-friendly camping breakfasts are things that the kids can help you make too!
French Toast Sticks
A fun twist on a breakfast classic. These portable, finger-friendly sticks are perfect for little hands and can be dipped in syrup or fruit compote.
Pie Iron Apple Turnovers
A sweet and portable breakfast treat. Kids love the novelty of cooking with pie irons, and the warm, gooey apple filling is irresistible.
Eggs in a Basket
A perfect combination of eggs and toast. This all-in-one breakfast is not only fun to make but also ensures kids get a good balance of protein and carbs.
Omelets in a Bag
A mess-free way to enjoy customized omelets. Each family member can add their favorite ingredients, making breakfast a personalized adventure.
Campfire Cinnamon Buns
A sweet indulgence to kickstart your day. The aroma of these baking over the campfire is sure to get even the sleepiest campers out of their tents.
Kids-Friendly Camping Main Dishes
Are you looking for some great main dishes that your kids will love while camping? We’ve got lots of family-friendly camping recipes with everything from cheesy potatoes, to campfire pizza, and even sloppy joes! Make sure to add some of these to your family camping meal plan.
Campfire Potatoes – Campfire, Grill or Oven
A crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to make and customize. The cheesy, creamy potatoes are a comfort food that kids adore.
Foil Packet Grilled Coho Salmon
An easy and healthy option that introduces kids to fish in a fun way. The foil packets keep the fish moist and make cleanup a breeze.
Campfire Pizza Bake
A creative twist on everyone’s favorite. This dish brings the beloved flavors of pizza to the campsite, sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Campfire Nachos
A crunchy and cheesy delight that’s perfect for sharing. Kids can help layer the ingredients, making meal prep a fun activity.
Vegan Minestrone Soup
A hearty and nutritious one-pot meal packed with vegetables. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients for picky eaters.
One Pot Red Lentil Sloppy Joes
A plant-based take on a camp classic. These protein-rich sandwiches are messy fun for kids and a healthier alternative to traditional sloppy joes.
Chicken and Potato Bake with Cheese
A comforting one-pan dinner that combines kid-friendly ingredients in a satisfying meal.
Greek Inspired – Grilled Ground Beef and Cauliflower Foil Packets (Keto-friendly)
A flavorful and keto-friendly option that introduces kids to Mediterranean flavors in a familiar format.
Pizza Potato Packs
Combining two kid favorites in one dish. This clever recipe turns potatoes into a pizza-like meal, perfect for young pizza lovers.
Chili SPAM & Eggs
A nostalgic and protein-packed meal that’s quick to prepare and fills hungry tummies.
Instant Pot Camping Recipes for Families
Are you and your Instant Pot inseparable? Then you’re going to love these kid-friendly camping recipes that you can make right from your Instant Pot. Of course, this only works if you are going to be at a campsite that has electricity hookups.
Instant Pot Baked Ziti with Homemade Ragu
A creamy pasta dish that’s ready in no time. Kids love pasta, and this one-pot meal makes dinnertime easy for parents.
Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa
A quick and healthy option using pantry staples. This colorful dish introduces kids to quinoa in a familiar Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Camping Desserts Kids Will Love
Are you looking for some amazing campfire desserts that your kids will love? We’ve rounded up some of the best recipes for family camping desserts so that your kids can end their day on a sweet note!
Campfire Apple Crisp Foil Packets {Vegan, Gluten Free}
A healthier dessert option that still feels indulgent. Kids can help assemble their own packets, adding to the fun.
Campfire Banana Boats 9 Ways
A customizable classic with endless variations. Children can choose their own toppings, making dessert a creative activity.
Campfire Nutella S’mores
An indulgent twist on the traditional s’more. The addition of Nutella takes this campfire classic to new heights of deliciousness.
Campfire Cones
A less messy alternative to s’mores. Ice cream cones filled with sweet treats and wrapped in foil make for a unique and fun dessert experience.
Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
An impressive dessert made easy. Kids will be amazed to see a “real” cake emerge from the campfire.
Tips for Successful Camp Cooking with Kids
- Plan and prep ingredients before your trip to save time at the campsite.
- Involve kids in meal preparation for a fun learning experience and to encourage them to try new foods.
- Use a reliable cooler to keep perishables fresh and safe.
- Pack versatile cooking equipment like cast iron skillets and pie irons for a variety of meal options.
- Don’t forget essentials like aluminum foil and resealable bags for easy cooking and storage.
By incorporating these delicious camping meals for kids into your outdoor adventure, you’ll create a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Happy camping and bon appétit!
