We have doing lots of camping this summer. Besides from how much my kids love camping, I also have relaxed just how good it is for them. So it got my thinking about the connection to spending more time outdoors, the types of meals we eat, and my kids well-being.
Camping is a great way to help kids engage in physical activity, foster family connections, and immerse themselves in the healing power of nature. But beyond the adventure, it’s also a chance to support their health with nourishing meals that fuel those activities. In this post, we’ll explore the health benefits of camping for kids and how to make easy, kid-friendly meals that’ll keep everyone energized and happy outdoors.
Health Benefits of Camping for Kids
Camping is more than just an escape from routine; it’s a way to nurture kids’ growth, both physically and emotionally. I see the transformation in my kids when I get them disconnected and out in nature. This summer I have made extra effort to find opportunities to take my boys camping for a night or two because I see how positive it is for my boys. Here are some of the benefits:
Physical Activity
Whether it’s a long hike, swimming, or simply playing in the woods, camping gets kids moving in ways that build strength and endurance. Hiking with a backpack or exploring a new trail helps develop motor skills and strengthens bones and muscles.
Mental Well-Being
Spending time in nature can reduce stress and boost mood. The peace and quiet of the outdoors, combined with physical activity, can help kids feel calm, focused, and more connected to their surroundings. Studies show that time in nature can even improve attention span and creativity, offering a mental reset away from screens.
Family Bonding
Camping provides uninterrupted time for families to connect. Cooking meals together, sharing stories around the campfire, or enjoying the simple beauty of a starry night builds memories and strengthens relationships. I also love the aspect of working as a team. I get my kids to help set-up camp (not without complaints), and it’s great to see take soem responsibility and work together. The shared experience of working as a team in the great outdoors teaches kids important life skills, from cooperation to resilience.
Easy, Nutritious Camping Meals to Fuel Outdoor Fun
Just like physical and mental health, the right meals can support kids’ energy levels and overall well-being during a camping trip. After a day of hiking or exploring, it’s important to replenish with meals that are not only nourishing but also simple to prepare in an outdoor setting.
And for me as a dietitian who loves food, there is something special and fun about cooking in the outdoors. I think I like the challenge of cooking with limited tools or in a different way, plus doesn’t everything taste better camping?
We have so many favorite meals camping. We typically do burgers, hot dogs and sausages, like many families, but I also love to mix it up with BBQ chicken, salmon, and tacos as well. Here are a couple of other go-to’s that ware easy and nourishing.
Breakfast: Tacos
A warm cup of coffee and cooking up a warm breakfast is one of my favorite parts of camping. This is a good recipe to get everyone fueled for the day. We love tacos for dinner, but sometimes I mix it up and do them fro breakfast while camping (or both fro dinner and breakfast!).
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 6 eggs (pre-cracked and in a zip lock bag)
- Pack of pre-cooked bacon
- 8 tortillas
- Shredded cheese (we like pepper jack)
- Salsa
- Can of black beans
- Salt and paper to taste
- Optional: cilantro, sour cream, hot sauce (we like Chalula)
Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the pre-cooked bacon to warm up.
- If you have another pan, use it to eat butter over medium heat. Alternatively, you can wait for the bacon to be done, and use some of the fat from it to cook the eggs.
- Add eggs to pan and as they begin to set, gently stir with a spatula, moving them from the edges of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are cooked but still soft.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Open can of beans and heat tortillas if you chose to.
- Assemble tacos with eggs, bacon, black beans, salsa and shredded cheese.
- Serve with cut up fruit on the side.
Why It’s Great: Packed with multiple types of protein, this meal keeps my kids full for a day of adventures. And if you have a kid that maybe doesn’t like one source (like eggs for my oldest), then he can make a taco with what he does like (beans, bacon and cheese). Plus, the messy parts of this meal, can be prepped at home (cracking the eggs and cooking the bacon).
Lunch/Dinner: One-Pot Veggie and Bean Stew
After a long hike, a warm, filling meal is the perfect way to restore energy. This one-pot stew is easy to make and packed with protein and vegetables to keep everyone satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) beans (kidney, black, or chickpeas)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the carrots and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with whole grain bread or corn bread cooked over the fire for a complete meal.
Why It’s Great: This dish is nutrient-dense, easy to make with pantry staples, and offers a great combination of fiber, protein, and vitamins. Plus, it’s perfect for a campfire meal with minimal cleanup.
Making Mealtime Fun and Engaging
Camping offers the perfect opportunity for kids to get involved in meal prep, creating a sense of ownership and excitement about eating healthy food. Here are a few tips for making mealtime fun:
Let Kids Be the “Chef”: Whether it’s stirring ingredients, assembling wraps, or skewering veggies for a grill, kids love hands-on cooking. Let them choose some of the ingredients and get involved in simple tasks. It’s a great way to teach them about healthy food while making them feel proud of what they’re eating.
Create “Build-Your-Own” Meals: Think taco bars, burger assembly, wrap stations, or DIY trail mix. Having kids customize their meals allows them to pick what they like, making mealtime a fun experience while still ensuring they get a balanced, nutritious plate.
Camping is an enriching experience that nurtures kids’ physical and emotional health, while also providing the perfect backdrop for creating healthy, delicious meals. By planning simple yet nourishing meals, parents can ensure their kids have the energy to enjoy all the outdoor activities, all while fostering family bonding and memories that last a lifetime. So, gather your camping gear, prep your favorite easy meals, and get ready for an adventure filled with nature, fun, and great food!
