Tips for Overlanding With Kids

Overlanding with kids can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the outdoors. We should know! We grew up in the outdoors and have passed on our love of adventuring to our own kids. Watching their eyes light up as they discover the beauty of nature, gather around the campfire, and experience the joy of adventure makes the effort more than worthwhile.

But let’s be honest—overlanding with kids isn’t a walk in the park. It requires meticulous planning, patience, and a good sense of humor to handle the inevitable bumps along the way. As folks who have experienced the highs and lows of family overlanding, we can confidently say that the key to success is preparation and adaptability.

With that said, here are some tried-and-true tips for ensuring that your overlanding experience with kids is both fun and stress-free.

Preparing for the Journey

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Before you hit the trail, preparation is everything. Kids thrive on routine, and while overlanding involves breaking away from everyday life, incorporating some predictability can help ease the transition for them.

Start by planning routes with kid-friendly stops. Parks, nature centers, and scenic viewpoints are great for breaking up long drives and giving kids a chance to stretch their legs. Consider routes that offer shorter driving times between destinations, as hours in a vehicle can test even the most patient child.

When packing, focus on essentials for their comfort and entertainment. Snacks are non-negotiable—having a variety of healthy and treat-like options on hand can be a lifesaver during meltdowns.  Our kids even look forward to that first gas station stop, because they know dad will let them all buy a bag of candy and a soda or drink of their choosing…mom tolerates it because its a treat, and we’re on an adventure!. Bring favorite toys, books, or even a tablet loaded with movies for longer stretches on the road.

Setting realistic expectations is just as important. Overlanding with kids will not look like the solo or couples' adventures you’ve had in the past. There will be stops, spills, and moments of frustration.  You will not make record time to your destination, so just ignore the ETA that Google or Apple is giving you. Accepting this beforehand can make the journey feel less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

Involving Kids in Overlanding Tasks 

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One of the best ways to engage kids on an overlanding trip is to involve them in age-appropriate tasks. Not only does this give them a sense of responsibility, but it also fosters a deeper connection to the experience.

For younger kids, simple tasks like gathering kindling for the fire, organizing bedding in the tent, or choosing the perfect camping spot can be exciting and rewarding. Older children can help set up the tent, assist with meal preparation, or even learn basic navigation skills to get you where you’re going. It will surprise you what a 5 year old or a 16 year old can do to help, if you’ll empower them to be part of the team.

By involving kids in these activities, you’re teaching them valuable skills while keeping them occupied and engaged. It also makes them feel like an integral part of the adventure, which can lead to fewer complaints and a greater sense of accomplishment.

Compact and Durable Storage Solutions

When you’re overlanding with kids, staying organized is critical. Modular bins and organizers can help keep the chaos in check, making it easy to find what you need when you need it.

For instance, the Step 22 Gear Quoll Cube HD Packing Cubes shown above are ideal for storing kids’ clothes and toys in a compact and organized way. Similarly, the Step 22 Gear Hedgehog Toiletry Roll ensures that toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other toiletries are neatly contained and easily accessible. For bulkier items like jackets or bedding, a 53-quart OVS DBS dry box provides weatherproof and secure storage.

Of course, the type of storage containers you use is a very personal choice; your storage needs depend largely on the number of kids you have, the items they need to bring, and the type of overlanding rig you have and how much space it offers for storage. But, by investing in durable storage solutions, you can minimize clutter, avoid losing items, and spend more time enjoying your trip instead of hunting for that missing sock or favorite stuffed animal.  Staying organized with everything having a home in your overlanding rig of choice will definitely cut down on unneeded stress.

Setting Up a Comfortable Campsite

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Kids are more likely to enjoy overlanding if the campsite feels welcoming and fun. Start by setting up a comfortable sleeping area with sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows on an inflatable mattress. The more inviting and cozy you make the sleeping area, the more likely your kids are to crash and get a good night’s sleep. It might even be inviting enough for them to take afternoon naps!

We have a family of 7 now, and it’s really hard to pack enough drinking water without taking up too much of our valuable space.  We have made it a habit to look for areas where we can camp near water (creek, river, lake).  It does too things.  It gives us easy access to water we can filter for drinking, cooking, showers, etc.  But, it also serves as instant family fun.  What kid doesn’t like to play in the water.  We have so many great memories by a river or lake.

Also create a designated play zone with a tarp or mat where they can safely play with toys or read books without getting covered in dirt, dust, or mud. This area can also double as a meal space with a small table and chairs for kid-friendly dining.

Safety is a priority no matter where you go, so make sure hazards like the campfire, sharp tools, or steep drop-offs are well-marked or out of reach. Along the same lines, having a battery-powered lantern or fairy lights around the campsite will help prevent falls and injuries and can create a magical atmosphere that kids will love.

Shade and Weather Protection Gear

Weather can be unpredictable, but being prepared can turn potential discomfort into an adventure. Pop-up canopies and sunshades provide instant protection from the sun or rain, ensuring kids have a comfortable place to relax.

The Front Runner Easy-Out Awning is a great option, too—it sets up in less than a minute and offers excellent protection from the elements. And, unlike a sunshade or pop-up canopy, the Easy-Out awning doesn’t require any interior storage space in your vehicle. Pair it with the Easy-Out Awning Room shown above for added privacy and wind protection, especially if you encounter bad weather.

Additionally, pack waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear for the kids. These items will keep them dry and comfortable during unexpected rain showers or muddy hikes, allowing them to enjoy the trip with fewer complaints. Kids can be great overlanding companions, but if they get wet and cold, watch out!

Kid-Friendly Sleeping Solutions

A good night’s sleep can make or break an overlanding trip with kids (and any overlanding trip, for that matter). That being the case, investing in quality sleeping gear that’s comfortable and fun is a must.

Compact sleeping bags designed for children ensure they stay warm and snug through the night. If you’re using a rooftop tent, choose one with a safe ladder system and ample space. The Roofnest Condor, for example, can accommodate 2-3 kids or a small family, providing a secure and comfortable sleeping zone. Plus, crawling up into the tent and sleeping in an elevated position can be a fun adventure for kiddos–not unlike sleeping in a tree fort!

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For ground setups, consider bunk-style cots or inflatable mattresses that are easy to pack and set up. Bunk bed systems for tents enable you to create separate spaces for your kids without having a huge impact on the amount of floor space in the tent. Creating a dedicated sleeping space just for the kids can make them feel more at home and excited about bedtime, and they’re also sure to appreciate the added floor space that bunk beds allow for inside the tent.  Our older kids also love to sleep in their hammocks when the weather permits.  Hammocks and straps take up very little room, and the older boys feel big and tough sleeping in their hammocks away from mom and dad.

Create a Better Overlanding Experience for Your Kids

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Overlanding with kids may take extra effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. From teaching them valuable life skills to creating memories that will last a lifetime, these experiences shape how they view the world and their place in it.

With careful planning, thoughtful gear choices, and a willingness to adapt, your family can enjoy the magic of overlanding together–and we can help! With decades of experience in outdoor adventuring, we’re ready, willing, and able to help you get ready for overlanding adventures with your children. 

Experience the BTR Outfitters difference today by calling 888-323-5902 or dropping by our shop off I-20 in Abilene. We’ll help you load up with the essentials and hit the trail, ready for an adventure your kids will be talking about for years to come!