How To Go Glamping With Kids—and Actually Enjoy It

Glamping combines the fun and adventure of camping with the glamour of a luxury hotel. Glampers can still participate in typical camping activities, like roasting marshmallows over a campfire, hiking, swimming, stargazing, and more, but they get to do so while enjoying the simple conveniences of home, like running water, a comfortable bed, and plumbing.

Glamping sites are often unique—some are treehouses, biodomes, and gypsy caravans. However, when glamping with kids, it can be tricky to keep little ones entertained without the comfort (and toys!) of home. With a little advanced planning, glamping can be the perfect mix of adventure and leisure for the entire family.

From personal experience, my brood finds glamping an easier alternative to camping and every bit as exciting. We happily traded in cold nights for space heaters and cozy beds instead of sleeping bags, at least for now. Plus, glamping sites are so unique, and planning the perfect trip is all part of the fun.

Choose Your Glamping Location Wisely

Glamping locations can be found all over the world. They range from small to large sites, inexpensive to lavish, and they all have unique settings. Personally, I prefer cozy, warm-weather glamping destinations that don’t break the bank, like Safari West in Santa Rosa and the Tree Houses in Carmel.

When deciding on a glamping location, involve the kids! Pick a spot the entire family is excited about. Does your brood want to stay in a cabin, a tent, or a yurt? Would your kids prefer a more remote atmosphere or a larger glamping resort where they can meet and play with other kids?

Picking a glamping location is a very personal choice. With so many options worldwide, researching options and selecting your favorite can be the start of the fun. First, decide if you want to stay close to home or add a road trip to and from your glamping spot. 

Decide Your Must-Have Glamping Amenities

Amenities are one of the biggest differences between camping and glamping. Personally, amenities are the main reason I like glamping more than camping. I love the great outdoors, but I equally appreciate luxury linens, a comfortable bed, and a ceiling fan to cool me down on warm summer nights. Little things like that can make a big difference.

As a family, find out which amenities you’re most excited about. For example, do you want food and beverages included in your glamping experience, or will your kiddos prefer cooking their own creations over an open fire? Do you want an en suite bathroom with luxury products, like me?

Glamping amenities range from basic to over-the-top. While some families are comfortable with basics, others prefer fancy add-ons. Decide which amenities will add to your overall experience and which ones you can do without for the weekend.

Do You Want Onsite Glamping Activities or Nearby Attractions?

Want to ensure your kids will love their glamping holiday? Book a place with plenty of things to do. This could mean your family’s favorite camping activities, like singing around the campfire, setting up a hammock, whittling sticks, or new activities provided by your glamping site.

Some glamping sites offer nearby walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, kids’ clubs, hiking trails, pools, and lakes. Others offer even more unique adventures. These are a few of my favorite and some of the most unique family-friendly glamping activities and attractions.

A Safari Excursion

One of my family’s favorite glamping trips, and one of the best things to do with kids near San Francisco, was a weekend away at Safari West in Santa Rosa. While our wooden house on stilts with our own private deck and en suite bathroom was magical, the highlight of the trip was the three-hour guided safari we took onsite. We fell asleep to the sound of wild animals, which was surprisingly relaxing.

Safari West is home to almost 1,000 animals. Expect to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and more on this 400-acre preserve. There’s also an onsite restaurant specializing in classic African-style Braai. A Braai focuses on outdoor grilling and community coming together.

A Forest School

Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the country, in my opinion. The perfect outdoor playground for kids, the park’s glamping site, Autocamp Yosemite, is ideal for families. With a mid-century modern Clubhouse and a choice between modern suites, spacious cabins, or safari-style tents, guests also get a variety of activities, like forest school for kids.

Hang Gliding

Yes, you can hang glide while glamping! Domaine d’Anglas in the south of France is the ultimate glamping destination. The site sits right on a river, and there’s a natural pool to jump into on hot days. Amenities include hang gliding, forest hikes, horseback riding, fishing, and canoeing. You can even go wine (and grape juice) tasting onsite. While I haven’t personally been to Domaine d’Anglas, this cool European glamping site is on my must-visit list. Prices vary from cozy eco-chic tents and two-bedroom family lodges to splurges like the spacious luxury cottage and spa.

Things I’ve Learned From Glamping With Kids

Before arriving at your glamping site, know everything it has to offer. Talk to site owners to find additional supplies that are not provided and might come in handy. I always reach out with questions about whether food or snacks are available on-site. As a mom of a kid with food allergies, snacks or even meals from home are sometimes a necessity when traveling somewhere new.

Also, bring entertainment. While some sites offer games and activities, not all do. We like to bring a small family board or card game. We usually stick to family favorites, like Head’s Up, to ensure plenty of laughs throughout the night.

Finally, bring the right clothing. One too many times, I’ve been caught out in scorching weather without the proper attire. Check weather reports. Bring the right footwear, whether that’s rainboots or hiking boots, don’t forget bathing suits if there’s water nearby, and plan for extra layers if evenings will be chilly. Your kids will love their glamping adventure even more when they’re comfortable.