Caravanning with kids is one of the best things you can do as a family. No screens, no schedules, just fresh air and time together. But it does take a bit more planning than camping as a couple. The key is to keep things simple and go with the flow.
Here’s how to make your family caravan trip a success.
Choose the Right Caravan
If you’re shopping for a family caravan, think about:
Sleeping arrangements. Can everyone sleep comfortably? Bunk beds or a dinette that converts to a bed work well for kids. Older kids might prefer their own tent attached to the caravan’s awning.
Bathroom. A caravan with a toilet and shower makes life much easier with small children. Night-time toilet runs to the ablution block in the dark are nobody’s idea of fun.
Kitchen. A functional kitchen with a fridge, stove, and sink means you can prepare meals without relying on eating out.
Storage. Kids come with stuff. Lots of it. Make sure there’s enough cupboard and floor space for everyone.
Packing for Kids
The Essentials
- Extra clothes (kids get dirty and wet faster than you’d believe)
- Warm layers for cold Highveld nights
- Sunscreen and hats
- First aid kit with plasters, antihistamines, and insect repellent
- Favourite bedding or sleeping bags
- Torch for each child (they love having their own)
Entertainment
- Board games and card games (Uno is a caravan classic)
- Colouring books and crayons
- Bikes and scooters (if the campsite allows it)
- Fishing rods (even if they only catch weeds)
- A ball or frisbee
- Books for quiet time
Limit the screens. The whole point of camping is to unplug. Let them be bored for a while. Bored kids end up building forts, catching lizards, and making friends with the kids on the next site.
Campsite Safety
Set the Rules Early
Before the kids bolt out of the car, establish some ground rules:
- They must know which campsite is yours (point it out clearly)
- Set boundaries for how far they can wander
- No running near fires, braais, or gas stoves
- Stay away from the dam or river without an adult
- Be respectful of other campers (not everyone wants to hear screaming at 6am)
Fire Safety
Kids are fascinated by fire. Keep the braai and campfire supervised at all times. Teach older kids how to behave around fire rather than just banning them from going near it. A healthy respect for fire is a useful life skill.
Sun and Heat
South African sun is brutal, especially on the Highveld in summer. Sunscreen, hats, and shade during the midday heat are non-negotiable. A caravan awning or tent creates a perfect shaded zone.
Keep Mealtimes Simple
Don’t try to be a chef. Camping food should be easy:
- Breakfast: Cereal, toast, eggs, fruit
- Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, biltong, fruit
- Dinner: Braai, potjie, pasta, or toasted sandwiches
- Snacks: Rusks, dried fruit, biscuits
Pre-make meals at home and freeze them. Bobotie, stew, or bolognese sauce can be defrosted and heated up in minutes. The less time you spend cooking, the more time you spend camping.
Get the kids involved. Even small children can help set the table, wash vegetables, or stir a pot. They’re more likely to eat what they helped make.
Activities for Kids
The best camping activities don’t cost anything:
- Exploring the campsite and surrounding area
- Bug hunting and bird watching
- Swimming (dam, pool, or river depending on the campsite)
- Fishing
- Hiking on easy trails
- Building a campfire (supervised)
- Star gazing (away from Joburg’s light pollution, the stars are incredible)
- Making friends with neighbouring campers’ kids
Bedtime Tips
- Stick to a routine as close to home as possible
- Bring familiar bedding or a favourite stuffed animal
- Read a story by torchlight (it makes it feel special)
- Accept that bedtime might be later than usual, and that’s okay
- White noise from a fan or the sound of the bush usually helps
Early mornings are inevitable when camping. The birds start at 5am and so will your kids. Embrace it. Early morning walks before the heat are the best part of camping.
Start Close to Home
For your first family trip, choose a campsite close to home. If things go wrong, you can pack up and go home without it being a disaster. The Vaal Dam area, Suikerbosrand, or Parys are all within an hour of Gauteng and perfect for a trial run.
Once the family has a few trips under their belt, you can venture further.
Find Your Family Caravan
At Caravan Center in Vereeniging, we can help you find a family-friendly caravan that fits your vehicle, your budget, and your crew. Come see us and bring the kids.
Browse our stock at caravancenter.co.za/caravans.
