Camping is a great way to get kids outdoors (and away from screens), but sometimes it can be challenging to get them excited about camping food. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 fun camping foods for kids, which will have them begging for more!
Why Campfire Cooking Is Important For Kids
Campfire cooking isn’t just about providing sustenance for your kids while camping. It’s also a great opportunity to teach them important life skills and create lasting memories.
Learning Basic Cooking Skills
Campfire cooking is a great way to introduce your kids to basic cooking skills. They can learn how to safely handle and cook camping food over an open flame, as well as how to prepare simple meals with minimal equipment.
Bonding & Creating Memories
Cooking and eating together around a campfire is a great way to bond with kids and create lasting memories. It’s a chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of everyday life.
Appreciating Nature & Being Outdoors
Cooking over a campfire also allows kids to appreciate nature and the outdoors in a unique way. They can see how food is prepared without modern appliances and learn to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of cooking in nature.
Top 10 Fun Camping Food Ideas For Kids
Now that we’ve covered why campfire cooking is important for kids, let’s dive into the top 10 fun camping foods that your kids will love.
1: Campfire Cones
Campfire cones are a fun twist on traditional s’mores. Simply fill a waffle cone (be mindful of their size) with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and any other toppings your kids love. Fruits. Peanut butter. Sprinkles. Get creative! Wrap the cone in foil and place it on the campfire for a few minutes until everything is melted and gooey.
2: Walking Tacos
Camping walking tacos are a fun and easy meal that kids can customize to their liking. Simply open a bag of chips and let your kids add their favorite taco toppings, such as ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. They can eat the tacos right out of the bag, making for an easy clean-up.
3: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic camping food idea that kids love. To make them even more fun, use a cast iron sandwich maker to create fun shapes like hearts or stars. Let your kids help assemble the sandwiches and watch as they cook over the campfire.
4: Foil Packet Meals
Foil packet meals are a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process. Let them choose their favorite protein (chicken, shrimp, or even hot dogs) and add in some veggies and seasonings. Wrap everything up in foil and place it on the campfire for a delicious and easy meal.
5: Campfire Popcorn
Popcorn is a fun easy (low calorie) snack kids can make over the campfire. Simply place popcorn kernels in a foil packet and hold it over the fire until they start popping. Your kids’ll love watching the popcorn pop and it’s a great way to keep them entertained while dinner cooks. You can also just use a pan, oil/butter, and seeds. Place the pan to the side of the fire, not directly over the heat.
6: Banana Boats
Camping banana boats are a fun and healthy dessert option for kids. Cut a slit in a banana and stuff it with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and any other toppings your kids love. Wrap the banana in foil and place it on the campfire for a few minutes until everything is warm and yummy.
7: Campfire Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another easy and customizable camping food idea kids will love. Let them choose their favorite fillings, such as cheese, chicken, and veggies, and watch as they cook over the campfire. You can even let them assemble their own quesadillas for a fun and interactive meal.
8. Camping Food Favorite — Nachos!
Campfire nachos are a fun easy camping food idea that kids can help assemble. Simply layer tortilla chips, cheese, and any other toppings your kids love in a cast iron skillet and place it on the campfire until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kids will relish digging into a big plate of cheesy nachos around the campfire.
9: S’mores Dip
S’mores dip is a neat twist on traditional s’mores that kids will go nuts for. Melt chocolate and marshmallows in a cast iron skillet over the campfire (don’t burn it; no direct intense heat) and use graham crackers to dip and scoop up the gooey goodness. Your kids will love the interactive aspect of this dessert. Fun stuff!
10: Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a scrumptious breakfast option for camping. Simply wrap store-bought cinnamon rolls in foil and place them on the campfire for a few minutes until they are warm and gooey. Your kids will adore waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the great outdoors.
Other Camping Articles You Might Enjoy
- Marshmallows & Beyond: Campfire Foods You Never Imagined
- Making The Most Of Family Gatherings: Fun Activities & Traditions
- Fall Recipes You Can Make On A Campfire
Camping Food Is An Opportunity
Campfire cooking is an important part of any camping trip, and it can be a fun and educational experience for kids. By trying out these fun camping food ideas, you can get your kids excited about cooking and create lasting memories around the campfire.
So pack up your camping gear and get ready for a fun and delicious adventure with your family!
