Outdoor Blog

20 Family Camping Hacks to Keep Kids (& You) Happy

Published

4 years ago

May 20, 2021

One of the most fun experiences you can have as a parent who loves the great outdoors is introducing your little ones to camping, hiking, and more.

Learning to appreciate nature at an early age, as well as the basics of outdoor safety and survival, can set a child up for a lot of success. While it can be a lot of fun to share your love of nature with your kids, there are also challenges that come along with family camping. With these tips in mind, your kids (and you!) can rest easier, stay safe, and have more fun on your next trip.

Family Enjoying Camping Holiday In Countryside

With some preparation, a family camping trip can be lots of fun!

General Family Camping Hacks

To start off, let’s look at the big picture, and some general camping ideas to keep in mind during your next family camping trip. The good news is that natural wonder is going to do most of the work for you! If you can make sure your kids feel safe, involved, and engaged, it’s easy to have fun, learn, and bond as a family when camping together.

1. Involve Kids in Some Decisions

The key to having the best camping trip possible with your kids, no matter what their age, is making sure they feel engaged and involved with the process. If you can convince them that this is something they want to do and have some say in, it’s a lot easier to go along with the plan.

Otherwise, you’ll be spending most of the time trying to convince them to pay attention, stop complaining, or see the value in the natural world around them. So the first step is to make sure you involve them in some decision-making when you’re getting ready and out on the trail.

2. Be Flexible and Understanding

On the other side of things, you should also approach your child’s first camping trip with reasonable expectations. They may not love it right away, and it can take some time to figure out how to have fun together as a family.

You know your children best, so listen to them, pay attention, and be ready to understand when they get stressed out, tired, or bored. With this guide in mind, you can avoid a lot of the common pitfalls, but children of any age can always throw you a curveball.

3. Anticipate Challenges

On that note, an integral part of the first-time camping experience is to anticipate potential challenges you may run into. Think about stress points in your everyday life with your child and then integrate solutions into your camping checklist.

For instance, a picky eater might need additional food options to try. Or for kids that are potty training, you might want a travel toilet to encourage them to use it. Make sure to bring kid-safe insect repellent and consider other safety issues like potentially poisonous plants.

4. Stay Organized

This one might sound a little silly. As a camper or backpacker, you know that organization is key to a smooth trip even without kids. As a parent, you know that being perfectly organized with kids is nearly impossible. So the trick here is to organize as much as you can beforehand. Especially if you’re planning on camping as a family often, organizing everything you need into set totes, packs, and bins can help.

You should organize items by type and when you’ll need them. So, bug spray, sunscreen, and your first aid kit need to be accessible anywhere: on the trail, at a campsite, in the car. Items like sleeping bags and cooking materials can be stored by type for easy unpacking when you make camp. The more specific you can get the better!

5. Take Advantage of Childlike Wonder

One plus side of camping with kids is that everything is new to them! That means they’re often naturally excited about seeing new things, exploring new places, and learning about camping and hiking from you. So use that to your advantage!

Enjoy the time without kid’s TV shows to watch and try to connect with them as much as you can. Camping can be an excellent bonding activity and simply sharing what you know about nature, trail etiquette, and more, is often enough to make a family camping trip a big success.

two cup of cocoa or hot chocolate and skewers of roasted marshmallows over campfire

Kids can be picky eaters so make sure you include a few treats in your camping menu!

Getting Ready: From Food to Fun

Still, there’s a lot you can do to ensure everyone has fun. One refrain here will be to prepare, prepare, prepare. Anything you can do in advance will make it easier when you get out on the trail. Things may still change and surprise you, but you’ll reduce the potential problems that might turn up.

6. Practice At Home

One way to iron out the kinks before your next camping trip is to “go camping” at home first. Whether you do this out on a lawn, or even in an indoor play area if you don’t have outdoor space at home, a practice run can make family camping a much easier endeavor.

You can anticipate many different problems that may come up, but for a truly stress-free camping experience, you should try it at home first. You may be surprised what your child finds difficult or stressful! And once you know, you can prepare for it in advance.

7. Pack Foods They Like

While a camp kitchen doesn’t offer the greatest variety of food options, camping food has gotten a lot better than it used to be! There are tons of ready-made camping meals available now, and some that even cater to kids specifically. One trick here though is just knowing what your kid likes to eat and involving them if possible in meal planning.

For instance, they may be more likely to eat the healthy parts of a meal if you let them pick which veggies to go with. But it can also help you figure out what they’re most likely to eat on the trail. After all, one of the biggest limitations of camping is having a set amount of food to choose from. Consider packing some fun treats, like marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for s’mores or other campfire favorites.

8. Help Them Pack

For young children, you’re most likely packing for them. But as young as possible, you can try giving them a packing list to work off, as well as a duffel bag or small backpack to fill. You should of course check their work later and help them understand the list as much as you can.

This is one of the important lessons you can teach just by involving them in camping trips early on. So even if they’re not ready to pack on their own, let them help and be part of the process if you can.

9. Dress in Layers

It’s always a good idea to dress in layers if you’re going out into the wilderness. You always want to have more options than necessary for levels of warmth and wind protection. After all, the whole idea of going camping is to be (somewhat) out in the elements.

So a key part of any successful camping trip is staying safe, warm, and dry. This is especially true for little ones! Even if you’re not cold, they might be, so have the right layers for the season of your trip.

Fun Camping: Keeping Campers Happy

Take a deep breath! After all that prep, you’re ready to go and excited to head out on a peaceful trip with kids in tow. When you step out the door, however, the camping adventure truly begins. Remember: stay flexible! Even with perfect planning, things might not go exactly as expected. Keep these tips in mind to make sure the trip goes smoothly and that your little campers stay happy on the trail.

10. Find A Kid-Friendly Campsite

One thing you might consider when camping with kids is whether it’s worth it to be close to some amenities. Restrooms, a water pump, and handwashing stations can all be handy when you’re camping with kids. While these things may not be necessary for a solo trip, they can make taking care of (and cleaning up after) kids a lot easier.

You can also camp at sites with attractions like playgrounds, play areas, or even natural features like lakes. This gives you some built-in entertainment and somewhere for kids to run around without wandering too far.

11. Embrace Dirt

That said, a little bit of mud can be okay! Kids are messy, and especially so when the cleaning options are limited. Get them hiking and camping gear that’s okay to get a little muddy, and be ready for lots of clean-up along the way. This can be a good moment to teach them about caring for, cleaning, and maintaining gear, too. Dirt getting everywhere is just part of camping with kids.

12. Safety and Survival Lessons

You can teach them other important hiking, camping, and survival lessons too! One of the most engaging activities for families on the trail is to learn together. One of the most fun camping ideas is to try out different DIY fire starters with older kids. You can teach them a little bit about wilderness survival with just a little tin foil, kindling, lint, or even steel wool and batteries. It’s fun and a fire safety lesson all at once.

13. Share the Load

In the “general hacks” section, we talked about how involving your kids in decision-making and planning can make for a great camping experience. The same goes for camping responsibilities, chores, and other things. The more you can get them involved in the plan, the more fun they’re going to have and the more they’ll focus on the trip.

For kids that aren’t big enough to carry their own pack yet, you can still put a few snacks in a small backpack for them to carry. While they may not be able to carry a water jug with enough for the day, giving them kid-sized water bottles to carry can help them feel involved, responsible, and interested in what’s happening.

two kids in a camp tent at night

Overnight Camping: How to Handle Bedtime

Bedtime can be one of the toughest parts of camping with kids. But with a little planning and some clever parenting, you can bedtime in a tent stress-free and fun.

14. Familiar Bedtime Routine

One of the most important tips for camping with kids is to keep a familiar bedtime routine. Going to sleep in a strange place and after an exciting day can be difficult for children. This is especially true if they’re not comfortable or if you change their sleeping schedule too much. So try to keep to the same schedule, and do whatever you can to mimic their at-home bedtime routine.

15. Build A Cozy Sleeping Space

Comfort can make a big difference. An inviting and comfortable sleeping space will make bedtime go down easier than an uncomfortable set-up. Look out for kid-sized sleeping bags that they can set up themselves, and make sure the quality is good enough to keep you comfy. Bringing along a stuffed animal, or comfort blanket can also help a lot.

16. Add Some Special Touches

You can also make bedtime special with touches like glow sticks, string lights, and other gear for kids to use themselves. Having some control over lights can make them feel safer and more comfortable. It can also be fun to show them how to set up or sleep in a hammock if they’re old enough. This can make bedtime a bit more exciting and appealing as well.

17. Going Potty at Night

Going to the bathroom in the middle of the night can be hard for kids, especially if they’re still potty training. Having a small travel toilet to set up right outside the tent can make it easier, as can gear like headlamps or other lights that make it easier for them to see in the dark.

Make Camping Fun For Kids

So finally, let’s look at fun activity ideas that can take your family camping trip to the next level. Instilling a lifelong love of camping is as easy as keeping these great tips in mind.

18. Pack A Toy

While there are a lot of fun ideas out there for games, activities, and crafts on the trail, bringing a toy can go a long way towards keeping kids happy (and quiet). Pick a favorite toy that’s easy to carry and bring it along. This can be great for entertaining your kids while doing things like cooking, setting up tents, or anything else where you need them out of your hair.

19. Nature Crafts

Use the world around you to help provide fun activities while learning about nature. From simple games like “I Spy” to more involved activities like a campsite scavenger hunt, there are tons of games you can play on a family camping trip. Try looking up printable bingo cards or other small games to keep kids happy and entertained on your trip.

20. Invite Some Friends

The ultimate way to make a camping trip more fun for your kids is to let them invite a friend or two along! After all, most kids are more excited to spend time with each other than just mom and dad. You’ll still get some bonding time, and kids can entertain each other pretty easily. It can be a bit trickier to anticipate the needs of someone else’s child but bringing along friends can help your kids love camping.

Final Verdict:

It’s never too early to start camping with your kids! Of course, you should be careful to pack the right outdoor camping gear for your family and have backup plans in case something goes wrong, but with a little forethought, understanding, and care, camping with kids can be tons of fun.

Let the great outdoors speak for itself and look for teaching moments wherever you can. But most of all, just enjoy the time together, the campfire songs, the challenges, and everything that comes with a well-planned family camping trip.

Bonus tip: Check out this great video for a few easy craft and game ideas!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.