Overlanding with kids can be a life-changing experience, fostering deeper connections with nature, with each other, and even with the places you visit. If you're considering overlanding with your little ones, here's a guide to making the most of it.
Why Overlanding with Kids is a Great Idea
While the idea of a road trip might seem daunting when you have kids in tow, overlanding actually offers some unique benefits for families:
- Quality Time: Get ready for uninterrupted time together as a family, which can be hard to come by with busy schedules these days. There’s no rush, no distractions, just your family exploring the world together.
- Educational Opportunities: Every new destination becomes a classroom. From learning about ecosystems to geography to history, the world is your child's educational playground.
- Self-Sufficiency: Kids learn to become more self-reliant. They’ll pitch in with camp chores, help plan meals, and contribute to maintaining the vehicle. It builds resilience and problem-solving skills.
- Bonding with Nature: Overlanding often takes you off the beaten path. Kids experience nature in a way that’s impossible in a traditional tourist setting. From stargazing to hiking to spotting wildlife, it’s an immersive way for them to understand and appreciate the natural world.
Preparing for Your Overlanding Adventure
Kids throw a whole new curveball into planning. Here are some essential tips:
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Choose the Right Rooftop Tent:
- Hardshell tents: Hardshells tend to be a little less flexible when it comes to size yet are very easy to set up. This can be extremely convenient when there are kids involved. We suggest hardshell tents for smaller families or for those whose vehicle can carry a larger tent.
- Softshell tents: These can range in many sizes and are lighter to put on vehicles. If you have a bigger family and want everyone to sleep together, try looking for a larger softshell tent. Get everyone to help set up the tent to make it quicker and have some bonding time.
- Purchase an annex: Some rooftop tents have compatible annex rooms that cover the entrance of your tent and ladder. This extra room can fit additional gear and serve as another sleeping space. Check out our Wasatch Tent and Wasatch Annex to see how this setup can look!
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Vehicle Prep:
Overlanding requires a reliable vehicle that can handle off-road terrain, long drives, and extended periods of use. If you’re not already outfitted, consider upgrades like roof racks, extra storage, and suspension kits.
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Packing Smart:
When overlanding with kids, the “less is more” mantra is a bit of a stretch. You’ll want to pack efficiently but thoroughly. Essentials include:
- Food and Water: Plan for enough food and water for a few days in case you find yourself in an area with limited access.
- Comfort Items: Kids get homesick too. Bring along familiar blankets, toys, and books to help them settle in.
- Safety Gear: Ensure you have a first-aid kit, child-friendly sunblock, and insect repellents. A good emergency plan is also essential.
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Entertainment for the Road:
Long drives can be hard for kids, so plan for entertainment:
- Audiobooks and podcasts (family-friendly, of course!)
- Road trip games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions”
- Tablets or e-readers for downtime (but try to balance with outdoor play)
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Understanding Kids’ Needs:
On the road, kids need a little more attention than usual. Be prepared for moments of boredom, frustration, or exhaustion. Acknowledge their feelings and find ways to keep them engaged and comfortable, whether through breaks, snacks, or exploring new places.
What will make overlanding the best for you and your kids
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Lasting Memories:
The outdoors have so much to offer, and that’s why you go overlanding, right? Your kids may just find out they love the outdoors as much as you, and you can make it a special experience for them.
- Hiking and Fishing: Taking your kids hiking for the first time will give them a lasting memory. Try to keep the kids engaged by having them look for certain rocks or wildflowers. See if there are any geocaching opportunities on your hikes to make it like a treasure hunt.
- Stargazing: Can you remember your first time seeing a shooting star? Your kids will take those memories through their entire lives. Teach them about constellations or tell stories over the campfire.
- Fishing and Wildlife: Get your kids involved in noticing their surroundings by looking for different kinds of wildlife. Teach them about the wildlife that is typically in the area and have them look for new things. This will enhance their observation skills and give them something to look for!
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Make it About Them:
Overlanding is appealing for the technical thinking and rugged adventures. Kids may not have as much fun as parents do when it comes to off-roading. Make sure you have plenty of other activities that make it fun for the kids. If you make it about yourself, no one will end up having fun. Try bringing additional gear and toys for kids to stay busy. Our suggestion: take along your WaterPORT during hot months so the kids can play in the water but stay clean along the way!
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The “Extras”:
- Extra Space: Rooftop tents can be spacious enough for smaller families, but what if you need a little more room? Annex rooms are great for adding more space to your camping experiences. This is a great way to make room for dogs, extra gear, or use for naps throughout the day.
- Extra Treats: You have your favorite snacks, so why not pack a few extras for the kiddos! Try packing some special treats like ice cream bars and your kid’s favorite snacks they get to have on special occasions.
- Extra Prepared: Make sure you’re prepared for anything that could go wrong, like motion sickness on bumpy roads or trouble sleeping in a new environment. Kids can get anxious in new places, so have a plan to help them feel extra comfortable, like talking them through the activities beforehand.
Final Thoughts: Making Memories That Last a Lifetime
Overlanding with kids is not just about the places you visit—it’s about the experience of being together, unplugged from the modern world, and discovering new things as a family. From the magic of remote landscapes to the quiet moments around the campfire, these trips offer opportunities to build lasting memories that will stick with your kids long after the adventure is over. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about enjoying the journey. Overlanding with kids may require more planning and patience, but the rewards—curiosity, resilience, and connection—are worth every bump in the road.
