Summer Starter Kit: The Adventure Family’s Guide to Hiking, Camping & National Park Travel
School’s out, the sun’s up, and it’s time to trade backpacks for trail maps. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a multi-park road tour, this guide has everything you need to prep, pack, and plunge into the great outdoors.
From affordable gear upgrades to practical planning tips, we’re covering your summer checklist, from boots to bear spray.
Summer Starter Kit for the Adventurous Family
Adventure families are the ones whose group texts revolve around “Which park next?” and “Who packed the bug spray?” You’ll find them pitching tents faster than Wi-Fi can connect and choosing fresh air over air-conditioning every time.
They crave:
National Park Road trips
Hiking and backpacking weekends
Camping under the stars
Outdoor challenges for the whole crew
Does this sound like your crew— or are you just looking for a fresh, family-friendly way to squeeze the most out of summer vacation? You’re in the right place. And while spontaneity is half the fun, a well-prepped summer kit makes the adventure smoother (and safer).
National Park Access and Planning Tips
If you haven’t already, start with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass. It grants entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all U.S. national parks and monuments. It pays for itself in just a couple of visits and makes spur-of-the-moment detours that much easier.
Pro Tip: Pair the pass with a laminated National Parks Road Atlas to avoid spotty GPS zones.
You’ll also want to download:
NPS App for park alerts
AllTrails for hiking routes and reviews
Google Maps Offline Areas for navigating without service
Adobe Stock
Smart Camping Gear for the Family Base Camp
Camping doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” While I personally am a nature enthusiast, I prefer to tackle the outdoors comfortably.
A few clever upgrades can make your campsite cozier, safer, and easier to manage.
Consider adding to your stash:
Bear-safe cooler (because raccoons are clever, but bears are smarter... and bigger)
Optional but awesome: An ultra-compact camping hammock—great for post-hike naps or stargazing.
Hiking Essentials for Every Age
Whether you’re conquering mountain switchbacks or meandering on nature trails, don’t leave home without the basics:
Lightweight hydration backpacks for hands-free water access
Merino wool socks (seriously, no blisters)
Collapsible trekking poles (great for adults and kids)
First-aid kit with blister packs, wipes, and tweezers
For little explorers: Try a kids’ explorer vest kit, complete with a magnifying glass and a mini field journal. So cute and provides an excellent opportunity for imagination and creativity while you trek.
Keep the Kids (and Curious Adults) Engaged
Turn nature into a classroom with low-effort, high-reward activities:
Bug exploration kits with tweezers and specimen jars
Backyard or park-friendly telescopes for night sky viewing
DIY STEM kits like solar ovens or build-your-own compasses
Pair these with a Junior Ranger Program badge booklet. Many national parks offer free educational activities with official badges.
Final Checklist: Adventure-Ready in 5 Minutes
Before you hit the road, run through this rapid-fire list:
✔ National Park Pass
✔ Navigation + trail apps
✔ Weather-appropriate layers
✔ Campsite gear + lighting
✔ Hiking packs + hydration
✔ Kids’ gear + STEM activities
✔ First-aid + bug spray
✔ Camera or instant photo journal
With these essentials packed, you are primed for unforgettable family memories wherever the trail takes you.
Did you find this helpful? Save it, share it, or send it to your favorite travel buddy because the only thing better than a great adventure is sharing it with someone along for the ride.