Camping Meals for Kids

Hobo Dinner

Foil wrapped food is an easy and tasty way for kids of all ages to prepare and enjoy cooking. A popular recipe is a hobo dinner. There are hundreds of variations of this traditional campfire dish and there really is no wrong way to cook it. This meal is designed to be cooked individually so several can be made at once and the cooked over a fire. A 10 x 10 layer of heavy duty aluminum foil or double wrapped foil is recommended. The bottom layer starts with a piece of raw meat if desired, such as a hamburger patty or flank steak. Proceed to layer more veggies on top such as potatoes and carrots. Season with salt, pepper and butter if desired. Wrap tightly with another layer of foil and cook over an open fire on a grate or tripod grill for 30 to 45 minutes. Turn the food occasionally while cooking.

Pizza

Pizza is a favorite food for kids who crave the cheesy taste when they are camping. If the craving hits, campfire pizza can be created. Kids can add their own toppings if desired. Grease each side of a cast-iron pie cooker lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Take a slice of white bread and place on the inside of the cooker. Add 1 tbsp. of pizza sauce. Begin to add ingredients, such as mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, onions, green pepper and ham. Add another piece of white bread to the top and spray lightly with cooking spray. Close the pie cooker down and trim off the bread edges if desired. Place over a hot campfire for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through. This is a great meal that kids can make on their own.

Bag Breakfast

This is a unique meal option that involves taking a paper lunch bag, a stick and breakfast foods while cooking them over hot charcoals. Open up the bag and place two pieces of raw bacon at the bottom. Layer a handful of uncooked hashbrowns over top. Crack one raw egg over the mixture. Fold the bag down three times and insert a pointed stick through the fold for support. Cook for eight to 10 minutes over medium high heat. Keep the bag away from high heat and flames or it will easily catch on fire. Cool and then eat.

Walking Taco

This is a great way to eat a tasty Mexican dish while on a camping trip. Purchase the lunch size bags of Doritos or Frito's brand snack chips. Have several toppings set out for kids to create their walking taco. Have them open the bag and toss in items like shredded lettuce, black olives, cooked and seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese and onions. Kids love it because they can eat right out of the bag. Serve with a plastic fork and napkin.

Campfire Nachos

This is another Mexican favorite that is completely kid-friendly, Using a pie iron, grease one side with non-stick cooking spray. Place a handful of tortilla chips on the bottom of the iron. Add cheese, cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken. Add 1 tbsp. each of homemade salsa and green peppers. Garnish with a few more chips. Lightly close the iron so that the chips don't crunch together. Hold over flames for about five minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve on a paper plate.