Vanlife With Kids: What Works & What Doesn't
When our daughter was born she came straight from the hospital to our self built campervan. That was four years and it’s been her home ever since. So I think I can safely say that we know a thing or two about vanlife with kids.
Vanlife With Kids
Vanlife in general is very often romanticised, but especially with kids it comes with challenges. There are of course loads of benefits, which is ultimately why we’re still choosing to be living in a campervan with a toddler.
But I would be remiss of me not to say that this lifestyle choice is absolutely not for everyone.
Still think you’d like to give it a crack? I’ve got you covered here with lots of practical tips, honest reflections and lessons learned from our four years of living in a camper with a family.
Daily Life in a Small Space
Living in a small space is one of the biggest challenges that comes with vanlife in general, but it does of course become amplified when you add kids into the mix.
What Works:
Creative Storage Solutions
We use drawer organisers and, as with our own, fold our daughters clothes using the KonMari Method. This maximises space and lets us see exactly what’s in there. We also use wall nets and packing cubes. Mesh drawstring bags are also great for toys as you can easily see inside.
Flexible Routines Instead of Strict Schedules
Since a newborn, our daughter has always had the same bedtime routine which is hugely comforting to her because she knows what to expect. And whilst she does have the same bedtime most nights, if we’ve been busy/arrived somewhere late, she doesn’t and that’s okay.
Less Stuff = Fewer Meltdowns and Mess
Kids just need way less stuff than you think they do, especially when it comes to toys. In fact it’s scientifically proven that fewer toys lead to more imaginative and creative play. We also practice toy rotation with a storage box in the garage which I totally recommend.
What Doesn’t:
Lack of Personal Space
This affects everyone differently. But from my experience of living in a van with a kid (who I also breastfed for three years), if I don’t get at least half hour on my own each day without anyone touching or demanding anything of me I feel like my head is about to explode.
Cabin Fever in Bad Weather
Eurgh! This is the worst and is one of reasons why we’re not fans of vanlife in the UK. We truly love our space, but it wasn’t designed to be stuck inside for days on end while it’s chucking it down. We have a bunch of fun activities we save for rainy days, but even then it wears thin.
Noisy Naps & Sleep Disruptions
Why is it that you get stopped at a police check point just as you’ve finally got a very grumpy baby off to sleep? Or the first night your toddler sleeps through in ages you get woken up in the early hours by some boy racers or a barking dog?
Navigating Other People’s Views
Because yes, everyone will have an opinion about your choice to do vanlife with kids. Even those who don’t even know you and have never stepped foot in a campervan.
What Works:
Focus on Your Families Priorities
You don’t have to ask permission or justify your lifestyle choice to anyone. But you can explain that this choice is about more quality time with your kids, experiences over possessions and living at a slower pace. They still might not like it, but that’s their problem.
What Doesn’t:
Trying to Please Everyone
Someone will always think your kid needs more ‘structure’ or that you’re depriving them of ‘something’. If someone doesn’t get it, that’s fine, they don’t have to. You’re the one living it.
Let Guilt Shape your Plans
Some might think you should be home for every christmas/special occasion, but it doesn’t mean you have to be. We’ve missed plenty and guilt tripping isn’t a valid travel itinerary in my book.
Managing Education on the Road
Now I can’t really speak too much to this because my kid is only four after all. But we know PLENTY of families homeschooling older kids so I’ll share what I know.
What Works:
Learning Through Travel
Everyone living on the road with a family, approaches their kids' education slightly differently. But what all of them do is incorporate their travels into their lessons. After all, what’s more effective? Learning about The Romans in a book or by actually wandering ancient roman ruins?
Short, Consistent Learning Sessions
Children learn best in short bursts. Our daughter is still mainly just playing, but we are teaching her to read, write and do basic maths. It is absolutely best done in 10-15 minute intervals. A family we know with much older kids, still only do 3 x 20 minutes spread out throughout the day.
Following The Child’s Interests
Kids are more motivated about things they are naturally curious about which helps set in motion a deep love of learning for them. For example, our daughter absolutely loves cooking, and she learns math through it much more effectively than sitting at a table with a paper and a pen.
Getting Outside Help When Needed
Some days you just don't have the headspace to be the whole curriculum yourself, especially on a driving day. A few families we've met on the road use online tutors like Brighterly reading tutors for a set 15-20 minutes a few times a week, it means the reading practice still happens even when you're too knackered to explain phonics for the tenth time that day.
What Doesn’t:
Comparing to traditional schooling
The traditional model of sitting at a desk for 6+ hours a day is largely designed for managing a classroom of 30+ pupils - not because that’s how children learn best. Most kids actually learn best when given the freedom to move around, be outside and do hands-on learning.
Forcing curriculum on travel days
Some parents can get caught up in their kids ‘getting behind’ and so feel they have to stick to rigid learning timetables - which in my opinion creates unnecessary stress. My kid practices phonics and handwriting most days, but also if we’re busy or she’s super tired, she doesn’t.
Keeping Kids Entertained
This always crops up in questions about vanlife with kids, and I always throw back - how do you keep your kids entertained in a house? I also don’t think it’s my job to constantly entertain my kid. Families are so overscheduled these days and it's actually healthy for kids to be bored.
What Works:
Nature As A Playground
Yes there’s more space inside a house than in a campervan. But we have a different garden every few days for our kid to play in. Beaches, forests, dunes, literally on her doorstep. Our daughter builds forts, looks for bugs, digs holes, nature really is the most incredible babysitter.
Fun Indoor Activities
Although we spend most of our time outside, some days the weather dictates otherwise. In which case our kid will happily spend time inside crafting, listening to audiobooks and playing board games. We also set up our environment to very much encourage independent play.
Getting Kids Involved In Chores
Yes they take longer, but from a baby we’ve always included our daughter in everyday activities. And as she’s gotten older gradually given her more responsibility. She helps with shopping, cooking and cleaning because to her it’s not ‘work’. Just a fun opportunity to be part of a team.
What Doesn’t:
Relying Too Much On Screens
My opinion is that screens can be an awesome parenting tool if used mindfully. But it requires setting healthy limits and choosing appropriate content. My kid generally watches one while we’re driving places and sometimes in the late afternoon for a break when she’s low on energy.
Long Driving Days Without Stops
Over the last four years we’ve driven all over Europe, travelled around Turkey and twice been to Morocco. But when it comes to driving with kids, you really have to manage your expectations about how far you can get in a day otherwise you’ll all just end up crabby and frustrated.
When our daughter was little we always took advantage of driving over nap times and if we do need to drive very long distances we do so on an evening after she’d gone to sleep.
As she's gotten older, screen time on long driving days is pretty much inevitable, and we've made peace with that. We use Holafly for an eSIM so we're always connected, wherever we are. And top tip, unless you want to know the Peppa Pig theme tune better than your own name, invest in some decent kids' headphones too.
Food & Mealtimes On The Road
Most things take longer when living in a van, and cooking is no exception. We’ve got a pretty decent sized kitchen (for a house on wheels) and my husband genuinely loves cooking for our family, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges.
What Works:
Simple But Healthy Meals
Space is limited so anything that needs five pots, three pans and a blow torch is off the menu. And whilst we’d love to have a slow cooker and an air fryer there’s just no space unless we kicked someone out. So we keep it basic with quick-cook meats like chicken or mince.
Eating Outside Whenever Possible
In our experience, eating outside is always less stressful than trying to get a toddler to sit still at a table and keep food on their plate, not the floor. We tend to eat a lot of picnic style lunches all just sat on our outside mat which I totally recommend.
Prepping Snacks Ahead of Travel Days
Having plenty of snacks at hand is parenting 101 and living in a van no different, especially for driving days. We have a dedicated snack box in the front cab but also prepare fresh snacks. Our daughter loves blueberries and cucumbers so that’s always a winning combo.
What Doesn’t:
Expecting Calm Sit Down Meals
I don’t believe that having wriggly kids at mealtimes is any worse in a van than it would be in a house. But because of the limited space I think it can feel more intense. So managing your own expectations around this is really important.
Stocking Up - Space Is Limited!
Only having a small fridge is one of things that grates on us most. And for vanlife with kids you have to obviously feed them, which means you need more food than a couple or single person.
In order to keep topped up with fresh stuff we need to go shopping a couple of times a week.
Safety & Health on the Move
This section about vanlife with kids is mostly about being organised and clear communication. Because when you’re on the move it’s information that changes often.
What Works:
First Aid Kit & Nearest Hospital Location
Especially if you are spending time in the middle of nowhere as we often are, having a well stocked, good quality first-aid kit AND knowing how to use it is essential. And if you’re ever going to be without a signal, be sure to have looked beforehand where the nearest hospital is.
If you're not sure where to start, the NHS has a helpful rundown of what to pack for a family first aid kit before you travel.
Travel Insurance With Family Cover
Having good travel insurance that covers activities as standard that you are likely to be doing as a family is a must. We are regularly out skateboarding, rollerblading, biking, hiking and climbing, so think about what your family will be doing and plan ahead for accidents.
We use Hey Mondo, they've got solid family cover as standard and it's given us peace of mind for the activities we get up to. You can get a quote here.
Researching Parking Spots Well
We always aim to arrive at places early enough to leave and head to a back up if we have any doubts about it. We don’t take any chances about having to potentially move in the middle of night from disturbances or police knocks. And we always read reviews very thoroughly.
We've also put together a full campervan security guide covering how we keep the van itself secure once we're parked up, worth a read if you want to go deeper on this.
Teaching road and camp safety early on
Whenever we arrive somewhere new with our kid we have a quick safety briefing about where and how far she’s allowed to go in order to keep her safe. Being anywhere near BBQ’s and campfires is obviously a firm no, as is going near any bodies of water without an adult.
What Doesn’t:
Over-packing ‘just in case’ items
You’re travelling in a campervan, not going on a spaceship to Mars. You will have access to shops even in other countries. We always have the basics such as Calpol and a thermometer on board for if our kid is sick. But equally know you don’t need to have a pharmacy onboard.
Not child-proofing your space
For vanlife with a baby such you will need specific things like socket safety covers and maybe some kind of barrier to stop them falling out of the van. But smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are especially important if you have kids on board.
We had actually just finished our van build when I found out I was pregnant. It was very much unexpected and so we had to do quite a few adaptations to baby proof the space.
I’ve written extensively about how to prepare for vanlife with a baby here.
Relationships & Mental Load
Let’s be real - parenting is a lot no matter where you live. But vanlife has a special way of turning up the dial on the chaos. There’s no spare room to storm off too and no door to slam.
What Works:
Teamwork & Assigning Roles
My husband and I both work and share childcare responsibilities so it’s a constant juggle. But we manage it by alternating our working days. So while one of us works, the other two can play. The non-working parent that day also does most of the chores, cooking and washing up etc.
In terms of other vanlife tasks, my husband does the majority of the driving and I do the majority of our travel planning. It’s important to check in often with each other to make sure it feels fair.
Take Responsibility For Alone Time
My husband and I are both introverts so it’s imperative each of us gets some alone time each day. In our experience it works best if you take responsibility for that yourself and don’t expect the rest of the family to go out and do it for you.
So take yourself out for that walk, go work in a cafe for the afternoon, you’ll feel better for it.
And if we are talking about vanlife with kids that are tweens or teenagers you will absolutely need to build in alone time for them. Privacy for small kids isn’t a big deal, but for older kids it’s essential for their wellbeing and development.
Open Communication
Something as simple as saying out loud, ‘this feels tricky, doesn’t it?’ often helps us pause enough to diffuse a situation. Having regular family check-ins, just a casual 5 minute chat over dinner of ‘anything annoying you today?’ also helps prevent our emotions from exploding.
It’s all too easy for little annoyances to pile up on top of eachother when you’re in a campervan with kids and being upfront and honest is always the best policy. It’s also a good example to set.
What Doesn’t:
Assuming It’ll Feel Like A Holiday
In our van it’s less “cocktails at sunset” and more “who’s got pants left and where can we dump the toilet next?” Lower your expectations. Then lower them again. That way, when you do make it to that jaw-dropping view or have a magical moment, it will actually feel like magic.
Neglecting Self Care Or Couple Time
This one’s a biggie. Even in a house with doors and walls and actual rooms, finding time for yourself or your relationship can feel impossible. Now shrink that house into a small metal box on wheels where the bathroom door doesn’t fully close and someone is always touching you.
24/7 together time can be a double-edged sword. Yes you don’t miss any moments of your kids childhood, but on the other hand alone time and privacy is pretty nonexistent.
And if you don’t make self-care and couple time a priority, it won’t just quietly disappear, it’ll pack its bags, leave a note, and ghost you. You’ll go from ‘adventure family’ to two exhausted zombies arguing over how to stack the Tupperware.
When It All Goes Wrong
Because it will. Whether it's mechanical breakdowns with the van or mental breakdowns in your head. And usually when it’s least convenient too.
What Works:
Having A Sense Of Humour
Your kid’s got a stomach bug, has just projectile vomited over the bed and there’s not a washing machine for miles. Check!
You’ve run out of water, have a sink full of dishes and your toddler is screaming because she doesn’t want the yellow bowl, she wants the pink bowl that is at the bottom of the sink. Check!
Both true stories, we’ve been there and it ain’t fun. But if you don’t laugh about it you’ll cry.
Leave Room For Flexibility & Slow Days
One of the best things we ever did? Schedule regular “Do Nothing” days. No sightseeing, no long drives, no guilt. Just pottering around, playing, resting and maybe finally sorting out that messy cupboard everyones been ignoring.
Also, leave space to change your plans. That epic waterfall hike you were all hyped for? Not so appealing after a sleepless night thanks to a kid who’s apparently nocturnal now. Can it wait until tomorrow? Great. Because sometimes, flexibility saves the day and your sanity.
Backup Plans For Off Days
You don’t need to tick every box and visit every sight. Or even cook a wholesome meal every day. When moods crash and tantrums brew, some days are just about trying to stay sane.
We’ve had plenty of days where we’ve needed to just stay dry, raid the emergency stack stash, have noodles for dinner and call that a win. So give yourself grace (and maybe wine).
What Doesn’t:
Over Scheduling Your Itinerary
Of course you want to make the most of your days, after all the main point of having a home that moves is so you can drive it to epic places. But I know from experience that if a plan requires military grade logistics, perfect weather and zero tantrums, it’s not a plan, it’s a fantasy.
Ignoring Signs of Burnout (yours or your kids’)
We’ve been very guilty of this (especially working for ourselves) and trust us, we learned the hard way. Parental burnout doesn’t care if you’re parked by a gorgeous beach, if you don’t rest, family campervan life will catch up with you.
Vanlife With Kids Q&A:
What’s the best age to start vanlife with kids?
Vanlife with kids is definitely easier while they are younger as they are not already tied to school, friends, activities, etc. All they really crave is security and quality time with their parents.
How to keep kids clean while on the road?
For vanlife with a baby having a sink big enough bathe them is a game changer. And when they're older having a shower onboard is a necessity in our book.
We don’t use campsite showers that often. But when we do, one of us takes our daughter with us, showers her first then calls the other parent to collect her so we both get to shower in peace.
She does love a bath and it’s something she always looks forward to when visiting family and friends. But kids also just adapt and we make sure to build in plenty of swimming time.
How do you potty train your toddler in a campervan?
Our daughter learnt how to use our composting toilet in less than a week when she was two. We just stayed put by a beach and she had a few accidents, but ditched nappies easily.
How do kids cope with the constant change of vanlife?
I can really only speak for my own kid. But having the freedom to travel and explore lots of new places, yet also being able to go back home at the end of each day and have the comfort of sleeping in her own bed surrounded by her own things is amazing for my kid. She’s thriving.
How do you socialise your kid while travelling in a van?
We’re constantly seeking out places where she can play with other kids such as playgrounds and meet up often with other vanlife families. Family friendly campsites are also good options.
What essential clothing do I need for a kid living in a van?
Our daughter only ever wears crocs or wellies, she's not interested in any other footwear. A proper waterproof rain suit is a must. And then just clothes that can be layered easily.
Is homeschooling legal for vanlife families?
If homeschooling is legal in your home country, it's legal regardless of where you're travelling, it's your own country's rules that apply, not the one you're passing through. However do just check specific requirements on your own government or local council website before you hit the road.
In Conclusion
Vanlife with kids is both challenging and rewarding. And every family is different, so it’s about finding your own rhythm that works for you. There'll be lots of trial and error along the way, but if you recognise it won’t be all pretty sunsets and relaxing beach time you’re in a good position.
If you have any unanswered questions about living in a campervan with a baby or a toddler drop them below. Similarly if you already live in a campervan with kids please share your experience!
