Best Camping Chairs for Kids
Unfortunately, camping chairs for kids might not be the most exciting piece of kit to buy.
But the difference between a child with a comfortable, well-fitting chair and one perched on the edge of an adult chair they are slowly sliding off is quite significant over the course of a camping trip.
Children need chairs that are the right size for them, stable enough to be safe, and robust enough to survive the way children treat furniture.
Here is what to look for when choosing camping chairs for kids.
Why You Need Camping Chairs for Kids
It is tempting to assume that children can share adult chairs or sit on the ground, and for very young children this is sometimes true.
But from around the age of three or four, children benefit enormously from having their own proper chair.
A chair that fits means they can sit comfortably at the table for meals, join in with campfire time, and have their own space.
Children’s camping chairs are also significantly cheaper than adult versions, so kitting everyone out does not need to be expensive.
What to Look for in the Best Kids Camping Chair?
Weight limit. Always check the weight limit before buying. Most children’s camping chairs are rated for around 60-80kg, but some very basic budget models have lower limits.
Seat height. The seat should be low enough for a child to get in and out comfortably without help, and high enough that their feet do not dangle awkwardly. For most children aged four to ten, a seat height of around 25-35cm works well.
Stability. Four legs are more stable than two with a crossbar. A chair that tips or wobbles is a safety concern with younger children.
Cup holder. A small thing that children care about more than you might expect. A cup holder means drinks stay upright and do not end up in a child’s lap.
Ease of folding. Children’s camping chairs should be easy for a child to fold and unfold themselves. This involves them in the set-up process.
Material. Aluminium frames are lighter and easier for children to carry themselves. Steel frames are heavier but often cheaper.
Types of Children’s Camping Chair
Standard folding camp chairs. The most common type, four legs, a fabric seat and back, and a simple fold. Most stable and works well for children from around three or four years old upwards.
Low-slung festival chairs. Popular with older children and teenagers, sit much closer to the ground and have a laid-back feel. Less practical for eating at a table but very comfortable for campfire evenings.
Camping chairs with footrests. A kids camp chair with footrest is genuinely useful for children who are between sizes, old enough for a proper chair but not quite tall enough for their feet to reach the ground comfortably.
Mini director’s chairs. A classic folding style that children tend to love. They look brilliant and fold flat, though they are less practical for rough outdoor use than a standard camp chair.
Age Guidance
For children aged two to four, look for a small chair with arms and a stable base.
For children aged four to ten, a standard children’s folding camp chair works well, look for a seat height of around 28-32cm.
For children aged ten and up, many will be comfortable in a standard adult camping chair.
What to Spend on Camping Chairs for Kids
Children’s camping chairs do not need to be expensive.
A solid, reliable folding camp chair for a child costs between £10 and £25 from brands like Regatta, Mountain Warehouse, or Halfords.
Avoid the very cheapest options, chairs under £8 or so tend to be poorly made, unstable, and short-lived.
For more family camping kit advice, visit our family camping equipment section, and for tips on making your trips run smoothly, head to our family camping tips or Camping With Kids.
