From City Chic to Camp Queen: My Essential Glamping Gear for Families (Boston Harbor Islands Edition)

Darling, let me tell you, when you’re a mama whose usual travel uniform involves a chic carry-on and a perfectly curated hotel room, the idea of “camping” can feel a bit… wild. Like, really wild. But as you know, my whole philosophy is about taking these tiny humans anywhere – from the museum to the five-star hotel – and looking fabulous doing it. So, when the opportunity arose to brave the wilderness (or, ahem, glamping, as I prefer to call it) on Peddock’s Island, one of Boston’s stunning Harbor Islands, I knew it was time to put my “take the kids anywhere” mantra to the ultimate test.

This wasn’t just any camping trip, my dears. Courtesy of City Experiences, we ferried over to Peddock’s Island, a truly beautiful escape just off the coast of Boston. The catch? Once you’re there, you’re there. No popping to the corner store for forgotten toothbrushes, no quick Amazon Prime deliveries. This meant packing for myself, my six-year-old Arielle, and my two-year-old Aurora had to be nothing short of meticulous. My goal? A (hopefully) flawless first camping experience.

So, for all you city-chic mamas contemplating a foray into the great outdoors, here’s my meticulously curated list of glamping essentials that made our Peddock’s Island adventure as smooth (and stylish!) as possible.

The Glamper’s Personal Survival Kit: Because Even in the Wild, a Mama Needs Her Essentials

Let’s be real, darling. Just because we’re swapping thread counts for sleeping bags doesn’t mean we abandon all sense of self-care and preparedness. This pouch of wonders was my absolute lifeline.

First Aid Kit (Carepak): Non-negotiable. Scrapes, bumps, mysterious bug bites – you name it, we had it covered.
Mosquito Repellent Patches (Buzz Patch): A game-changer for the little ones! Easy to apply, no sticky sprays, and they actually work.
Chapstick & Hand Sanitizer: Small but mighty essentials for comfort and cleanliness.
Sunglasses: Hiding tired eyes, looking effortlessly cool.
Snacks (Trubar Cookie Dough Bar!): Emergency fuel for mama.
Tide Stain Stick: Even when wearing all black I still manage to get stains on me when it comes to my little ones.
AirPods: For a moment of zen (or a true crime podcast) when the kids are finally asleep.
Magsafe iPhone Battery Pack: Because I never seem to have enough battery power
Pink Belt Bag: My mom picked this beauty up for me during our trip to P-town last year and it has become my hands-free, chic solution for keeping essentials close.

Over-the-Counter Meds: Tylenol for adult headaches, Bonine for motion sickness (ferries can be tough), ear pain drops, triple antibiotic and bandaids for boo-boos, hydrocortisone cream for bug bites, Mylanta for campfire food regrets, and Children’s Allergy Medicine – because you never know what pollen might be lurking!
Travel Toiletries: Mini shampoos, conditioners, a comb, hair ties, Clorox wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup remover wipes, mini moisturizer, and dry shampoo. A girl still needs to feel fresh, even when roughing it.
Eye Mask and Ear Plugs: For blocking out that pesky morning sun when you’re not quite ready to face the day, and keeping any snores at bay.

Makeup Bag: Yes, I brought a few key pieces. A little CC cream with SPF 40, a touch of blush, and mascara can do wonders for morale after a night in a tent.

Tech & Content Creation: Documenting the (Glamorous) Chaos

You know I can’t go anywhere without capturing the magic! Even in the wilderness, a mama’s gotta work.

Cameras (Olympus PEN – no longer made, similar here & Sony ZVi II Vlog Camera): Because phone photos just don’t do justice to those stunning island sunsets.
Pink Tripod: For steady shots and family selfies (even if we’re all a bit disheveled).
Extra Batteries & Chargers: Power is precious when you’re off-grid!
Lav Mic for phone: For grabbing audio on the go even when you’re not right next to your phone.
Small Rig Magnetic Selfie Light: For those late-night tent confessions or early morning makeup touch-ups.
Camera Sling: I have been using this bag non-stop since I picked it up in anticipation of our trip to the Ice Castles and it is so convenient. Keeps everything organized and protected!

Mini Adventurer’s Gear: Keeping Little Wild Ones Engaged

Keeping a six and two-year-old entertained without screens in the great outdoors requires a strategic approach.

Stuffed Animals (Miso & Jenni!): Their beloved lovies are non-negotiable comfort items, no matter the destination.
Telescopes & Bug Viewer Jar: Sparking curiosity and turning nature into an interactive playground.
Compass: Teaching them a little direction (literally!).
Kids’ Water Bottles: Hydration is key, especially when exploring.
Junior Ranger Books/Activity Sheets: Perfect for quiet moments and learning about our surroundings. You can download them here or pick them up at the Ranger Station on the island.
Rain Ponchos: Because Mother Nature doesn’t always read the forecast.
Sand toys: For a little beach play.

Fashionably Functional Wardrobe: Because Even in a Tent, Style Matters

My usual rule of thumb: pack pieces that are versatile, comfortable, and still make you feel like you. For camping, this meant prioritizing layers and durability, but never sacrificing that touch of chic.

Mom’s Essentials: My trusty “Paris” baseball cap (that I ended up forgetting at home), a bright pink swimsuit (for a pop of joy!), black sports bra, cropped sports bra top and leggings (the ultimate comfort uniform), a black t-shirt, pink tropical pjs, black sneakers, and tan Earth sandals (easy on, easy off).

Kids’ Wardrobe: Layers, layers, layers! Rash guard swimsuits for the beach, comfy PJs, a mix of fun t-shirts (Smurfs, tie-dye, and yes, even a Beatles tee!), sparkly black leggings, a cozy pink hoodie, and plenty of socks. For shoes, pink Crocs and sparkly lightup sandals were perfect for easy transitions.

Cozy Camp Comforts: Sweet Dreams Under the Stars

Even a seasoned glamper needs a good night’s sleep.

Sheets/Blankets: We brought old sheets that just happened to be The Little Mermaid print (I think everyone from the 80s had these sheets), and soft black and gray blankets for extra warmth.
Inflatable Travel Pillows: A small but non-negotiable luxury that makes a big difference.
Old Towels: I have a habit of never throwing a towel out and it came in handy this trip because I didn’t feel bad when they got covered in bug spray!

The Takeaway: You Can Take the Kids Anywhere (Even Camping!)

So, was it flawless? Well, darling, as this was my very first foray into the world of camping, I honestly have nothing to compare it to – and if you catch my drift, I don’t anticipate having much to compare it to in the future either! That said, camping with a two-year-old is always an adventure, but thanks to meticulous planning and these essentials, it was certainly a success! We made memories that will last a lifetime, and I proved that even this city-chic mama can embrace the wild side.

The biggest lesson? When you’re heading somewhere without the luxury of a quick store run, planning is your best friend. Embrace the challenge, pack smart, and remember: sometimes, the most perfectly imperfect moments are the most beautiful.

Have you ever taken your little ones camping? What are your absolute must-have glamping essentials? Share your tips below!