If you’re planning to attend EAA AirVenture with young children, especially toddlers, you might be wondering whether camping is a viable option. I’m here to tell you: not only is it possible, but camping might actually be easier on your family than staying at a hotel.

Our Experience

We started camping at EAA for the week when our five kids were ages 1, 6, 10, 12, and 14. Looking at the full picture, Based on both our experience and what we’ve witnessed for years at AirVenture, my opinion is that it’s actually harder on the toddler and family to stay at a local hotel than it is to camp!

Why Camping Works Better with Toddlers

Flexibility for Naps and Breaks

This is a huge benefit of camping on site. When camping, one parent can stay at the camper or tent in the afternoon for the toddler’s nap while the other enjoys the show. This flexibility is crucial when you have a little one who needs regular rest. With an RV or camper, you can fire up the generator during the day for air conditioning and have a comfortable space for naps, which is especially important during the hot summer days at AirVenture. If you’re tenting it, the campground noises of kids, mopeds, and airplanes are constant enough that your toddler will sleep right through it all.

See the Whole Show

Okay, so this is a misnomer, since you can’t see the whole show even if you’re a superhero who can be on the go 18 hours a day for a week straight… but, you can see a whole lot more of it when camping! Because of the flexibility camping gives you to come & go from the main grounds, people tend to see experience things that drive-in attendees miss. Most evenings have a great presentation at the Theater In the Woods (we’ve seen Buzz Aldrin in person, along with other heroes of aviation); there are nighttime hot-air balloon displays in the evening that drive-in attendees rarely see; the ultralight runway comes alive with the evening “flight fest”;  there are scores of free seminars from morning to evening; an early-bird spouse can walk the grounds at 6 am to peacefully browse while the other sleeps in, a late-owl can watch the nightly free campground movie or socialize at the many group gatherings while the other can chill at their campsite, and so much more.

No Traffic Headaches

When you’re camping and done for the day, you simply walk (or take the free campground shuttle) back to your site. Compare this to staying off-site: on Wednesday and Friday nights when they have fireworks, it can take 2+ hours just to leave the parking lots. That’s a nightmare scenario with an overtired toddler in the backseat. And, as an adult you do NOT want to miss the fireworks! The night air shows on Wednesday and Saturday night with the fireworks finale is one biggest highlights of AirVenture.

The Campground has all the Amenities you Need

The campground has multiple stores right in the campground with coffee, donuts, ice, and camping food/supplies. It also has multiple shower houses, free shuttle bus service, and all the amenities you need. There’s even a free outdoor theatre in the campground where they show aviation-themed movies every night of AirVenture—perfect for evening entertainment that doesn’t require leaving the campground.

Bring In What You Need to the Show

Campers can wheel in their huge stroller, pull-behind wagon, chairs, and even their own coolers with food & drink (no alcohol). This means you can pack everything your toddler needs without worrying about carrying it long distances or fitting it in a hotel room.

Tips for Camping with Toddlers

Consider Renting a Camper

If you don’t own an RV, consider renting one. Many local companies will deliver and set up a camper right at your campsite, then pick it up when you’re done. This gives you the comfort of air conditioning, a real bed, and a kitchen—all without the commitment of owning an RV.

Ear Protection is Essential

The airshow can get loud, especially when military jets fly over. Invest in quality toddler ear muffs to protect your little one’s hearing. Many families swear by them, and they make the experience much more comfortable for sensitive ears.

Plan for the Heat

It gets hot at AirVenture. If you can get an RV with air conditioning, that’s a huge bonus for naps and breaks during the day. The ability to escape the heat and cool down can make all the difference in keeping everyone happy.

Kids Sleep Well When They’re Tired

Don’t worry too much about the noise keeping your toddler awake. Many parents report that their kids sleep great at AirVenture because they’re completely exhausted from long days of excitement. The stimulation and activity actually help them sleep soundly.

You’re Not Alone

There are kids of all ages everywhere at AirVenture. Your toddler will be surrounded by other families doing the same thing, and the community is incredibly supportive. Camping at EAA is truly being part of a community—you’ll make lifelong friends, and your kids will have playmates.

The Real Cost Comparison

While renting a camper might seem expensive upfront, consider the full picture:

  • No daily driving back and forth (saving gas and time)
  • No parking fees
  • You can cook at your campsite, saving money on restaurant meals
  • No fighting traffic for hours after fireworks shows
  • The convenience factor is priceless with young children

Many families find that when they factor in hotel costs, restaurant meals, gas, parking, and the value of their time, camping actually comes out ahead—or at least comparable—while providing a much better experience.

Making the Decision

If you’re on the fence about camping with a toddler, remember: families have been doing this successfully for decades. People camp with newborns, infants, and toddlers every year at AirVenture. The event is designed to be family-friendly, and camping is part of that experience.

Camping is the best way to see EAA. It’s an immersive experience that allows you to fully participate in the AirVenture community. Your toddler will likely enjoy the camping experience more than long car rides to and from a hotel, and you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

Don’t let having a toddler stop you from experiencing AirVenture the way it’s meant to be experienced. Camp, and you won’t regret it.