Skylodge 4-Person Instant Camping Tent

I also have the 4-person variant of that same tent that I use on solo trips that is pretty solid as well. That one was fine in a thunderstorm with high winds. It's also very easy to set up.

I would go with a Coleman Skylodge Instant Tent, at minimum 8-person. I have the 8 person and the 4 person and they both are solid. The 8-person should allow for a queen size air mattress and plenty of room for "stuff". If you can swing it, the 10-person may be better because your family can grow with it as you need more space. I wouldn't get it directly from Coleman, they are cheaper elsewhere.

I use a Coleman 4-person Skylodge that has been great for 2 people. I can fit a queen size air mattress with room left over for gear and stuff. It goes up and breaks down quickly.

I have used my Coleman 4 person for solo trips for about 3 years now and have had no issues at all. This includes a storm with 50 mph gusts. Besides the money, I think Ozark Trail offers more variety in design than Coleman, so that may fit your needs better. I cannot speak to it's durability as I haven't had any personal experience, but everyone I know who has one is a fan.

Like you, I had a Coleman pop-up for 12 years with no issues. I am also worried about the quality now. I got the Blackberry Skylodge and the poles snapped. It was an awesome tent tho, the bug doors were so nice. I didn't like the T4 for the reasons I mentioned. I now do not have a tent and no clue what to do.

Honestly, I considering getting the same tent. I am just worried about reports that it is not the same quality because it is more money. It was a main pole. I was folding it, like I have done a 1000 times and it snapped.

I've got a similar issue. I've got 2-3 tents that I've narrowed down to but haven't pulled the trigger. For size, it really depends on if you want lounging space inside. A 3-4 person tent is good for two adults with gear inside. If you want to set up chairs inside then a 6 person would be better. With a 4yr old you might even be able to get away with a 4 person but a 6 person would allow for growth. Coleman and Kelty have a lot of nice tents that would be fine for what you want. A Skydome with the screen room has the vestibule for a reasonable price. Not to mention being a darkroom tent so you're not having to wake up at first light. Something like the Coleman Skylodge would allow you to walk around inside. If you want to use cots then bigger might be better. I went solo camping with a 4per dome and my cot took up most of the space. There's no chance to fit a second one in there for sure.

I've used 4,6,8 man Coleman Instant Tents for years. Goes up in about 3 minutes, comes down in about 8 minutes (you have to roll it and smash it back in the carrying bag.

Like others have said getting a 2-3 person tent is good enough for a solo but… I like the Colman’s Easy Up 4-person tent. It’s a cabin tent so its bigger than your normal dome tent. I got one for my mom because she is getting older and needs something that she can set up easily by herself and can stand up in. it is a bit heavy but if you can handle the extra weight its worth it. I will always recommend Colman for beginning/casual campers because they are fairly inexpensive and the quality it pretty good for the price. Though they may not be that good in harsh weather conditions. If you don’t need the head space a simple dome tent will do you and will be less headache to put up and down. Also recommend buying a cheap tarp for rain cover. Helps shade your tent and keeps it bone dry.