Whether you are going on a camping trip with your toddler or just planning a night in the backyard there are lots of fun camping activities and ideas to ensure that you both have a good time.
Here is what I will be covering in this post:
- Toddler Camping Activities
- Camping Crafts for Toddlers
- Camping Games for Toddlers
- Camping Songs for Toddlers
- Camping Books for Toddlers
- Camping Gear for Toddlers
- Camping Toys for Toddlers
- Toddler Camping Tips
- Camping with a Toddler Checklist
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Toddler Camping Activities
Toddler camping activities can be done using what is around you in your environment or by bringing a few supplies with you.
I like to include my toddler in the camping tasks that I will be doing as it is a great way to bond and teach them new things.
Even preparing for going camping can be an exciting activity for them to be involved them.
Have them help you make a grocery list of what kinds of foods you need to buy for the trip.
This is a great way to include them in the process as well as a wonderful early literacy activity.
Having them help pack can be a lot of fun.
If possible, give them their own bag (like this one) and have them put a few of their favorite toys or outfits that they would like to take with.
Once you are out camping there are many tasks that can become fun activities for your toddler.
For example, I will include my little one in setting up the tent by having her “help” me sort the stakes or tie the knots.
They are also great at gathering sticks for the fire or helping with simple food prep.
Camping Crafts for Toddlers
You can do simple camping crafts with your toddler before you go camping to help build some understanding of what is going to be happening or bring them with as something to do.
Camping crafts that focus on using things from your environment can also be a fun activity to do while you are camping.
TP Roll Campfire Craft
This is a great craft to do ahead of your camping trips and allows you to talk about a very important element of camping: fire.
While making the campfire craft talk about what you will be using fire for and how to stay safe around it.
You can check out the campfire craft HERE.
Smores Busy Bag
What I love about this “craft” is you can do it at home or bring it anywhere.
This is a “busy bag” meaning it will keep your little one engaged because it is somewhat structured but allows your little one to enjoy imaginative play.
You can get the instructions for this activity HERE.
Firewood Sculpture
This is a perfect craft to do while you are on your camping trip.
It allows your child to be creative in a very free away and is great at encouraging fine motor skills.
You can get complete instructions for this activity HERE.
Camping Games for Toddlers
Camping games for toddlers can be a great way to entertain them for a bit while you get something done or to teach them new concepts.
Camping Vocabulary Cards Game
A simple game that is perfect for playing before you go camping or bring along for something to do is a card game that will teach your child camping words and concepts.
You can make your own or grab one like this.
You can play this game in several different ways to encourage different skills.
The first thing you can do is just give the cards to your child to explore.
Label the pictures so that they can get familiar with all of the camping vocabulary.
The next option is to use it as a matching game.
You could also use these cards as flashcards if your little one enjoys that type of learning.
Camping Songs for Toddlers
There are so many benefits from singing with little ones.
They learn new words and get lots of practice saying them due to the repetitive nature of singing.
Singing allows us to bring learning into any activity…and make it a lot of fun.
You can make up your own songs to go along with what you are doing or sing some of the classics.
Even songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” can be a good fit for when you are camping.
You can click here to get more ideas on camping songs that your toddler will enjoy.
Camping Books for Toddlers
Reading books with your toddler before you go camping will help them understand and prepare for what you are about to do.
They are also fun to take along in the car ride or look at while at your campsite.
Here are a few camping books for toddlers your little one will enjoy.
Camping Gear for Toddlers
There is some very cool gear for even the youngest campers!
I would just go with a few basic items when picking out gear for your little one and you will want to choose things that they will be able to use for at least a few years.
Sleeping Bags for Toddlers
If there is one piece of equipment to buy for your little camper I would suggest getting them a sleeping bag.
Both of my children use their sleeping bags frequently for play.
My son has also used his as he sometimes like to camp on his floor at night.
Here are a few great options:
Camping Toys for Toddlers
You will want to bring some simple toys for your toddler to help keep them occupied.
Books are my favorite thing to bring with you because not only will they help occupy your child they are also great to have as part of your bedtime routine to help calm your little one down.
Another fun option is a bug collector kit like this.
This can be a great way to promote learning and teach your toddler about bugs.
You can read more about how to teach your toddler about bugs here.
All kids are different so make sure to pack a couple of toys that your toddler loves so that they can entertain themselves for a bit which will give you a chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Toddler Camping Tips
One of the best things you can do before you go camping with your little one is to talk to them about the experience before it happens.
Make sure to have realistic expectations as well when it comes to what you expect your trip to look like.
Some children will sleep great outside, others may struggle with the change in environment.
Try to stick with your sleep schedule as much as possible but know that this may not happen.
Some children may need an earlier bedtime because they are tired from all of the activity outdoos.
If you are camping somewhere that stays light until late be aware that your toddler may struggle with that because the tent may let in more light than their bedroom at home.
Naps may or may not happen for these reasons as well.
If they skip their nap you can attempt to push up bedtime to avoid having them get overtired.
You may want to plan your first camping trip with little ones either in the backyard or somewhere not too far away so that you can get the feel of how things will go and what you need to take with you.
Camping with a Toddler Checklist
When you are packing for your camping trip you will want to make sure not to forget any of the essentials.
Making a list ahead of time will help you stay organized.
You can even turn this into an activity to do with your little one by giving them their own pad and paper to write their own list.
Here are a few things you will want to make sure to pack:
- Tent
- Tarp
- Firewood
- Sleeping Bags
- Pillows
- Extra Blankets
- Stuffed Animals
- Pacifier
- Games
- Books
- Toys
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Medications
- Clothing
- Coats
- Gloves
- Pajamas
- Toilet paper
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Hand Sanitzer
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Fly Swatter
- Cooking utensils
- Formula if used
- Food
- Snacks
- Water
- Sippy cups or bottle
- Cooler with ice
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Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.