Tips for Camping with Toddlers For A Safe & Enjoyable Trip
Taking your toddler camping is an exciting way to give them an early appreciation of the great outdoors and spending time in nature. The experience of camping can be a fun-filled adventure for toddlers. It allows them to explore nature, develop new skills and connect with the family in a new way.
While it may seem daunting at first, these tips for camping with toddlers will help make sure you are prepared and ready for your family camping adventure!
Tips For Camping With Toddlers: Your Guide To A Safe & Happy Trip
Camping with toddlers can be an enjoyable experience for both the parents and the little ones. Make sure you also check out these tips for camping with babies if you’re heading off with an infant. Here are some tips to help make your trip safe, comfortable and fun:
Preparing For Your Camping Trip With A Toddler
When planning a camping trip with toddlers, it’s important to prepare well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
This section will cover the key areas to consider when preparing for your trip:
Choosing the Right Campground
When camping with toddlers, it’s important to choose a campground that is family-friendly and has amenities that cater to young children.
Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds, open areas for outdoor activities, and easy access to nature trails.
This also means taking care to choose somewhere safe.
While it’s exciting to camp near water, you will need to be extra vigilant with a toddler, in the same way, you will need to take extra care if camping near dangerous landscapes, such as cliffs and ravines.
A less remote camping site might be your better option. One with family-friendly facilities and activities to enjoy together.
Packing Essentials for Toddlers
When packing camping essentials for toddlers you need to bring both the essentials to keep them comfortable plus plenty of fun stuff to keep them entertained.
After all, the attention span of the average toddler is quite short, so having plenty of activities to keep them occupied will make sure it’s an enjoyable experience all-round.
A family camping checklist and a toddler camping checklist will come in handy to ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Some of the essential items to pack for your toddler include:
- A sleeping bag and pillow
- Warm clothing and extra blankets for cooler weather
- Toddler-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
- First aid kit
- Baby wipes and hand sanitiser
- Nappies & changing essentials if needed
- Shade such as a tarp or gazebo for playing under
- Snacks and drinks
- Toys and games to keep them entertained
RELATED READING: BEST CAMPING GIFTS FOR TODDLERS
Planning Toddler-Friendly Activities
To keep toddlers entertained during the camping trip, it’s important to plan activities that are age-appropriate and fun. You want to avoid them wandering off alone, so setting your toddler up somewhere nearby so you can keep an eye on them at all times is essential.
You also want to have some activities that are perfect for keeping them occupied for solo play while you prepare meals too.
Some toddler-friendly activities to take camping include:
- Nature walks and scavenger hunts
- Sing-alongs and storytelling around the campfire
- Outdoor toys and games like frisbee and ball games
- Arts and crafts using natural materials like leaves and rocks
- Books
- Favourite toys from home such as building blocks, toy cars
- A headlamp or torch for extra comfort at night
- Colouring books and crayons
- Comfort toys such as a stuffed toy they sleep with
Find loads more toddler camping activity ideas here.
Safety Considerations
Camping with toddlers can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family, but it’s important to take safety considerations seriously.
Here are some tips to help keep your little ones safe while enjoying the great outdoors.
Childproofing the Campsite
Before setting up camp, it’s important to childproof the area. This means removing any potential hazards, such as sharp objects, poisonous plants, or unstable rocks.
It’s also a good idea to set up a perimeter around the campsite if possible using tarps, or a roped-off area to keep your toddler from wandering off.
This isn’t always possible though so hypervigilance is essential!
First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
Accidents can happen, even in the safest of environments.
That’s why it’s essential to bring a first aid kit with you on your camping trip – no matter how old the members of your camping party are.
The kit should include items such as bandages, bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
It’s also a good idea to bring survival gear, such as a map and a compass, as well as a whistle, flare and flashlight in case of an emergency.
Sun and Insect Protection for Toddlers
Toddlers have sensitive skin, so it’s important to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays.
Be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to your toddler’s skin every few hours, and dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a hat to provide additional protection.
Choose a sunscreen that is suitable for babies and toddlers to avoid any reactions.
And also make sure to have time out of the sun between re-applications to ensure it works to its full potential. This is a common mistake with sunscreen, that simply reapplying will have the same benefit as the first application, but time out of the sun is necessary in between.
It’s also important to protect your toddler from insects, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and other viruses.
Bring child-safe bug repellant, a bug net, and baby wipes to keep your toddler clean and protected from bugs.
Keeping Toddlers Entertained
Camping with toddlers can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping them entertained.
Fortunately, there are many fun and engaging activities that you can do with your little ones to keep them happy and occupied during your camping trip.
Outdoor Games and Activities
Outdoor games and activities are a great way to keep toddlers entertained while camping.
You can bring along classic games like frisbee, catch, and ring toss, or you can try something new like a scavenger hunt.
A scavenger hunt is a fun way to get your toddler to explore nature and find hidden treasures. You can create a list of items with images for them to find, such as pine cones, rocks, and leaves.
Nature Exploration for Toddlers
Nature exploration is another great way to keep toddlers entertained while camping.
You can take them on a nature walk and point out different plants and animals along the way.
You can also encourage them to collect items like feathers, shells, and rocks. These items can be used later for crafting or as part of a sensory bin.
Storytelling and Stargazing
Storytelling and stargazing are two more activities that toddlers will love.
You can tell them stories around the campfire, or you can read them a book before bed.
Stargazing is a great way to introduce toddlers to astronomy. They likely will get bored quickly but it can still be a fun chance to point out different constellations and stars, and talk about the different shapes and patterns they make.
To make these activities even more fun, you can bring along special toys like glow sticks and flashlights. These toys will add an extra element of excitement to your camping trip.
Overall, keeping toddlers entertained while camping is all about finding activities that they enjoy and that are appropriate for their age.
Mealtime and Sleeping Arrangements
In addition to activities, mealtime and sleeping arrangements are important considerations when camping with toddlers.
When planning meals, it’s a good idea to bring along familiar foods that your toddler enjoys. This can help prevent any picky eating and ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
Tips for Cooking and Dining with Toddlers
Cooking and dining with toddlers while camping can be a bit challenging since they need to be supervised and entertained while you cook.
Bringing a portable high chair can make mealtime easier and more comfortable for your little one.
Additionally, packing plenty of family snacks and drinks can help prevent hunger meltdowns.
When planning meals, it’s important to keep in mind your toddler’s preferences and any dietary restrictions.
Simple meals like pasta, nachos and sandwiches are usually a hit with toddlers.
Setting Up a Comfortable Sleeping Area
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for toddlers. When you’ve got a big day of exploring planned, you want them well-rested.
Setting up a comfortable sleeping area can help them feel safe and secure in an unfamiliar environment. Bringing their favourite blanket or stuffed animal can provide comfort and familiarity.
A sleeping bag is a must-have for camping, and there are many options available for toddlers.
Look for a sleeping bag that is designed for their size and has a comfortable temperature rating.
If your toddler is used to sleeping in a cot at home, consider bringing a portable crib or pack-and-play to provide a familiar sleeping environment.
This can also help prevent them from wandering out of the tent while you sleep in case you have an extra curious little person.
Managing Bedtime Routines
Bedtime routines can be challenging while camping, but they are good for helping your toddler get a good night’s sleep.
Stick to their usual bedtime routine as much as possible, including reading a bedtime story and singing lullabies if that is part of your routine at home.
If your toddler has trouble falling asleep, consider bringing a white noise machine or playing soft music to help them relax.
It’s also important to ensure that your toddler is dressed appropriately for sleeping. Pack warm pyjamas and extra layers to keep them comfortable throughout the night if it is cooler.
Dealing with Challenges
Camping with toddlers can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be challenging at times.
Parents need to be prepared for the unexpected and have strategies in place to deal with any issues that may arise.
Here are some tips for dealing with common challenges when camping with toddlers.
Coping with Tantrums and Meltdowns
Toddlers are notorious for throwing tantrums and meltdowns, and the outdoors can often exacerbate these behaviours.
With so many new things to see and do, your toddler may feel overstimulated and tire quickly from all the activities.
Parents should be prepared with distractions such as toys, games, and books to help calm their child down.
It’s also important to remain calm and patient and avoid getting frustrated or angry. A positive attitude can go a long way in diffusing a difficult situation.
And if they need an extra nap, then make time for that to happen. It will make the day more enjoyable for everyone.
Managing Bathroom and Hygiene Needs
When camping with toddlers, managing bathroom and hygiene needs can be a challenge.
Bring plenty of wipes and hand sanitiser to keep your child clean.
A portable potty or travel potty can also be a lifesaver, especially if there are no toilets nearby. It’s important to dispose of waste properly and follow the “leave no trace” principle to protect the environment.
If your toddler is still in nappies, make sure you bring enough for the entire trip and some to spare. You will also need a proper place to dispose of these, such as bringing a bucket with a lid to store your waste until you can dispose of it in a bin.
The last thing you want is for some wild animal to get into the dirty nappies… eww!
Strategies for Handling Weather Changes
Weather changes can be unpredictable, and it’s necessary to have strategies in place to deal with them.
Bring appropriate clothing for the predicted weather and the unexpected, including rain gear and warm layers.
It’s also a good idea to have a sheltered area, such as a tent or canopy, to retreat to in case of rain or extreme heat. Staying dry and comfortable can go a long way in preventing meltdowns and keeping everyone happy.
Overall, camping with toddlers requires preparation, patience, and a positive attitude. We hope these tips for camping with toddlers help you to can create lasting memories and enjoy the great outdoors with your entire family!
For more fun ideas, check out these camping activities:
