5 Activities For Camping With Toddlers

Camping with your family can be fun, adventurous and exciting. Camping with your toddler can be fearful, exhausting and overwhelming. One thing is for sure, camping creates a lot of memories!

Reduce your anxiety of camping with little ones by trying out one (or all) of these fun activities for camping with toddlers. Lean into the chaos of toddlerhood and enjoy the time spent in the great outdoors with your kiddos.

(This is less of a planned activity and more of a "don’t make mom do all the work" activity!)

1. Set up camp

Even if your children are small, they can still be helpful. Let them help you unpack the car, set up their sleeping area or get the picnic area ready for eating. This will help them feel comfortable quicker in their new surroundings and give them a task to do while you get the bigger items in place. If you still feel like they’ll be more work than help, have them collect all the sticks in your area for a camp fire later.

Enjoy the outdoors by getting to know nature.

1. Scavenger hunt

Toddlers are visual people so if you can ahead of time print off pictures or draw items on a cardstock paper for them to use on their hunt. Items can include: pine cone, bird, flower, bug etc. This is a great activity to keep them occupied if you're on a walk or hiking where they might get tired easily. For something similar, try one of these family game night ideas.

Get up close and personal with the creepy crawly.

1. Bug catcher

Let them explore! Kids, especially toddlers, like to look for new creatures. Bring a fun container to hold your new "pets'' while you are out camping. You can also bring a cheap magnifying glass or net to save space. Reminder: do NOT let them bring the bugs inside the cabin/camper/tent (a prisoner break inside is the last thing you need!)

Easiest way to entertain is to keep it simple!

1. Bucket and shovel

These are staple items for our outside play time and will keep toddlers occupied for hours! Find a good muddy, rocky or sandy area and let them play. Throw in some dump trucks, cups or cheap kitchen utensils for extra play things.

C is for Camping!

1. Storytime

Whether you need a midday break with some quiet time or you have the campfire going and are ready to tell stories, a few camping themed books are sure to be a hit with your little ones! Check out Llama Llama Goes Camping, Pete the Cat Goes Camping and Curious George Goes Camping books. Make it an extra fun time by hanging up a hammock to read in or using fun headlamps during a bedtime story.

The biggest tip for camping with toddlers is to keep it simple. Try a few of these five activities for camping with toddlers and don’t stress about bringing so many things to keep them entertained–the new scenery, routines and adventures will be more entertaining than you think!

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.