Camping Hacks With Toddlers
Thinking of camping with toddlers!? First of all, GO YOU! Congratulations for taking the first step of thinking about it (and then hopefully doing it too, of course). Toddlers are little people with lots of energy and demands. When we take them out of their normal environment into the wonderful outdoor world, it can be exhilarating, exciting, and … a ton of work. But in my opinion, always worth it. But, for it to be amazing and worth it, you definitely need to have some camping hacks.
Even in the hard moments, camping with your little loved ones is an amazing experience. With a few tips and hacks, you can have a really great experience. I’ve categorized these hacks into four categories: the tent, activities, safety, and clean. If you need hacks for one specific area, go ahead and skip to what you’re looking for. Hope you find these hacks helpful!
Camping Hacks with Toddlers for the TENT
1. Portable Heater
When the weather’s cold for the kiddos, consider a portable heater to bring some heat to the tent. This specific heater shuts off automatically if it’s tipped over or senses low oxygen levels, so it’s safe for small, enclosed spaces. A portable heater will keep you and your toddlers cozy warm during the cold nights.
2. Hand Hotties
Similar to the tent buddy, these little things bring some extra warmth to you and your kiddos as you sleep. Stick these little warmers in your kids sleeping bags to help them keep warm during the night.
3. Travel Potty
Camping with toddlers is amazing – until they have to pee in the middle of the night. If you have boys, it can be an easier feat by taking them outside, but that’s not always feasible or campground friendly. A little travel potty inside the tent makes doing the business in the middle of the night quick and easy. No long hauls to the public bathroom halfway across the campground.
4. Noisemaker/Fan
If your toddler is used to falling asleep with music or sound at home, than this is crucial for your nights out camping. If sound is not a part of your usual routine, it still may be good to have a little background noise to distract them from the sounds of the campground. Sometimes it’s the unknown sounds that keep little ones awake, sometimes it’s the silence! Having options helps you settle your little ones sooner.
5. Tent Rug
Having a rug right outside the tent will help keep some of the dirt from outside coming in. A lot of tents will have a no-shoe policy, and encouraging this for your tent will bring down the amount of dirt inside the tent. Having a shoe bin or container right outside the tent also encourages little ones to take off their shoes on the rug before coming inside.
Camping Hacks with Toddlers ACTIVITIES
1. Chalk, bubbles, books
While I am a big believer of nature being the best entertainer, sometimes a few activities from home are just the ticket to keep the kids happy close to your campsite. I highly advise not to overpack in this area, but throw in some chalk, bubbles, or a few other small activities from home for when the kids need something to do quick and close by.
2. Hammock
Hammocks are easy, fun, and the kids love them. Perfect for a swing, a bed, break-time, or story-time. Set up a hammock around your campsite for a quick and easy way to relax.
3. Pack and Play
If you have toddlers or babies that love to be on the move, having a pack and play set up is a great way to contain them for short amounts of time. Especially for times like making food or cleaning up after mealtime, having your baby or toddler in the pack and play lets you get things done, while still having them close by.
4. Kids Chairs
Every little boy and girl wants to be just like their mommy and daddy. Camping is no different. They see you with your cool camp chair, and they’ll want a special one for themselves too. Having little chairs for your toddlers is a great way to make them feel special and independent.
5. Glow Sticks
Glow sticks, glow stickers, glow shoelaces. Anything that glows in the dark will be so fun for the littles. Camping is a time to explore outdoors when you normally wouldn’t be. Whether it’s running around the campsite, or playing in the tent under the covers, glow items are a fun way to play while camping.
6. Water Guns
If your campsite isn’t near a water source for those hot summer days, consider bringing water guns along. A cool, refreshing activity that keeps the littles entertained for awhile.
Camping Hacks with toddlers for SAFETY
1. Pack n Play
A common concern for camping with little ones, is the fear of toddlers or babies running or crawling away. And that’s a valid concern as there are times when you’ll need to attend to business other than chasing after your babies. A way to keep them safe and contained is to bring along a Pack n Play or a portable play yard fence.
Pack n Plays are lightweight and can easily be moved from sun to shade, or whatever will suit your needs best. If your pack n play fits in your tent, it also can double as your baby’s bed.
2. Whistles
Camping means lots of exploring for your little ones. And while that’s a great thing, it can also be alarming if your child is running around for awhile and you’re not sure where they are. Giving your youngsters whistles, preferably clipped to their clothes or around their wrists, gives them a ‘voice’ when they need to be extra loud. Instruct them to use the whistles if they ever feel unsafe, threatened, or unsure where they’re at. Tell them their whistle will have you running towards them.
3. First Aid Kit
You don’t want to forget the first aid kit while camping, especially with toddlers in tow! Make it extra fun by adding colorful bandaids, or ones with animals or smiley faces on them.
Keep your first aid kit organized, and store it in a place that’s easy to get to quick.
4. Glow Sticks
Not only are glow sticks so much fun, glow sticks can help keep your kids safe, because you can see them in the dark. That’s important! Have your toddlers wear glow sticks around their neck or arms as it’s getting darker around the campsite.
5. Bells on Zippers or shoes
Another idea to always be aware of your little toddlers on the go, is to have them wear bells on their clothing. Attach bells either to shoelaces or zippers, to give your child a distinct sound as they meander around the campsite. Not only does it give you warning if they are walking away… but will also warn you if they are getting too close to the Chocolate Chip Cookie canister.
Camping Hacks with Toddlers – “Clean”
1. Wash line
Whether you’ll be out for a day, or a few, wash lines always come in handy with kids. With my boys, it seems like it doesn’t matter what season we’re in, clothes get wet, dirty, and muddy. Having a clothesline strung up is a great way to dry some wet clothes or do a little laundry on the trip. Also great for towels and kitchen washcloths.
2. Water Station
Set up a large thermos where drinks can easily be refilled, either into water bottles or reusable cups.
3. Hand Washing Station
Place a water container with a spout, some soap, and some paper towels on a picnic table for an impromptu hand-washing station. Camping won’t be completely dirt-free, but this will help 😁
4. Bin or Basket for Shoes
To encourage taking shoes off at the tent door – place a bin or basket at the tent entrance, beside the rug. This will be a visual reminder for your littles to stop and take their shoes off, and place them in the basket. This also helps keep footwear all together in one place, instead of being scattered over the tent and campground.
Conclusion
Camping with toddlers can be challenging if you’re unprepared, but with the right tricks and hacks up your sleeve – camping with toddlers can be a lot of fun!
Hopefully you found these tips helpful and will give some of them a try on your next camping trip! Have you already tried some of these? What’s worked best for you!? Let me know in the comments below.
Get out, go adventure!