Why Take Young Children Camping?

Camping offers children a break from screens and a chance to explore, imagine, and get dirty in the best way. Here are just a few benefits:

Appreciation for nature: Toddlers are natural explorers, and the outdoors is the ultimate classroom.

Emotional bonding: Camping gives families a shared experience, away from distractions and routines.

Confidence and independence: Learning new skills like setting up camp, helping with chores, or making s’mores.

Sensory-rich experiences: Smelling campfire smoke, listening to birds, feeling dirt, grass, and cool water

Of course, camping with kids, especially toddlers, requires extra preparation and awareness:

• Insects and animals: Bug bites, bee stings, and curious toddlers wandering near wildlife.

• Weather exposure: Sudden temperature drops or heat exhaustion.

• Injury risk: Uneven ground, open flames, sharp tools.

• Overwhelm and anxiety: A brand-new environment can be scary or overstimulating for some children.

• Toilet stress: Many kids aren’t used to pit toilets, or worse, no toilets.

Fortunately, most of these can be avoided with planning, patience, and the right supplies. Let’s dive in.

These ideas are screen-free, low-stress, and encourage kids to engage with nature while learning.

• Nature scavenger hunt
  Look for pinecones, feathers, moss, or animal tracks.

• Make leaf or bark rubbings
  Use crayons and paper to explore tree textures.

• Rock painting
  Bring a few paints and decorate rocks found nearby.

• Storytime around the campfire
  Make up silly stories about animals you saw that day.

• Shadow puppet show in the tent
  Use a flashlight and your hands for nighttime fun.

• Bug hunt
  Grab a magnifying glass and gently explore insects (just release them!).

• Cloud watching or star gazing
  Lie back and watch the sky; ask what shapes they see.

• Water play
  A bucket, a few cups, and a toddler = instant fun.

Before you even zip up the tent, it helps to ease kids into the idea of sleeping outside.

• Read camping-themed books together.
  Try Maisy Goes Camping, A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, or Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping.

• Watch kid-friendly videos about camping.
  Mister Rogers has a great camping episode. Just avoid anything too dramatic or scary.

• Pack together.
  Let your child pick a favorite toy, blanket, or snack so they feel involved.

• Talk about what to expect.
  Use simple language to explain what you’ll see, hear, and do.
• Play pretend.
• Make a “tent” in the living room with blankets and pretend you’re camping.

Must-Haves (Non-Negotiables):

• Tent, stakes, and mallet

• Sleeping bags + pads/mats

• Extra blankets

• First aid kit (with kid-specific meds)

• Sunscreen + bug spray

• Water jugs + bottles

• Flashlights + headlamps

• Child-safe hand wipes + sanitizer

• Favorite snacks and prepped meals

• Kid potty or training toilet

• Diapers or pull-ups (if needed)

• Weather-appropriate clothes (and extras!)

• Camp chairs

• Firestarter/matches

• Trash bags

• Basic cooking gear (camp stove, pan, utensils)

• Personal hygiene (toothbrush, soap, etc.)

Good-to-Haves (Comfort & Convenience):

• Camping high chair or booster

• Camp rug or play mat

• Travel white noise machine

• Books, coloring pads, toys

• Glow sticks (great for keeping track of kids at night!)

• Mesh food cover (for bugs)

• Paper towels + dish tub

• Ziplock bags for dirty clothes or wet items

Bonus Haves (Fun & Extra Preparedness):

• Hammock

• Binoculars

• Magnifying glass

• Mini shovel and bucket

• Star chart app

• Marshmallow roasting sticks

• Nature journal

• Camping-themed sticker book

• Compact toddler sleeping cot

• Walkie-talkies (for older kids)

Camping with your grandchildren, or your own kids, isn’t always easy, but it’s almost always worth it. You don’t need the perfect site, the perfect weather, or the perfect plan. What matters most is showing up, unplugging, and giving your family the chance to experience the outdoors together.

Even if there’s a tantrum, a bug bite, or a tent mishap, your child will remember the joy of roasting marshmallows, hearing owls hoot at night, or seeing the stars for the very first time. Core memories are often developed around activities like these.

So go slow, stay flexible, and savor the moments.