Taking Toddler Camping!

Question

She is almost 2yo. We went camping last year and she did really well but she wasn't even one and just starting to walk. Any suggestions on things that I can bring along to keep her busy when we're having some down time? Should I get a couple of new things to play with so she'll stay busy longer? I don't think I'll have too much trouble with getting her to sleep at night (knock on wood) but if I do any suggestions on helping with that? I'm looking for any suggestions and insight from anyone with experience!

Answer 1

Smores and love! Have a good time!  

Answer 2

>>Her Entertainment

Ball - 1 should suffice

Books - 3 old, 2 new (Some she can 'read' and some to read to her)

Toys - A few new and a few old

Bring a small play tent for her to play in.

If there is a beach there, bring sand and water toys.

If she has a favorite outside toy, bring that.

>>Bedtime

Blankets - Bring enough to put on the floor (padding) plus enough for each of you to sleep with.

Pillows - Bring 3 - 4

Stuffed Animals

Story - Have a few good ones memorized or bring a bedtime story

All of you should go to bed at the same time. So either let her stay up later or go to bed early.

>>Clothes

Shirts - 1/day + 2

Shorts - 1/day + 2

Long Pants - 2 pair

Socks - 3 pair

Shoes - 1 sandals & 1 tennis shoes

If she is in diapers, 1 pack + wipes.

If she is potty trained, 1 pair/day + 4.

Sweatshirts - 1 or 2

Swimsuit + Swim towel

>>Other

Bring shower towels.

Bring her soap/shampoo.

Bring shower shoes for her.

Bring her a pair of sunglasses and a hat.

Bring 1 - 2 flashlights.

Bring her plenty of snacks like pretzels, crackers, cookies, chips, fruit snacks,fruit cups, jello/pudding cups, granola bars, etc.

Bring her plenty of drinks; water + juice.

Wipes - even if she is potty trained - great for sticky hands.

Bring her disposable sippy cups. That way if they are too dirty to clean in the bathroom sink, you can throw them away.

If she is potty trained, bring her potty chair. This way if she is to far from the bathroom or is scared of it, she can use her seat.

Bring her sunscreen and bug repellent patches. These do not contain harmful deet like the spray does. Look for them at your local nutrition store.

Bring bottled water for her, don't rely on the water there.

Have plenty of hair ties/clips to get her hair out of her face when it's super hot and sticky.

Bring an umbrella.

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GENERAL CAMPING TIPS

Waterproof your tent.

Bring plenty of s'mores stuff.

Bring a cooler full of dry ice. Fill it with milk, juice, meat, cheese, fruit, etc.

Bring bread and other foods to make your lunches and dinners. Also bring equipment for cooking over a fire.

Bring a tent thing and a table for your food.

Bring chairs and blankets for around the fire.

Bring stuff to start a fire.

You may want to bring bikes.

HAVE FUN!

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A WAGON OR STROLLER!

Answer 3

Bring clothes that she can ruin.  Let her get dirty.  Only bring extra toys if you are expecting poor weather.  My kids are perfectly happy digging in the dirt, finding interesting bugs, collecting pine cones. gathering sticks for kindling and going in and out of the tent or cabin.  I would suggest beginning now with learning about the fire.  Also, you will need a bowl along for hand washing.  It is easier for them to do this in a bowl full of water.  My biggest concern for night was them waking up and getting out.  that is only because a friend of ours has a son that did that at age 2 and was way on teh other side of the campground visiting when they woke up.  HAVE FUN!  this is a such a fabulous way to enjoy nature with your child.

Answer 4

She'll probably be so excited from going camping that she'll WANT to get into bed...tell her a special "camping story" and lie on your back with her in the tent.

toys wise, you'll probably be ok with one or two of her favorite toys but getting a few new ones might make the whole thing even more exciting for her...if she was a bit older i would suggest some paper and pens so she could draw things she sees on her adventures.

oh and i don't need to tell you to make sure she doesn't stray from your tent...it might be worth investing in a zip lock just in case she goes wondering during the night!

good luck, i bet you have a really fun trip

Answer 5

just take er favorites toys books that she likes take the books she like you reading to her for bed time. hope you have a brill time away camping  

Answer 6

We go camping every year.  We only bring a good stroller(one with good wheels for off roading).  And enough clothes and diaper/underwear for the trip.  We didn't bring any toys other than a sleep toy.  Bring a safety pin to lock the tent's zipper at night and go to bed as a family. Here is my check list of items needed in addition to the normal stuff:

3 outfits per day plus one day(outfits should be comfortable enough to use a pjs)

2 Pjs per day plus 1

Take or toss sippy cups(even if they are good with regular cups it keeps the bugs and dirty out).

We bring a lot of blankets to line the floor of the tent and sleep on the floor.  Good luck you will be fine.

Answer 7

I've taken my son camping and he's 16 months. I know your little girl's a bit older but this is what I did for him and it might work for you too:

-bring a bowl and at least 2 cooking spoons (the big plastic ones). These are good for drums, play cooking, etc.

-bring a few books, maybe even buy a new one. Even if they can't read, toddler like to look at the pictures.

-flash cards (you can get these a dollar store) Kids can look at the pictures or play with them, which isn't a big deal because they're only a dollar

-bring a ball (always a good time)

-bring a comfort item from home, like a teddy bear, favorite blanket, etc. Also bring the pillow from her bed. It'll help her fall asleep and stay asleep because it's familiar.

-for my son, I brought an old computer keyboard (he has a thing for buttons). It kept him entertained for hours. Is there anything that your daughter can sit and do for hours? If so, bring it.

Hope that helps. Have fun!

Answer 8

Just came back from a camping trip with my 16 month old.

Mostly, she entertained herself by walking around the campsite looking at things and just playing with dirt and rocks.  We did bring some favourite toys from home, and bought a couple of new things (one new book, one new toy), and that helped.  Plan for lots of walks and beach time.  And of course, the blanky.  

Your first night might be difficult with the sleep (ours was!), but after a night or two it should be fine.

good luck and have fun!