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Camping with Toddlers Made Easy Plus a Free Checklist

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“No amount of money or success can take the place of time spent with your family.”-Unknown

It’ s summer time! It means camping trips with the family and a chance to enjoy the moment to bond over a nice and warm bonfire as we roast marshmallows and hotdogs.

We have been TENT camping with family (siblings, nieces and nephews) for about 8 years now and when our kids were born, we’ve been taking them to camping since they were a few months old. Over time, we learned a few tips and tricks on how to make camping with toddlers easier and fun.

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Here are some few tips that might be helpful to make your camping a success.

  1. Bring a spacious tent.

Make sure to invest in a tent that is large enough to make the entire family fit in it. We purchased Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent, which is great for camping with the entire family. This tent was able to accommodate 2 queen size air mattresses and 2 sleeping cots for my family of 5 plus their two grandmas. There’ s a large front awning provides you a “camping porch” or extra room (where I put the cots) with weather protection.

  1. Bring a comfy bed and extra floor matt for comfort.

Some recommend toddler cot but since I have 3 toddlers, I bought an air bed that are suitable for indoor/outdoor use plus the added benefit of not falling from it. You want the kids to sleep as comfortable as possible because if they sleep well, it means mommy and daddy can sleep better. Don’t forget the air bed pump and bring extra batteries. If your little one is not quite walking yet, bring the pack and play for safety.

 

3. Check the weather forecast.

This post is about making life easier, so make sure you are prepared for the weather so you will know what to bring like extra rain gears or toys if it’s going to rain because the kids might be more comfortable nestled inside the tent.

The twins enjoying the shallow river in Turlock Lake SRA

 

  1. Familiarize yourself with the camping area.

Thanks to the internet, most, if not all campgrounds have their own website and there you will see the Campground Map or Park Brochures. Know the location of the bathrooms and water sources because you may want to be closer to those important spots. Learn the campsite rules. Confirm if the showers are coin operated. Check if there is a body of water on the campground so you will know if you need to bring swimming gears and toys for the kids.

 

5. Bring solar operated camping lights.

Lanterns and string lights also make the campsite look entertaining and festive. Proper and adequate lighting in your area keeps camping safe and because with kids, it’ s all about fun and safety.

 

  1. Don’t forget the First Aid Kit.

This is your nurse Siegrid speaking. Please DO NOT forget your First Aid Kit. Some first aid kits don’t come with first aid over- the- counter medication like burn ointment, Benadryl, Tylenol, and insect bite ointment. Make sure to bring those as well.

Related Article: 8 Life- Saving Measures Every Parent Should Know

7. Toys.

Bring their favorite toys but not all of it. Bring just enough to make them feel secure and comfortable. After all, camping is about bonding with family and nature so you don’t want the toys to get in the way. Glow Sticks and bubbles are the best!Kids can wrap different colors of glow sticks around their arms. I imagine this is so much fun plus the added benefit of finding them easily in case they wander in the campsite.

 

  1. Bring extra water and snacks.

You probably know about this my friend, but it’s good to remind each other once in a while. Keep extra healthy snacks because they tend to more hungry when they are outside. And one thing I learned, it’s best to put those snacks in a transparent bag so that it’s easier where to find them. It is also a MUST to keep them hydrated especially on summer time. A large source of water loss in your body is through sweating.

 

  1. Baby Wipes.

Brings lots and lots of it!

 

Here is our 100% Eco- friendly felt diaper caddy/ organizer. This is going to be your favorite go- to bag for your trip. Put everything your child needs from diaper, wet wipes, creams, toys and more! GRAB YOURS TODAY! Click the image to visit our online store!

  1. Diapers or Travel Potty.

Are your kids potty trained yet? Like the baby wipes, bring lots and lots of diapers! If they use 5 diapers a day, then bring 6. Sometimes, more is better.

My 15 months old little boy is happy and content playing with his shadow. He says is not ready to potty- train yet. 🙂

 

  1. Freeze bottled water and Juices

    to keep them cool and fresh until you are ready to use them.

 

  1. Bring a permanent marker.

What is this for? This is for you to write your campsite number on your child’s arm so that if in case she/he wanders away, it’s easier for people to know where to guide your child.

 Here’s a free printable checklist to make your life easier.

  1. Pack the kids’ clothes using rubber bands.

This makes my life easier all the time. Just grab the bundled clothes and you’re ready to change your kid into his pajamas.

 

  1. Dollar Tree.

Yay! My favorite! Because I am a frugal mom or at least I try to be. Thanks to Mrs. Frugalwoods for inspiring me. Yes, who doesn’t get stressed with expenses? To make our camping less stressful, I buy most of the stuff in dollar tree like disposable eating utensils, table-cloth, trash bags, travel toiletries, marshmallows roasting sticks and a lot more.

 

 

 

 

I’ m sure you have some tips and tricks in mind so please let’s help each other out. Leave your suggestions in the comments. Thanks a lot. x-o-x-o