How to Camp With Preschoolers

While camping with preschoolers may not seem like it would be an easy undertaking, it can actually be quite enjoyable. Most preschoolers are naturally curious about the outdoors and the world around them. Take advantage of this inquisitive stage in their lives by introducing them to nature, camping and the great outdoors. It will take a bit of preparation to get ready for a camping trip with small children along, but it will be well worth the effort to provide little ones with a positive introduction to the outdoor world.

Things You'll Need

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight
  • Campground map
  • Child's backpack
  • Blanket
  • Stuffed animal
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Instructions

    • 1

      Discuss the camping trip with your preschooler a few days before your scheduled departure. Ask them what they think happens on a camping trip. Give them as many details as you can about where you are going, what they might see and where they will be sleeping. Preparing children ahead of time will often quell any fears they may have.

    • 2

      Practice camping in the living room or the backyard. If you are camping in a tent, set it up somewhere that your child is familiar with. Allow him to go in and out of the tent, touch it, lie down inside of it and walk around the outside. If he has a sleeping bag, allow him to unroll it inside of the tent and lie down in it. Allow him to ask as many questions as he needs to about the tent, the campsite and the sleeping arrangements. Encourage him to enter the tent when it is dark, also. Give him a flashlight and prepare him for what he may hear and see in the dark when you are camping.

    • 3

      Pack a bag with his help. Use a child-sized backpack, and tell him that he only has a little bit of room to bring the things he needs for the camping trip. Allow him to bring a few home comforts, too, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

    • 4

      When you arrive at the campground, allow him to do some exploring around the campsite. While you set up the tent and other equipment, allow your child to dig in the dirt or collect pine cones and leaves. Ask older children to help you by watching their younger siblings while you set up the campsite. When you are finished, take your preschooler for a walk around the campground. Show him a map of the campground if you have one and point out where the bathrooms are, as well as any other places you may explore later as a family. Prepare your preschooler ahead of time for anything he may encounter while camping.

    • 5

      Stick to a schedule. While it may not always be possible to match your home schedule, stay as close to it as you can when it comes to mealtimes and bedtimes. Preschoolers function best when they know what is coming next.