Night Time Activities for Preschoolers During Camping

Whether camping in a tent or an RV, getting away from the daily grind and into the great outdoors can be a great time for families. While camping, preschoolers who typically go to bed early may be allowed to stay up later and participate in some activities that can only be done after the sun goes down. Even families that pitch a tent in the backyard can teach a preschooler some fun things to do at night when camping.

  1. Take a Night-Time Hike

    • Many preschoolers have gone for a walk during the day, but after dark many things are different. Take a walk together after the sun goes down and point out differences between day and night. Find fireflies and other bugs that come out after dark or listen for the sounds of owls, bats and other night-time creatures. Keep alert and you may just see some of their eyes looking back at you.

    Flashlight Activities

    • Kids enjoy exploring in the dark with a flashlight.

      Many preschoolers enjoy simply playing with a flashlight and investigating how it works. Kids will also enjoy using them to make funny shadows with their hands, playing flashlight "I-Spy," and looking for worms or bugs that come out at night. For those who have a fear of the dark, the flashlight will also be a source of comfort.

    Star Gazing

    • On a clear night, find a dry level spot and lay a blanket out on the ground. My Favorite Camping Store suggests finding a spot far away from any lights on buildings or campers. Lay down together and look up into the sky. Point out some brighter stars, as well as some simple constellations such as the Big Dipper or Orion's Belt. See if the child can create some of her own constellations by mentally connecting some of the stars in a dot-to-dot fashion. Hopefully, while looking there will be a meteor falling that you can wish upon together.

    Build a Campfire

    • Teach a child safety rules while enjoying the campfire.

      Especially on a cool night, gathering around the campfire at the end of the day can be a great way to unwind. Make sure a 3- or 4-year-old is given a chair or place to sit, and that he understands how important it is not to run around near the fire. Camping.com suggests teaching children other safety rules such as having water and a shovel nearby to put out a fire, and to never leave the fire unattended. Then relax and point out different colors in the flames while you enjoy the crackling blaze.

    Campfire Food

    • Place dinner in foil and cook over the campfire.

      Of course, marshmallows are the go-to snack when a campfire is lit. Roast a marshmallow and sandwich it in-between two pieces of graham cracker and your favorite candy bar for a sticky, sweet snack. For a late dinner, roast a hot dog on a stick, or place some chicken, vegetables and seasoning in a foil packet over the coals until cooked.

    Storytime

    • If the child doesn't fall asleep by the flickering fire, head to bed and tell some stories. Make up some silly stories for a child this age (skip the scary ghost tales) or bring along some books to read by flashlight. Some favorites are "Olivia Goes Camping" by Alex Harvey and Jared Osterhold, "Camping Out" by Mercer Mayer, or "Curious George Goes Camping," by H.A. Rey.