Toddlers are busy, they’re wild, and their totally unpredictable. But they also are easily amused and are full of wonder which makes them the perfect candidates for a family camping trip. While it might seem a bit daunting to think about, you really can camp with a toddler by keeping them entertained and busy!

10 best ways to keep a toddler entertained when camping

Going camping with your toddler could be fun and it presents the perfect opportunity to bond with them. However, toddlers get easily distracted and if not kept entertained, they can turn the camping experience into nasty one. You can use the following tips to ensure that your kids are well entertained throughout the camping period.

Related: How to safely camp with a baby and enjoy your trip

Prepare them before you leave for the camping trip

It is important to have the toddlers excited about the trip before you leave. Build their anticipation by letting them know what to expect. They will be looking forward to the trip and this will ensure that you have cooperation from all corners.

Leave their favorite toys at home

You are going to camp, preferably in a natural environment and hence you need to leave the kids favorite toys at home so that you can keep them engaged in the camping process. You might decide to carry one or two but this period should be all about enjoying the nature.

Engage them in chores

Let your kids help around the camp by giving them some chores to do. Offer them little tasks and congratulate them when they execute them to your satisfaction. For instance, you can ask them to gather some sticks so that you can make a simple campfire. Just make sure they are safe throughout this process.

Be excited and fun to be around as well

You do not expect your kids to be excited about the trip if you are not excited as well. They need to know that you are also looking forward for the camping trip. This will amplify their own excitement.

Team up with other campers

Planning on spending the evening sipping some beer or wine by the camp fire? Look for other families which have toddlers and engage. You can spend the time together as adults and let the kids enjoying having fun together. This will present great bonding time for both you and the toddler.

Carry lots of snacks

It’s time to stack up the S’mores and let the kids enjoy to their fullest. Of course you will be moderate about it. You can make it more fun by giving them the snacks after they accomplish something. You can also carry their favorite food.

Relax the rules a bit

You can relax house rules a bit for the kid during this period. For instance, let them play in the dirt if they like. They will appreciate this moment a lot.

Allow them to help you with setting up campsite

Let the kids’ help you set up the camp, pitch the tent and build a campfire. Keep teaching them the importance of everything that they do so that you can turn the moment into a bonding/educational/fun one.

Engage them in games and fun activities

This will probably take most of their time and you need to be well prepared. Create great games and camping activities they can engage in. Great examples include scavenger hunts, water games and hunting bugs together.

Allow them to find their own fun

Let the loose to explore the camp and find their own form of fun. Ensure they are within the safe zones and leave them to themselves. You will be surprised at their capacity to find fun by themselves.