When it comes to camping with a 4-year-old, there is a lot to know<\/strong>. Continue on and you’ll find loads of safety tips, activities, and ways to make camping easier on you and your child<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a one year old, make sure and check out our one-year-old camping tip post here<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The most important thing about camping with a 4-year-old is to have fun<\/strong>! Yes, there will be things you’ll need to do to prepare and to keep your kid safe and happy, but that’s not the point of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If that was the case, we just wouldn’t take small children camping. There would be no reason to. Yet, experiencing camping through the eyes of a child is an incredible thing<\/strong>. They learn so much about the world and discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You get the chance to teach them all about what makes camping amazing.<\/strong> From campfires to nature walks, swimming, and much more, there are so many different things to introduce them to. After just a few trips, you’re sure to see that you’ve created a foundation for their own love of camping. That’s a love that can last an entire lifetime<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safety is the most important<\/strong> aspect, always. It’s especially important to make sure your little one stays safe when you’re camping. Falls, scrapes, bruises, and bites<\/strong> can be more common when you’re spending all day outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These tips are to make sure your little one is perfectly safe on every camping trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We all know clothes are important– but they are especially important outside. The right clothes can keep your child at the right temperature, help to avoid curious bugs, and provide some protection from scrapes and bruises. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pack up clothing that suits the weather you’re expecting, as well as unexpected weather changes. That’s not to say you need to bring your child’s entire wardrobe. Just make sure to have a good coat and a few warmer outfits just in case.<\/strong> It’s always better to be prepared, just in case there is sudden rain or the nights get colder than you expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s always important to keep an eye on your child, but it’s especially important when you’re out in the wilderness.<\/strong> You never know when they might trip, fall, or run into an animal that doesn’t want to be their friend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even animals you thought were cute and cuddly really aren’t the best animals to approach. Down here in Texas we have armadillos that are used to humans at several campgrounds that get very close to you–these are not safe animals and should be avoided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are definitely more dangers in the woods than are in your backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that either you or another reliable adult, have the child nearby at all times.<\/strong> Children are incredibly curious and can easily become distracted by a lizard or squirrel running by. No one wants to have to go searching for their child in the woods! It’s a truly terrifying thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This happened to me recently. I was camping with family and one of the kids (not 4 years old, but a few years older) took it upon himself to go look for firewood while others hadn’t gotten out of their tents yet. Amazingly, I stumbled on him half a mile or so away from camp while I was taking pictures in the mountains. The poor child was sobbing and totally lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This was a lesson to me to make sure everyone was accounted for. I don’t want to sound like you should be overprotective–but it’s just a good thing to keep an eye out for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you have children with you or not, first aid is key to add to your packing list<\/strong>. No matter what age, anyone on the trip can end up getting scratched up. Things are just a bit rougher in the outdoors, but it’s all part of the experience. Luckily, the majority of injuries sustained while just camping aren’t serious.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Combine that with a 4-year-old’s ability to get into just about anything, and it’s all the more important to have a first aid kit handy. We all want to avoid boo-boos, but sometimes we just can’t stop them from happening. However, with a first aid kit, you can have your child up and playing again in no time at all.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some things to look out for are tripping hazards<\/strong>: You’d be surprised how many injuries that are actually reported occur because of your tent! From 2010 to 2015, there were 500 cases of people being injured by the process of setting up, tripping over, or otherwise interacting with their tent (source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n From personal experience, those guylines can be hard to see in the dark. It’s not a bad idea to put some reflectors on the guylines to make them more obvious if you have a little one running around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your child’s temperature should be at a comfortable level. Camping can expose them to more extreme temperatures than they might experience, normally. Because of that, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on them and make sure they are protected from both the heat and the cold<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of that means understanding the symptoms for both heat exhaustion and hypothermia.<\/strong> The earlier you recognize these symptoms, the easier it will be to stop the problem and make sure your kid is taken care of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to heat exhaustion, the Mayo Clinic website<\/a> lists symptoms like excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, clammy skin, fainting, fatigue, headaches, and more<\/strong>. The site also provides tips on what to do if you think your child might be suffering from heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the other end of the spectrum, hypothermia can become a problem while camping in colder climates. The CDC<\/a> lists symptoms like sleepiness, slurred speech, and confusion among others<\/strong>. Catch it quickly enough, and all you’ll need is to get your little one warmed up and they’ll be okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, hydration is incredibly important for a happy, healthy kid. Make sure that you have water available to them at all times<\/strong>, and help them to drink more when they are in hot climates or getting added exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How much water do you actually need to take on a camping trip? Our article<\/strong> on how much water to bring while camping<\/strong> is a great place to find out. Check it out here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spring and summer are known are typically considered to be “camping season”, and for good reason! Most people prefer to camp in nice, sunny weather rather than braving the colder months outdoors.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, with nice weather comes the risk of the sun<\/strong>. At an absolute minimum – sunburns are uncomfortable and annoying. It’s really better just to avoid the problems caused by too much sun and invest in a good sunscreen for your child. Bonus points if you opt for an effective sunscreen that is also good for the environment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n On top of that, make sure they have plenty of shade.<\/strong> Bring a nice, big umbrella if you’re planning to spend some time on the beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I actually spent a lot of time looking up ways to cool down while camping without electricit<\/a>y–many of these can be helpful if you’re out camping and you’re concerned about overheating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re uncertain which sunscreen choices are best for your child, the Environmental Working Group<\/a> offers some great guidelines and sunscreen choices for children as well as the environment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Campfires are another iconic aspect of camping. <\/strong>It’s just not the same when you have to camp without one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, campfires can be quite dangerous for small children that don’t quite understand just how dangerous they can be<\/strong>. All it takes is a second to end up with a nasty burn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set boundaries with your child. Make sure they know how far away to stay from the fire, and keep a close eye on them when you have a fire going.<\/strong> Always help them with cooking over the fire so that they can stay at a safe distance. In some cases, it may also be worth considering a fence you can place around the fire pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re staying in a campground, there is often a clear boundary between the camping space and nature itself. In these cases, it can be easier to show your child where they should stay when you want them at the campsite.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, when it comes to camping out in the wilderness, you may need to make your own boundary to ensure your child stays safe<\/strong>. Remember, 4-year-old children are forgetful! The more obvious you can make those boundaries, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also best to let your child know about the boundaries right away when you arrive at your camping location.<\/strong> That way, they know before they get distracted by all of the wonders of the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We went camping with my 2-year old niece a couple of years back, and we were super lucky that the campsite had very clear boundaries. The entirety of the campsite was surrounded by rocks and after that was brush, lots of prickly pear (we live in Texas, after all), and probably lots of other plants we didn’t want her to be touching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The rocks gave a clear boundary which she knew was “out-of-bounds” and helped her to stay put in the campsite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many things for a young child to learn about the outside world. One of the most important lessons they can learn when it comes to camping is how to stay safe. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Naturally, they may not understand everything they need to do for their own safety, but you can still get a few lessons across. You can talk to them about how to react to wild animals, and what to do if they see anything dangerous.<\/strong> Additionally, you can point out some plants to them and teach them which ones are safe and which aren’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In case you don’t know what plants are safe, it’s best to avoid touching plants in general if you don’t know what they are–especially any kind of vine. “Leaves of 3, let it be”<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a 4-year-old in particular, not everything you teach them will absorb right away. That said, you may be surprised to discover just how much they remember. It’s never too early to start teaching children about how to stay safe in nature.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n To a certain extent, dirt is just going to happen when you’re on a camping trip.<\/strong> This is definitely a situation where you want to work smarter rather than harder to keep dirt from ending up in all the wrong places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means bringing extra clothes, plenty of wet wipes and maybe even a secluded area for mini-baths before bed<\/strong>. You should face the reality that your 4-year-old is going to end up covered in dirt and sand, but keeping that debris from ending up in your child’s bed or food is worthwhile<\/strong>. Nobody likes their sandwich actually filled with sand. *ba doom psh*<\/p>\n\n\n\n It definitely takes a weight off your mind if you bring clothes for your child that you don’t mind getting roughed up a bit, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These days, children have so many options when it comes to entertainment. There are thousands of things to watch<\/strong> on TV, hundreds of video games<\/strong> to play and toys to enjoy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While 4-year-olds may not be playing as many video games as older kids, there’s a decent chance they might miss their favorite movies and other home activities. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid a serious boredom tantrum, you’ll need to make camping fun and exciting<\/strong>. Here are a few tips on doing keeping your tykes entertained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Junior Ranger programs are ideal for providing guided entertainment with a side of education<\/strong>. These programs can also make kids feel like they are part of something as they work towards earning badges, learning with the help of booklets and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For junior ranger programs specifically, 4-year-old children can participate but may not understand it as well as older kids. That said, there are also more general park-led activities they are sure to enjoy. Many parks often invite campers to go on guided tours, nature walks, star watching sessions, and sometimes even do some crafts!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As an example, a state park near us has a discovery center where kids can listen to recordings of outdoor animals, examine rubber feces replications of wild animals, handle snakeskins (currently not in use). Every park is different, but you’d be surprised how much is available to make a park family friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s nearly impossible to take a 4-year-old anywhere without toys, and trying to camp without toys is a quick way to end up with a bored, cranky child. That said, you might not want to get your child’s regular toys all dirty by taking them on a trip.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the perfect time to invest in some “camping toys”<\/strong>. You can get things like mini camping sets, some of which even come with toy campfires<\/strong> for children to play with instead of being drawn to the real fire, bug catching sets<\/strong> for little explorers and dump trucks<\/strong> when you want to keep it simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outdoor games<\/strong> are also a great way to keep your kid entertained. Simple games like ring toss and cornhole<\/strong> can be perfect for relaxing afternoons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve discussed some nature lessons before, but for the focus of safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also spend some time teaching your child about different plants and animals for the sake of education and entertainment<\/strong>. Small children are endlessly curious when it comes to learning about the world. <\/p>\n\n\n You can even take them out to watch birds and animals<\/strong> while you teach them. It’s a great way to help children discover what’s in the world around them. There are so many interesting animals out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We kept our distance, but on one camping trip we discovered an ant trail from some huge ants (I think they were carpenter ants? I can’t remember)– it was such a fun opportunity to get on their level and explore from a distance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Camping is all about nature, so there’s no reason not to help your child to enjoy it too. There are so many things to love about it, from green plants to interesting animals and a whole lot of peace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Taking your child for a walk<\/strong> is a great way to explore the wilderness and show them just what makes camping such a worthwhile activity. Just make sure to keep it pretty short and stick to the clear trails. Children don’t often have as much stamina for hikes as adults do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n My other niece is a pro at making it seem like the end of the world if she has to walk more than 10 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find ways to keep it interesting. You can even play I Spy or similar games while you’re on the path<\/strong>. If you can, bring along a small stroller (if your nature trail allows it) or be prepared to carry your child part of the way when they get sick of walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re staying in a campground, there’s a decent chance there might be a playground<\/strong> somewhere in the area for children to enjoy. Often, these are found at National Parks and other larger campgrounds<\/strong>. When your child needs to blow off some steam, this is a fantastic way to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, the playgrounds you find while camping won’t be large, but they’ll be enough to give your child some entertainment.<\/strong> You can even go back every day if it’s something your child really enjoys. Just bring along a book or enjoy the atmosphere while your kid plays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping your child entertained can often fit into the concept of keeping them safe. If they’re engaged in a safe activity, there’s less of a chance they may decide to explore the woods on their own, irritate a dangerous animal, or something worse.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Consequently, it’s well worth your time to make sure you have a number of activities prepared to keep them entertained and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having several activities<\/strong> in mind is a great way to keep small children from getting bored. If you have experience with 4-year-olds, you’ll probably be aware that they don’t exactly want to sit around and relax all day like adults might.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, consider doing some of these activities together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids love arts and crafts time. It’s messy, it’s fun and it allows them to engage their creativity.<\/strong> Additionally, these activities can often be a low-cost way to have fun wherever you are. It’s just a matter of finding the crafts your 4-year-old loves most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that 4-year-olds aren’t too picky<\/strong> when it comes to enjoying crafts. They love to explore and put things together in new ways. Consequently, it’s hard to fail when looking for crafts to do with them. Most importantly, choose crafts that they can enjoy safely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are just a few ideas for crafts that 4-year-olds will enjoy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a good idea to hang around during these activities so that the plates don’t get blown into the forest..<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a scavenger hunt can be a fun activity for around the campsite or while you’re on a nature walk. If you’re using it to entertain multiple children, you can even turn it into a competition with some inexpensive prizes for the winners!<\/strong> I like super <\/em>high fives as prizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On top of that, you can make your own scavenger hunt for free, print off some pre-made sheets, or pick up some scavenger hunt cards<\/strong> like those offered by gofindit<\/a>. This game is a little different from most scavenger hunts because it uses adjectives that children can apply to various objects or plants in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stories are great for practicing vocabulary and developing creativity<\/strong>. On top of that, they are a form of entertainment that is absolutely free. You can even tell stories that change every time, keeping things from getting mundane and boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are just a few kinds of stories you can tell together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of my favorite memories as a child were listening to my dad tell stories while we were out in nature. There’s an added mysticism when you’re around a campfire and under the stars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re a fan of geocaching, there’s really no reason not to bring along your child. They probably won’t understand the technology involved, but they’re sure to enjoy finding some treasure!<\/strong> You can even pretend you’re looking for treasure that was hidden by pirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of those great ways to keep your kid interested while ensuring they get some good exercise. Bring along some interesting items to add to the caches<\/strong>. There’s no doubt your kid will love it. I mean… I’m a grown adult, and I’ve had a ton of fun finding geocaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fishing can be fun for both you and your child. For a 4-year-old, you can also opt to just give them a toy fishing rod<\/strong> and let them pretend they are fishing right along with you. For some children, this is an activity that can be enjoyed for hours on end<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you’re fishing, you can also entertain a small child by putting a fish in a bucket with plenty of water<\/strong> from the river, lake or other water source you’re fishing in. They’re sure to enjoy watching the fish swim around for a while. Just don’t leave it in there too long<\/strong>! Fish need to get home in time for dinner too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What better time is there to enjoy the simple things than when you’re camping? Take some time in the evening to look at the stars with your child.<\/strong> You can show them some of the cool constellations or watch for shooting stars together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is also a great time to teach them a little bit about space. You can make up stories about astronauts or aliens, or just relax and listen to the sounds of the woods. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child isn’t sleeping or eating well, or are generally uncomfortable, everyone is going to have a bad time<\/strong>. Making sure their essential needs are met will keep them happy, and the way you go about it can help you to avoid too much stress while still getting things handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning and making meals your child will love can get complicated enough when you’re at home.<\/strong> There’s really no reason to make it harder than it needs to be when you’re already out in the wilderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep it simple<\/strong> when it comes to cooking while you’re camping. Don’t be ashamed to make use of those convenient campfire-cooked hot dogs, sausages and more<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might just find out that hot dogs are more versatile than you might think.<\/strong> Learn all about different hot dog sides and recipes at our article on the subject here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few other meal ideas that your 4-year-old is sure to love include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to make anything that requires much prep, try to get as much prep handled before the trip as you can. When you’re in the woods, trying to keep an eye on an excited 4-year-old as you cook, you’ll be glad you did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We wrote a post talking about some tips to get out the door sooner, and we go into more detail on how to make camping happen here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-slept 4-year-old is a happy 4-year-old. Consequently, you’ll want to make sure they have a comfortable bed to sleep in<\/strong>. If they can’t sleep, the whole family is going to pay the price for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever kind of bedding you’re planning on using, make sure that you test it out at home<\/strong> to make sure it’s something your kid is happy with. It’s also a good idea to have some backup pillows, blankets or other soft items in case their bedding turns out to be too hard or too cold.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One great way to test out your setup is to go pitch the tent in the backyard and give everything a spin. This may be just as much fun as camping at the campground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Comfort is so important for the entire family. Our article on ways to make camping more comfortable<\/strong> is great for everyone, and especially useful for keeping kids cozy. Take a look at it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have been using a portable folding camp bed for our child, recently, and it’s way more comfortable than what I sleep on while camping, but it has worked great for our toddler to sleep on (if a bit bulky). You can see it here<\/a> on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re planning on doing any walking when you’re on your camping trip, it’s worthwhile to bring a stroller<\/strong>. This is something that you may be able to feel out, based on your knowledge of your own child, but it never hurts to be prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A run-of-the-mill stroller probably won’t handle most trails near campgrounds. There are those fancy shmancy strollers that have the bike tires for more rugged terrain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hopefully, at 4 years old your child is getting used to walking outdoors and exploring! But it’s good to know the limits of your child (and yourself). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some children get bored after just a few minutes of walking around, while others are perfectly happy to trot along for long periods of time.<\/strong> If you know you’ll be walking more than your kid can handle, it’s best to be prepared with a convenient set of wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another fun option is to bring your child a bike<\/strong>, when possible. This is especially helpful if you’re just walking around the paved campground streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You never know when the weather might decide to step in<\/strong> and cause you to have to cancel your outdoor activities. Otherwise, you might find that your child just isn’t interested in the activities<\/strong> you originally had planned. There are many cases in which a “plan B<\/strong>” is needed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come up with some ideas for indoor activities that will keep your child entertained, or just backup plans that will suit their needs when they don’t want to go on a hike or join a ranger program. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to keep your little camper happy!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/camping-with-4-year-old-768x1024.jpg\")
The Most Important Thing About Camping With a 4-Year-Old<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Staying Safe: Avoiding Bumps, Bruises, Bugs, and Owies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bring the Right Clothes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep Them Near<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pack Some First Aid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/boo-boo-bandaid-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTemperature and Hydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sunscreen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fire Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set Campground Boundaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Share Some Nature Lessons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/red-ants-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>Keeping Things Clean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keeping Your 4-Year-Old Entertained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check Out Junior Ranger Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring Outdoor-Friendly Toys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Teach Them About Nature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IMG_20190330_111134-1024x768.jpg\")
Go On Short Hikes Or Nature Walks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20190806064054226-1024x768.jpg\")
Head To a Play Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring Along Easy Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Perfect Age-Appropriate Activities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Do Crafts Together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Great Crafts For 4-Year-Olds While Camping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Go On a Scavenger Hunt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tell Stories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Do Some Geocaching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Go Fishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Watch The Stars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keeping Your Kid Comfortable and Happy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make Meal Prep Easy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Focus On Bedding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring Strollers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Have Backup Plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n