Preschool Camping Activities

Use and enjoy these preschool camping activities for the outdoors or for an indoor preschool camping theme.

Anyone who has ever had the pleasure to go on a family camping trip will want to pass that fun to the next generation. If you haven't experienced a camping trip with a little one, don't fret. There is plenty to do for the preschooler. Children are like little sponges when it comes to learning and every trip into the campground can be a learning experience for both your child and yourself.

As you pack for your trip, plan to bring along some of their favorite things that won't be destroyed. You may search for a recipe for homemade play dough so they can make little things with the help of the leaves and sticks they pick up along the way. The dough can be left behind, because the homemade variety is biodegradable.

Think about what is out there. Trees, leaves, stones, bugs and an assortment of other things that put the look of wonderment in a child's eyes. Something as simple as wind blowing through a tree can fascinate a child.
Preschool Camping Activities article continued below...

Plan to read to your child in the evenings with a flashlight and a snugly bedroll. There will be giggles when your light is in your hand instead of on the table next to the bed. Try to keep the schedule close to what it is at home. Missed naps make for unhappy children.

An inflatable wading pool doesn't take a lot of room in your packing. It can be something that the children can enjoy whether or not there is a beach. If it's too hot, you will enjoy the cool water on your feet and a splash or two. Bring along inflatable water toys rather than the hard ones.

An additional benefit of camping trips is the play camping that can be done at preschool or your daycare center or even at home. Small tents that are suitable for indoors can be amazing fun for a little one to crawl in and out of. Sleep mats can be used to have a special slant on naptime. Other camping activities in pretend world can also be done.
Preschool Camping Activities article continued below...

A field trip around the center that will allow the child to collect things like pebbles, sticks and leaves can come in and be used in simple craft projects. Moms would love it. With the help of some play dough and a little imagination, you can find the future Rodin to sculpt a timeless treasure.

Mud is a great toy. Most children love the feeling of mud between their fingers and toes. It may be prohibitive at home, but in the campground, it can be fun. On a rainy day, a few splashes in puddles can provide lots of fun time.

In the event that there are some entertainment venues in the area, these can also be used on rainy days. Perhaps along the way you can pick up information brochures to give you an idea of what is available for down times. Usually the local Chamber of Commerce has similar information available.

Let the child in you show through Mom. Let the little one do some of the things they aren't allowed to do at home. Let them get dirty, muddy, and sleepy from all of the fresh air. You will all benefit from the experience.
Author of Preschool Camping Activities:Rachel Vince

Scavenger Hunt Free Printables

Here are some scavenger hunt free printables you can take along with you on your camping trip:


Your Senses Scavenger Hunt
Take a walk outside and use your senses to help you complete this scavenger hunt.

Explore the World Around You
Take a walk outside and explore the world around you to help you complete this scavenger hunt. See what new, interesting and exciting things you can find simply by going for a walk.

ABC Hike
Take a walk and see if you can find things that start with letters of the alphabet, such a ‘c’ for caterpillar or ‘s’ for seagull.

Our Favorites:

Books:

Toys:

Top of Preschool Camping Activities