Now that we have a toddler with us while camping, I have had to pack activities for him as well. My grandson just turned one and loves being outside, especially when he’s sitting in a tent or snuggling with grandma in front of a fire. He’s at the toddler stage when babies start talking and loves to play. I can already see how much he is going to enjoy camping as a kid.
During our last camping trip, we tried out some new toys. We also played with toys my kids had used when they were little. I like toys that are stimulating and educational.
7 Favorite Camping Toys for Toddlers Age 1-3
Here is a list of the best toys and games to take camping with toddlers. If you have any favorites you want to recommend, you can comment below and I’ll add it to the list. Camping toys should always be part of your camping essentials when you have kids.
1. Water Table
This is something I wish I had had when my kids were little. I just let them play in puddles and piles of dirt. But water and sand tables are so cool. And especially with water, it keeps littles safe while still letting them play with water. My son always loved splashing and this would have kept him occupied. This one may be a little bulky, but we have taken it car camping (in the back of the truck or in the camper).
Avenlur Water Table and Sand Table for Outdoor and Indoor Use - Weather-proof Sensory Play - Durable Material - Multi-functional Design - Age-Appropriate - Perfect for Toddlers 1-3 & 3-5yrs
2. Playground Balls
Do you remember the balls that you used to play with at school in the gym? Those are the kind of ball I prefer to take camping. They are very durable and just the perfect size for littles.
Shindel Playground Ball with Air Pump, 8.5inch Inflatable Dodge Ball Handball Rubber Kickball No Sting Balls for Kids Ball Games Gym Camps Yoga Exercises Indoor Outdoor Rainbow
3. Animal Bean Bag Toss
Though he is still small, my grandson loves to throw things. Cornhole is just too big and is definitely not for small children. But we have a beanbag set that he and my seven-year-old play with. Though my grandson just giggles and throws the bags, it is a toy they can play with together.
4. Sand Buckets
A toddler’s favorite thing to do is to play in the dirt. Every picture that we have of our children camping when they were small, has them covered in dirt. It blows my mind how dirt can keep them entertained for hours. That is why I always packed sand buckets in without camping gear.
Beach Buckets Set Toy Buckets with 3 Beach Buckets、3 Shovels、Beach Mesh Bag,Silicone Beach Toys Sand Toys for Toddlers, Kids Party, Camping Gear, Travelling (Blue&Green&Peach Pink)
5. Camping Gear Play Set
As a family, we camp on average 40 nights a year, that’s almost every weekend in the summertime and holidays. So having a camping play set is fun while camping and at home. I think my seven-year-old still uses his lantern from the camping play set he had as a toddler.
Kids Camping Toys Set - Pretend Play Camping Set with Food Toy, Spray Stove, Oil Lantern, Binoculars, Compass, Tableware, Watch & Storage Bag, Indoor Outdoor Toy for 3 4 5 6+ Year Old Boy Girl Gift
6. Tonka Trucks
Big metal Tonka Trucks are probably the favorite toy on this list. If there is one toy we never forget, it’s the Tonka Trucks. Not only are they durable, but they are fun to play in the dirt with. And my brother has a set that is probably close to a century old. Tonka trucks make great family heirlooms.
7. Toddler Bike
Because most camping has dirt roads and the best places to ride bikes, it’s the one toy that the kids have never stopped bringing along. Even as teens and young adults, bikes are a must-have for camping. My grandson started waking right at one year old, so he’s already whizzing around on his own toddler balance bike. He is spoiled so he also has the classic Radio Flyer trike. Both are great fun for our camping trips.
Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike with 4 Wheels for Ages 12-24 Months - Toddler Bicycle Toy for 1 Year Old’s
8. Bubbles
Out of all of the suggestions, bubbles are the most affordable and easy to pack. Bubbles can keep kids busy forever and it doesn’t matter if they make a mess with bubbles. I usually grab a couple of bottles when I see bubbles on sale, as well as glowsticks. For toddlers, I recommend the Fubbles Bubbles, because they are no-spill.
Do you have any favorite camping games or toys for toddlers? I would love it if you would share your suggestions in the comments below. I hope this list has been helpful in finding fun camping games and toys for toddlers.
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