Camping W/kids

You have to do a hot dog/ S'more cookout! Most KOAs will have a playground. Take a small flashlight, his own sleeping bag, a whistle around his neck (explain it's for when YOU get out of sight), a small shovel, various sizes of cars and trucks, a tricycle or riding toy, a raincoat and boots. Expect lots of clothes changes and take clothes that can get dirty. There's nothing worse for a little boy than to be camping yet keep being told not to get dirty. We do sweep (pack a broom) and Lysol the cabin before we bring anything in. Also take sandels or watersocks to be worn in the shower (don't want athlete's foot). HAVE FUN!

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Take card games for down time. Old Maid is my 4 yr olds favorite. You can also take UNO and play slap jack. Have fun!!!

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Ooh! What fun you all will have!

I remember camping with my family when I was little. I bet, though, that the KOA places are different now a days.

I would caution about letting your young (and curious) boy out of your sight. With flu season in full bore, it would be best to stay with those you are camping with.

I would tell him ahead of time what to expect when there is less privacy for all.

Good luck!

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We took our son camping last year (he was 4). I would suggest things like a shovel and bucket, bug collecting kit, bike or trike, things like that. Out door toys. My son enjoyed collecting rocks and leaves. We also had a rope with us and he had a great time tying it up to everything. My sisters boyfriend also showed him how to set up a boobie trap with it. He thought that was hilarious.

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You can do it. I took my boys camping when they were much smaller. It always works out. Make sure to spray him frequently for bugs. One tip I would like to add is to get some glow sticks for him to wear at night. He will love it and you will be able to see where he is in the dark easily.

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I go camping with my kids, even newborns, every year. I'd be happy to help you if you need specifics. But, for a four year old, I would just take a small tub of easy toys - like cars, little people, coloring book/colors, sand shovels/etc. to play in the dirt/sand, any water toys if going to play in water, balls, etc. You won't need a lot. As with most camping, there's plenty to do in nature. But, the toys do come in handy. Keep it simple, put them all in an easy to carry bin. Sometimes, a few cheap dollar store cars and stuff are great because they are new and interesting. Since you're at a KOA, you probably don't need a bike or scooter. But, they can be a must - especially for a bathroom run. If he's not completely toilet trained (can't hold it for long at all), then consider a small portable toilet seat for an emergency - place a bag (grocery or ziplock) with some toilet paper in the bag in the bowl for easy cleanup. Take a game like Trouble or something in case of bad weather and stuck in a tent for awhile. Whatever happens - have fun!

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*Bug spray
*After Bite
*Hot Dogs
*Makings for smores
*a football-a game everyone can play
*bubbles
and lots and lots of antibacterial- you would be amazed the things your 4 year old will find while camping

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I would pack clothes for both warm and cold weather, a few good clothes and plenty of play clothes. I would make sure the you bring plenty of toys for him to play with. Have some smaller "indoor" toys and some board games. But, also have plenty of outdoor toys as well. If there are going to be other children around for him to play with, he should be good. Use a Sharpie to write his name on his toys. That way, you'll be able to know what is his if it gets separated from his stuff or if there are duplicate toys that children have. If you have a portable DVD player, bring it along with some DVDs. Kids love to watch movies no matter where they are.

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When we go we take a small plastic tote w/outdoor toys(trucks, buckets, shovels-things to play in the dirt. We also do the marshmallow toasting. If you have space and your guy is into bike riding, you might want to pack that too. There is always plenty of exploring to do.
I would reccomend bringing a tub of baby wipes. They are quick and easy, especially when water might not be readily available.
Also take windbreakers and sweatshirts. It is always cooler at night than you expect.
Have a blast!

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I would like to add to the first responders list. Take some Poison Ivy cream just in case, a can of Lysol to spray hard surfaces he may come into contact with, some age appropriate games like checkers, coloring books & crayons and you will think this sounds nuts but my grandfather is a dermatologist and he always had a jar of Adolf's Unseasoned Meat Tenderizer for bee/wasp stings. If your little one happens to get stung use tweezers or a piece of scotch tape to remove then stinger, then mix about a tablespoon of Adolf's with just enough water to make it into a thick paste and put it on the sting and cover with a bandage. Remove the bandage after about 15 mins and rinse any Adolf's off. It draws the venom out and helps relieve the pain. You can find Adolf's in the spice aisle at the grocery store. Have fun!!!!

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You've already gotten a lot of good suggestions. We have camped with my kids starting from the time they were 6 mos. old (lucky you, you are past the "everything goes in the mouth stage"--that was a challenge!) My suggestion would be to bring a soap pump and/or bar of soap in a travel container for use in the public bathrooms. I'm not sure what KOA is like or how basic the lodge will be where you're staying but when we're camping in state parks very few actually have soap dispensers. I bring ours to the bathroom whenever we go to wash our hands afterwards and also when our hands get really grubby. The liquid soap is super easy and may not be as messy as the bar soap.