One of your biggest enemies when camping with kids is boredom. When toddlers are bored, they become cranky and irritable. Some can keep themselves busy quite well, others need someone to entertain them or get them playing. Either way, they need some form of entertainment in the camp, or they won't be fun.

Try these 8 sure-fire ways how to keep a toddler entertained when camping:

1. Give them lots to do - This is a basic rule for camping with kids. Make sure there are lots of things for them to do when you are at the campsite. Bring toys, coloring books and crayons, books, puzzles, and of course outdoor toys like a ball, bucket and shovel.


2. Let them get dirty - Kids love to be messy, so let them play in the dirt. Make sand castles with them or sculptures of clay, or build a dam at the stream. A mud battle can be the greatest fun. Camping with kids is the perfect opportunity to enjoy getting dirty.


3. Let them explore - Remember that toddlers are still discovering the world, and camping with kids is a fabulous way of discovering new things, things different from home. Let the kids explore their new surroundings, but do keep an eye on them.


4. Let them play with other kids - Toddlers enjoy playing with their peers. Watch out for other campers with kids of the same age like yours, and let them play together. That makes camping with kids easier for everyone.


5. Take them for outings - Kids easily get bored when they see the same surroundings all the time, and in this regard camping with kids is no different than being at home. Take them for a stroll around the campground, to the playground or pool. Go for a boat trip or a tour in the woods, visit the game park or other tourist attractions that are interesting for kids.


6. Get crafty - This is excellent entertainment when camping with kids, and the biggest fun when you do it with a group. Invite some campground friends of your little one, and do things like face painting or plaster casts of their faces. Use the things you find in the camp and make a picture with leaves, paint stones, build a little house out of twigs and bark, make jewellery out of flowers and leaves.


7. Give them chores - Think of camping with kids as early "survival training". Allow them to help you collecting firewood and preparing the fire place. Take them to collect mushrooms or berries. Involving them in camp chores makes them feel important and can be a fun game and family time.


8. Let them discover nature - Camping with kids is a great way of teaching them about nature and how to respect it. Show them the different plants, trees and animals around the camp. Determine animal traces and edible plants. Collect leaves and flowers, press them and make your own little booklet.

There are many more things you can do to keep a toddler entertained when camping. Most of them don't involve much effort and preparation. With all the things that can be done, boredom should not hit anyone camping with kids. A good idea is to think ahead and make a list of activities for your kids in and around the camp.