New York City Kids |5 places for Camping with Toddlers

I don’t know if it’s just a certain age kid get to but right around two, every child I encountered in New York City was talking about camping. I’m pretty sure this has more than a little something to do with smores. As a child camping meant being shipped off to some faraway place to learn survival skills, however now that I’m a mom myself I started looking for something a little closer to home to quelch my toddler’s desire to sleep under the stars. What follows is an exhaustive list of all the campgrounds within New York City to take your kids to this summer. New York City has everything you’re looking for, hop on the train and take your kids camping this summer.

Camping for kids in New York City

NYC PARKS DEPARTMENT | Such a fun way to see your favorite local park in a new light. A completely free camping experience, your toddlers are sure to get a kick out of, is a chance to sleep under the stars with a few of New York City’s Urban Park Rangers. Every summer in New York, the parks department opens up the grounds for a select few guests, there are only a few spaces and they are available on a lottery basis. Park rangers bring everything you need for camping all you need to show up with are your toddlers and a sleeping bag. I can’t be the only person who has imagined pitching a tent in Prospect Park and moving in on a hot summer evening.

Camp Gateway Brooklyn | Situated by Floyd Bennett Field this campground is for the more experienced camper. For anyone who wants their toddler to have the most authentic camping experience New York City has to offer, Floyd Bennet Field is the place. Your kids will understand the concept of roughing it after experiencing this campground. There are spaces for RV’s and there is no running water or electricity on site. I first heard about these campgrounds from a pair of backpackers from Spain, they were using it as a basecamp to explore Manhattan, at $30 a night its the cheapest accommodation you can find in the New York City and only an hour and a half from Times Square by public transportation. The season runs from May 17, 2019 – October 19, 2019, and reservations can be made on their easy to use web portal.

Camp Gateway Staten Island|If you’re like me and have lived in New York City your whole life but have only been to Staten Island a handful of times, camping is the perfect excuse to explore the island with your kids. Not to be confused with the campgrounds in Brooklyn with the same name, this Fort Wadsworth campground is also perfect for kids. Another authentic campground, you’ll have to bring all the fixings on your toddler-friendly camping adventure.

If camping is a no, try Glamping with New York City kids

If you’re anything like my husband and think, the outdoors are better left outside then these glamping options might be more your style. The only thing you need to bring with you to these campgrounds, besides your kids, is your toothbrush and a change of clothes. Places, where you can pitch a tent, are few and far between on New York City so these options come at a premium price, these canvas tents will set you back at least $200 a night, but that might be a small price to pay to make memories camping with your toddler.

Collective Governors Island | this is the ultimate glamping experience, just bring your love of the outdoors. Located in the heart of New York City on governors island, this is the only place where you can expose toddlers to not only the great outdoors but the New York City skyline as well while camping in a bell tent.

Camp Rockaway | Probably the most idyllic of them all, Camp Rockaway’s kid-friendly campgrounds are situated a stone’s throw from Riis Beach. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the beach fun, eat food from the local artisanal eateries and retire to your own canvas tent in the evening. I like the idea of toddlers getting thoroughly dirty playing with the sand at the beach and in the soil while camping all without ever leaving New York City.

Before you go camping with toddlers

Get a feel for it | In order to get your New York City dwelling toddler acclimated to the idea of camping to try going through the motions at home. Pitch a tent in your living room and read stories by flashlight to give your kids a feel for what the campgrounds will actually be like. Even if you’re going to opt for glamping, the canvas walls may take a bit of getting used to.

Plan your meals | A few extra minutes of preparation will save you from having a terrible time. Spend a few minutes doing meal prep with your toddlers to get an idea of what they want to eat while camping. This time will also serve as a deterrent from forgetting something you need. Who wants to sit down for a fire-roasted hot dog only to realize you forgot the buns. Spend a few extra moments prepping with your kids so you can spend time enjoying each other at the campgrounds.

Discuss plant safety | Be sure to remind your kids that even though New York City is a concrete jungle it has a wild side. Before taking toddlers camping, show them images of plants and animals that can hurt them like poison ivy or red ants. If you’re lucky enough to kick off your camping season with the parks department the Park Rangers will do this for you.

Toddler camping gear

Bed time story | This Mini projector that hooks onto your phone makes storytime fun for your adventure weary toddler campers. This toddler camping gear necessity, allows you to project the pictures above their heads as they snuggle into their sleeping bags. Its the perfect way to end a day of camping with kids, just be sure the story doesn’t put you to bed first.

Binoculars etc |Tools for your little nature buff to explore the great outdoors on their own terms. One of the best things about camping with toddlers is watching as their worlds expand right before your very eyes as they behold the wonders of nature.

Head Lamp | No matter how old your kids are sleeping outside can be a little bit spooky. Make night trips to the bathroom a lot easier by fringing a headlamp for your kids on the next family camping trip.

Sun Hat |I’m always looking for sun safe ways to enjoy the outdoors

Mat for playing |Because there is a time and a place for getting dirty, the mat also helps to

Sunscreen |This formula goes on skin clear and is strong enough to protect every member of your family, when camping and is even safe for toddlers sensitive skin.

Bug Repellent |This organic non-toxic bottle more than does the job for the whole family and gives your skin a nice sheen after application.

Bandaids | I feel like toddlers go through an exceptional amount of bandaids at home, so expect camping to be no different. I like these bandaids, designed for bodies with melanin. I like to bring a few in each color to go along with my family’s ever-changing summer tan. I pack them in my first aid kit and call it a day.

Walkie Talkie | Did you even have a childhood if you weren’t enamored with walkie talkies? these make for a good time anywhere in New York City, even if your toddler’s aren’t camping.

Would you go camping with toddlers in New York City?

Lost on Mother Earth, found in Motherhood
xx
Warmly
Sunshine Abou Bakar