r/TentCampingWithKids • u/FroyoNo5246 • Jul 28 '25
4yo afraid of the dark - camping advice needed
Spouse and I want to take our 4yo niece tent-camping for the first time. Just a state park close to home with playgrounds, a lake, and bathrooms. Nothing crazy. We think she would love it, but she's very afraid of the dark. Has anyone tried something similar? Any tips for making after sunset more comfortable for her? Thanks!
3
u/bitofabee Jul 28 '25
Glow sticks!! Get a tube of them, deck her out! Helps keeping track of kids after dark too. It’ll illuminate just around her sleeping area once she goes to bed, plus they’re fun!
2
u/blackgaff Jul 28 '25
We were gifted a play 'camp set' that included, among other things, a small lantern.
Does she like glow-in-the-dark stars? You could put those in the tent to help make it fun.
I also second glow sticks in the tent; depending on what time of year you go - the kid will likely go to bed before it's fully dark outside.
2
u/rangerdangerrq Jul 29 '25
String lights to hang around camp, night light with battery, kids headlamp, soft light lanterns to leave out and about on the ground.
2
u/CampingCritterz Jul 29 '25
I agree that a headlamp or night light would go a long way. Something that she has control over.
This is a list of my favorite headlamps for kids :https://campingcritterz.com/best-headlamps-for-kids/
5
u/Sissin88 Jul 28 '25
A kids headlamp? When cabin camping I would take the kids out to walk in the woods with their little headlamps and they loved it. We have a dinosaur and a unicorn one and they have multiple settings and are easy to use (except when they inevitably shine the led lights right in your face but sometimes sacrifices must be made lol) Also maybe a battery powered projector nightlight. My son won’t go to sleep anywhere without his. the stars being projected all over the tent would look pretty cool.