If you want your camping trip to be a success with kids, you need to keep them busy. Here are 12 of the best camping activities for families. You are sure to find something that you like for your next trip.
Have Some Glow Stick Fun
Glow sticks can be endless fun for kids on a camping trick. Just pop a couple open and they will find a way to play with them. Even better though, have some glow stick activities planned.
- Ring Toss
Just push a stick in the ground and use some bracelet or necklace glow sticks for rings. Separate the colors out so that each player has three and then see who can hook the most. - Glow Putt Putt
Form a few longer glow sticks into arches and let the family take turns running the course. Who can complete it in the fewest strokes? - Hide & Glow Stick
Before it gets too dark, take turns hiding glow sticks around camp and seek them. Either see who can collect the most or have a player search for just their color.
Play I Spy
“I spy with my little eye” is one of the simplest games to explain to kids, making it a perfect family activity for camping. Simply have one person say “I Spy” something that starts with a certain letter. Then the gang has to guess what they see. Take turns spying or have the winner spy next. While “I Spy” is a simple game, you should know some tips.
- Set a time limit for the game or do it before another planned activity. Kids can play this game all night long, so adults need an “out”.
- Offer clues on difficult rounds. If players have difficulties, give some clues like “hot or cold” or”higher or lower”.
Enjoy A Game Of Charades
This is an all time classic game for many reasons. It is very entertaining, easy to play and requires virtually nothing. If you are creative, all that you need is some paper and pen to write down things to act out.
Have each family member, those who can write at least, write down a half dozen ideas and then throw them into a hat. Then, just take turns guessing. The game will start to get real interesting as it gets dark and you can incorporate flashlights into the mix.
Go Geocaching
This is an activity that is more fun if you have bigger kids in the family. If you are unfamiliar with geocaching, try to learn a bit about it before you leave. Essentially, there is a large community that plays this game. People hide “treasures” and leave clues to it’s location. The seeker will then use GPS on their smart device to go and find it.
Before you go on your camping trip, plan ahead for this family activity by downloading a good app and familiarizing yourself with it. You can also add to the fun by preparing your own geocache. The rule of thumb is that if you take something from a geocache, you need to live something of similar value behind. Common items include key chains, coins and small child toys.
Sing Some Songs
Camping is a great time to let go and do some things out of the ordinary. This can include singing even for those who do not do so regularly, outside of the shower at least.
The problem with singing at a campfire is that people tend to forget the lyrics, if they ever knew the correct ones in the first place. Before you leave for your trip print up some lyrics to camping songs or download them to your smart device. Popular camping songs include such classics as “baby shark”, “on top of spaghetti” and just about any classic rock song. Kick things up a notch by downloading karaoke music on your phone.
Fly A Kite
Obviously a daytime activity, but one that the whole family can get behind.
Kite flying is one of those family activities that we all remember and cherish, but few of us take the time to replicate. This is unfortunate, because kites are cheap and this activity is a great way to kill the hardest time at camp. It is perfect for mid afternoon fun, after lunch but before it starts getting dark.
Catch Some Fish
Fishing and camping go together like peas and carrots. Even if you are not a big angler, it is fun and relaxing to cast a line. For those of you not experienced with fishing, here are some tips.
- You May Need A License
Minors usually do not need a fishing license, but check to be sure. - Stick To Bait
If you want to be sure to catch a fish, pick up some bait and bobbers. Lures require more finesse, more than many kids might have. - Go Early Or Late
The best fishing will usually be in the early hours of the day or just before dark.
Scavenger Hunt For Birds
Before you head off to the campsite, do a little research and see what kinds of birds are native to the area. Print out some pictures and pick up a few cheap binoculars and you have yourself a scavenger hunt.
Bird watching is a great way to pass the time and get to know the nature in the area. This is a particularly good activity in the spring when birds are more active because of mating season.
Enjoy A Good Campfire
If fires are allowed at your campsite, take full advantage. It takes some forethought and a bit of planning, but a campfire can make an evening. Use it to sing songs around, tell stories and of course, roast marshmallows. Starting a fire seems easy enough, but it does not come naturally for all, so here are some tips.
- Pick Up Seasoned Wood
Fresh wood is incredibly hard to ignite and will produce more soot. Look for seasoned oak wood and avoid using lumber, which is usually chemically treated. - Bring Extra Matches
If you bring just a single lighter or one pack of matches, Murphy’s Law says that something will happen to them. Matches take up little space, so bring an extra book. - Pack Dry Kindling
You should always bring your own wood, because many parks do not allow you to collect it and you can not count on finding enough. Also, be sure to bring a bag of dry kindling to make starting that fire easier.
Take A Family Hike
If you are camping at a state park, you likely have several hiking trails that you can take advantage of, making for some great family camping activities. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise, explore the local terrain and build up an appetite for dinner. Don’t just go hiking on the fly though, be prepared.
- Pack A Bag
Take along a hiking back pack with some extra water, snacks and a first aid kit, at the minimum. - Have A Map
People get lost all of the time, so pack a map and a compass. Your smart phone can be equipped with a compass app and your GPS will work, even when you are out of cell range, so keep it charged up. - Wear Proper Shoes
Hiking boots are the best option, but at the very least, make sure you have closed toes.
Travel By Kayak
Kayaking is a great family activity that can be enjoyed by all, even young kids using tandem kayaks. Kayak rentals are all over the United States, some provided by state parks and others may be available from delivery services.
Trust us when we say, exploring nature from the water is an entirely different experience. It allows you to cover more ground and, if done right, is less work than hiking or walking. Below are some ways to make your experience better.
- Reserve Kayaks In Advance
Especially during the busy season, you should not plan things like a kayak rental last minute. - Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Always wear a life jacket and, if in rougher water, a helmet.
Deal Some Cards
One of the best family activities for camping is a good game of cards. Cards take up very little room in your gear bag and can be used for a number of different games, such as the following.
- Poker
For the older members of the family. - War
For your younger family members. - Hearts
- Rummy