Camping Activities For Kids: 4 Ideas

Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect from screens, reconnect with nature, and spend quality time as a family. But any parent knows that while the great outdoors offers plenty of fun, keeping the kids entertained, especially for more than a day or two, can take some planning.

Whether you're pitching a tent in the forest or you're staying at one of the many family friendly RV parks, having a few go to activities will make your trip smoother and way more enjoyable for everybody involved.Embrace nature as the playground. Believe it or not, kids do not need to be constantly plugged into technology to have fun. One of the biggest benefits of camping is that nature provides the ultimate backdrop for play. Encourage the kids to explore safely. You could organise scavenger hunts using things they can find in the area and many RV parks are located near hiking trails or rivers, which makes it much easier to head out for a short hike or go rock skipping at the water's edge. Nature walks become so much more exciting when kids are given missions or simple challenges along the way.

Campground games and group activities. RV parks often have kid friendly amenities like open grassy areas, built playgrounds, or even community events. During the busier seasons, you could pack lightweight games like frisbees, paddleballs, or ring tosses for easy outdoor fun. Card games and board games also come in handy for downtime or rainy moments inside the tent or RV. Another great one is glow stick tags at night time. Kids love to run around with glow sticks in hand and it's a safe way for them to burn energy after dark while staying visible to you.
Get creative around the campfire. Camping and creativity go hand in hand, so bring simple craft supplies like construction paper, crayons and glue sticks and let the kids make nature art using items they've collected. Campfire storytelling is another classic. Kids can make up their own silly or spooky stories to share once the stars are out. And of course, there is the universal family favorite of roasting marshmallows. You can go beyond s'mores by trying out campfire cones, banana boats, or even DIY foil packet meals where kids can help prep their own food.
Teach them outdoor skills. Kids love to learn how to do things on their own, especially when it feels adventurous. Show them how to safely build a campfire, set up a tent, or tie simple knots. Turn it into a wilderness badge challenge where they earn recognition for each new skill they learn. Not only are they learning something valuable, but they'll feel more connected to the experience.
Keep things as low stress as possible. The key to a great trip with kids is being flexible. You don't need a packed schedule, just a few engaging options to pull out when boredom starts to set in. Choose family friendly RV parks that offer both natural beauty and a few built in entertainment features. A short trail, a nearby stream, or even simple swing sets can go a very long way to keep your young campers happy.

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