Camping is a time for unplugging, for getting to know one another (since you’re family and all) and for spending time in the great outdoors. No kids camping activities needed.
If you’re in the tent, watching a movie, or playing on your phone the whole time, then you’ve missed the point.
#sorrynotsorry
Usually, kids have so much fun on a camping trip that they’re busy from sunup to sundown, no need for entertainment from the parents.
But occasionally, boredom strikes, a rainy day hits, or you happen upon some just plain bad attitudes.
And when that happens, it’s nice to have a few activities in your back pocket that require no special supplies.
Here are my picks:
Have a Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is one of the best ways to keep kids occupied for hours, and FrugalFritzie has an awesome one:
“This is an awesome way to encourage the kiddos to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and all of the glorious wonders it contains. And it makes for a great learning experience at the same time. “
Or, Pin it For Later here.
Foot Races
What is easier to put together than simple foot races? Kids LOVE them, they’re pretty easy to for the adults to run.
Maybe even sweeten them up with a prize for the winner?
Tree Climbing Contest
Tree climbing is an awesome camping skill that kids should learn.
It’s fun, it’s good exercise, and it’s a really great survival skill for them to have in their back pocket.
What could be better?
Skip Rocks
Skipping rocks is a time-honored tradition, but it takes some serious practice.
If you have the patience, teaching kids to skip rocks can be SO rewarding – for them and for you!
Enlist Their Help With Dinner
Even young children can help with this, by browning meat, getting veggies prepped, even helping with condiments and place-settings.
Don’t underestimate the power of chore-like activities, since they often think they’re fun!
Make Flower Crowns
I remember as a little girl making flower crowns out of flowers as small as the clover blooms in our yard, but it’s even easier with larger flowers.
Don’t know how to make them? Here’s an easy video tutorial:
Play in the Rain
There are few things better than a good stomp in a puddle during a rainstorm.
With kids it’s simple:
- Strip them down, then put them in their bathing suits
- Add rain boots
- Then, send them out to play in the rain!
Make Natural Paint Brushes
It’s so cool to paint all the textures found outside, and Apple Green Cottage has a really neat tutorial for how to make them.
Check it out here.
Learn to Tie Knots
An awesome skill everyone should know, tying knots is something we’ve even begun to teach our 3-year old!
These knots start out simple, and work their way to difficult. Combine learning them with a prize for whoever can make them the fastest, and you’ve got a really great activity!
Make a Wind Catcher
An easy take on a dream catcher, a wind-catcher is something that anyone can make.
Check out this super simple idea here.
Tell Stories Around the Campfire
And oldie, but a goodie, telling stories around the campfire (or taking turns letting the kids) keeps their minds active.
Just make sure to keep the stories pretty tame – scary stories don’t make for a good sleep when the woods are making all sorts of noises.
Use Rocks to Play Tic Tac Toe
4 Sticks + 9 Rocks makes for a really easy game of tic-tac-toe.
The young ones can even play!
The thing about going camping is that you’re usually outside.
And outside there are so many fun things for your kids to do.
Their imagination (and yours) is the only limit!
Til Next Time,
Gretchen
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