Camping with kids is extra fun! See the great outdoors through their fresh eyes, and learn something new. With these fun 10 activities, you’ll bond, make memories, and learn from one another as you explore new horizons. Learn interactive ways to get the kids involved in setting up the campsite, and making the most of their natural surroundings. Whether it’s a bike ride, discovering a new plant or animal, or playing games at camp. Show your kids how much fun camping can be with these ideas.
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
To make a homemade scavenger hunt, compile a list of plants, animals, rocks, and other natural materials to discover! Throughout the camping trip, on a hike, or on other outings, kids can work on checking these items off their list.
You can even customize different lists for more scavenger hunts! Make a flower-specific list or an animal-sounds list. Whatever topic will keep the kids curious and engaged in their natural surroundings is perfect. You will start to notice how in tune they become with noticing the natural world around them. Invite them to create their own lists, too!
Junior Ranger Activities
At the U.S. national parks, kids can take part in what’s called Junior Ranger programs. Kids will learn from real-life rangers in the national parks! They’ll take part in interactive, activities and lessons, which families can complete together.
With every activity, kids gain an understanding of the park’s environment and history. A priority of these programs is to teach good stewardship, and pledge to keep the parks safe! Kids can earn badges as they learn. These are inclusive programs, open to all abilities. It’s a great way for families to immerse themselves fully in the destination. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about becoming a Junior Ranger.
Hiking
Who says kids can’t keep up? Discover the trails and hikes where you’re camping that are suitable for the whole family to enjoy. Create games along the way for an interactive experience! What are the benefits of hiking with kids? Wonder, adventure, and discovery! It’s a full-blown sensory experience. Practice navigating, learn about new plants, and discover unfamiliar smells and sounds. Ignite their imagination and expand their horizons on a family-friendly hiking trail.
Biking
Biking with kids is the perfect blend of family exercise and exploration, even if that means going at a different pace than you’re used to. Children get the opportunity to practice balance, coordination, and navigation. Mountain biking trails offer a much more scenic and rugged challenge. Or, go road biking along beautiful drives. Catch the sunset over a mountain scene, or ride along a boardwalk by the ocean. Many state and national parks offer bike rentals or tours, so it’s easy to get on some wheels. Little ones can even hitch a ride in a bike seat. Biking as a family is a great activity that kids will love– with or without the training wheels. And don’t forget your helmets!
Learn a New Game
Enjoying time around the campsite usually results in a lot of time playing games. Now’s the time to introduce some favorite games to the kids, and make new traditions with endless rounds of Uno, Dominos, and Backgammon are always a fun way to pass the time.
If you’re really looking for a challenge, try chess! It’s a game of strategy, skill, and lots of patience which makes it perfect for a rainy spring day when you’re stuck inside the family camping tent. Cozy up and teach the kids some new board and card games! It’s easy to find a travel set of all your favorite games, which makes it way easier to pack and keep organized. Pack cards in an airtight container, too, to prevent moisture damage.
Plant and Animal Identification
Bring plant and animal identification workbooks! Kids will be enthralled by discovering a learning about new species. Some national and state park visitor centers sell booklets specific to the local environment. Or, make your own! Workbooks where kids can draw what they see add a creative, interactive element, too. This is a great tie-in activity if you’re planning to do nature scavenger hunts, too.
Spooky and Creative Stories By the Fire
Get the kids involved in building a fire! Teach them about campfire safety and building strategy and inspire a sense of accomplishment. Then, the whole family can reap the benefits of a nice cozy fire. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and then, it’s storytime! One of the most classic ways to create childhood memories at camp is by telling scary stories by the fire! For a shared creative experience, each family member can contribute to the plot line. That way, kids can be a part of creating the whole experience.
Stargazing
Stay up past your bedtime and catch shooting stars! Gazing into the night sky is a quintessential camping experience as a kid. They can try to find constellations, and shooting stars, and simply marvel at the cosmos. Getting away from urban light pollution is a rarity these days. So soak up the opportunity to be in a remote location.
After dark, allow your eyes to fully adjust for about thirty minutes. Then watch as the night stars begin to appear in abundance. Pair discovering constellations with learning the history and mythology behind them! Check out a celestial events calendar. There, you can learn more about upcoming meteor showers, eclipses, and things to look out for!
Lawn Games
For days hanging around the campsite, add a little extra fun. Bring some favorite lawn games to set up for afternoons of friendly competition! Lawn games are great for camping because they’re easy to pack, set up, and tear down. This is the perfect way to keep kids active around the campsite while the adults hang out and lounge. Cornhole, volleyball, horseshoes, and more are fun and easy to do at a campsite. Bring a slackline and challenge the kids to balance carefully along! Don’t forget to lay out a heavy-duty canvas tarp as a protective layer on the grass.
Let Them Choose!
Don’t forget to let them choose! Maybe designate a day or two during your trip to let the kids vote on activities to do as a family. Maybe they’ve been wanting to go jump in the lake or go for a hike. Let them feel part of the adventure by giving them the opportunity to pick or create a family activity. This also heightens their sense of self-accomplishment and sufficiency.
Making Camping Enjoyable for Children
The great outdoors is fun, not scary! When you’re prepared and share your outdoor knowledge, it provides a sense of security. Kids will pick up on that! They will feel more free and at ease exploring in the wild.
One of the best things to do with kids while camping is to teach them some outdoor skills. Through the activities discussed in this blog, kids can practice new skills. Navigation, fire skills, plant identification, and more. Getting kids comfortable in the outdoors is all about ensuring safety and preparedness.
In addition to helping with fire building, you can have the kids lend a hand at pitching the canvas camping tent. Teach as you go! Kids will find themselves more excited about everything there is to discover at camp!
It’s Time to Camp with the Kids!
This summer, take the kids and have an unforgettable family adventure! Camping with kids might involve a few more logistics, but it doesn’t have to get complicated. In fact, experiencing the outdoors with your kids is an amazing way to bond. It’s an opportunity to learn new things together and grow in your relationship.
Enjoy quality time together by taking a family hike, bike ride, or scavenger hunt! Prioritize activities that will combine lots of skills with learning and entertainment. One of the best ways to do this is by joining Junior Ranger programs. Parents will be surprised at how fun and satisfying these activities are.
Teach the kids to build a fire, pitch a tent, and get comfortable in the wild. Help them learn how to document their findings by doing plant and animal workbooks. Discover the deep cosmos of the night sky! Share lore of ancient constellations and make wishes on shooting stars.
However you choose to spend the days at camp, your kids will appreciate being outside together. Soak up everything the great outdoors has to offer and start making memories today!
Happy camping!
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