Camping is a great way to get away from it all and spend some quality time with family and friends. But, let’s be honest, sometimes kids can be a handful when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few tips on how to keep the little ones entertained while you’re roughing it.
1. Bring along some easy-to-carry toys.
Small cars, balls, and dolls are perfect for this. They won’t take up too much space in your bag and they’ll keep the kiddos occupied for hours on end.
2. Get them involved in setting up camp.
Let them help with putting up the tent or gathering firewood. Not only will it keep them busy, but they’ll feel like they’re a part of the process and they’ll be more likely to stay put when it’s time to settle in for the night.
3. Bring along some books.
Whether it’s picture books for the younger ones or chapter books for the older kids, reading is always a great way to pass the time. And, if you don’t have room in your bag for physical books, you can always download e-books onto your tablet or phone before you head out.
4. Plan some fun activities.
Think about things everyone can do together, like hiking, fishing, or playing card games around the campfire. And, if you have older kids who are looking for a bit more of a challenge, plan ahead and bring along some supplies for things like making tie-dye shirts or building Den kits out of sticks and leaves.
5. Take advantage of technology.
We know, we know—you came camping to get away from screens and gadgets. But, let’s face it, sometimes kids just need a break from reality. So, if you must, allow them to bring along their tablets or phones and play some games or listen to music (just make sure they’re charged up before you leave!).
Are there any camping games?
When most people think of camping, they envision stargazing, hiking, and roasting marshmallows over a fire. And while those are definitely all great activities to do while out in the wilderness, they aren’t the only things you can do.
Camping can also be a great opportunity to bond with your kids and teach them about nature. And what better way to do that than with some fun camping games? Here are a few of our favorites:
– Nature Scavenger Hunt: This is a great game for kids of all ages. Before heading out on your hike, make a list of items that they might find along the way. Once they find an item on the list, they can check it off. For an added challenge, see if they can find all the items on the list in under an hour.
– I Spy A classic game that can be played anywhere, I Spy is perfect for long car rides or waiting in line for the bathroom. One person picks an object and then gives clues about what it is to the other players. The first person to guess correctly gets to pick the next object.
– 20 Questions: Similar to I Spy, 20 Questions is a great game for kids who are just learning how to ask questions. One player thinks of an object, and then the other players take turns asking yes or no questions about that object. The goal is to Guess the object in 20 questions or less.
– Campfire Stories: This is a great game to play around the campfire at night. One person starts by telling a story, but they can only say three words at a time. The next person then picks up where the last person left off, and so on. The goal is to see how long of a story you can create before someone gets stuck.
– would you rather: This is a great game for kids who are starting to really think about their choices. One player poses a “Would you rather” question, and the other players must choose which option they would go with. For example, “Would you rather camp in the rain or camp in the snow?” This game can get really silly, so be prepared for some laugh-out-loud answers.
– Nature Bingo: This is a great game for kids who love to explore. Before heading out on your hike, create a Bingo board with different items that they might find along the way. Once they find an item on the board, they can mark it off. The first person to get five in a row wins.
– Animal Tracking: This is a great game for kids who are interested in animals. While on your hike, see if you can find any animal tracks. Once you find some, see if you can identify which animal made them. You can also see if you can follow the tracks to find where the animal went.
These are just a few of the many camping games that are out there. So next time you’re planning a camping trip, make sure to include some time for playing games too!
Conclusion
Camping with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare! With a little planning and preparation, you can actually have a lot of fun roughing it with the little ones in tow.
Just remember to bring along some toys and activities, involve them in setting up camp, and take advantage of technology when needed (we promise we won’t tell!).
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