Camping with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a great way to introduce them to nature, teach them new skills, and create lasting memories as a family. However, camping with kids requires a bit of extra planning to ensure that everyone has a great time. Here are the 10 best activities to try out when camping with your kids to make sure the family outing becomes their favourite adventure.
Nature Hikes
Hiking is a fun and educational way to explore the natural surroundings of your campsite. Choose a trail that’s appropriate for your kids’ age and skill level, and make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. It is also important to consider the weather and ensure your kids have breathable clothing and sun protection for a hike on a hot day and additional clothing packed for unexpected rain. Encourage your kids to look for wildlife, identify plants and trees, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Campfire Cooking
Campfire cooking is a fun and engaging activity that kids will love. Teach them how to roast marshmallows, cook hot dogs, or make s’mores. You can also involve them in meal preparation, such as chopping vegetables or stirring the pot. Just be sure to follow proper safety precautions when starting and maintaining your fire, and we promise you your kids will love preparing fun camping foods and desserts!
Nature Crafts
Collect natural materials such as rocks, leaves, and pinecones, and use them to create nature-themed crafts. You can make leaf rubbings, paint rocks, or create nature collages. This is a great way to encourage your kids’ creativity and teach them about the environment at the same time.
Stargazing
Camping provides the perfect opportunity to escape light pollution and stargaze. Teach your kids about constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies. You can also use a telescope or binoculars to get a closer look at the night sky. Make sure to choose a place that has a minimal amount of light from artificial sources and pack some jackets and take tea in an insulated bottle with you, as it gets colder very fast out in nature.
Hammock Relaxation
A hammock is a perfect addition to any family camping trip. Kids can use it as a place to relax and read a book, take a nap, or simply enjoy the scenery. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day of activities and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. To make sure that your hammock will be a convenient addition to your wilderness experience and that it will serve you for the longest, choose high-quality hammocks, like, for example, a hiking hammock by Alton.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are a fun and interactive way to explore the outdoors. Create a list of items to find, such as different types of leaves, rocks, or animals, and see who can find everything on the list first. You can also create a scavenger hunt that’s specific to your campsite, such as finding the oldest tree or the biggest rock. In case you are going on a scavenger hunt as teams and are going to be separated from your kids, it is important to instruct your little ones about dangerous animals or poisonous plants and other things that they need to be aware of in the wilderness.
Fishing
Fishing is a classic camping activity that kids will love. Teach them how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in a fish. You can also use this opportunity to teach them about fish habitats and conservation.
Outdoor Games
Bring along some outdoor games to keep your kids entertained during downtime. You can play frisbee, catch, or even set up a small obstacle course. This is a great way to get some exercise and burn off energy. You can let your imagination loose and create your own games to make the trip even more memorable.
Storytelling
Gather around the campfire and tell stories. Kids will love hearing spooky or funny stories, or sharing their own stories and experiences from the camping trip. This is a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories.
Bike Rides
If your campsite allows bikes, bring them along and go for a family bike ride. This is a fun way to explore the area and get some exercise. Just be sure to bring helmets and follow proper safety precautions, and be extra careful if you are riding in areas that were not designed for bike rides specifically.
Camping with kids is a great way to spend time together as a family, bring in the aspect of sports and exercises to your kid’s routine and create lasting memories that they will look back at with fondness when they grow up. By planning ahead and thinking about the activities you want to do, you can ensure that everyone has a great time.
