Camping with Kids – Activities
Fishing
Most kids will enjoy fishing while camping, and most campgrounds have ponds that you can fish in. While some areas/states do require a fishing license, often times if you are at a campground the requirement doesn’t apply. Be sure to check before casting a line or dipping a net, though, because you don’t want any trouble with the game warden. Some kids won’t fish as long as you might like them to, but they will have fun. Be sure to have something available for them to do if they decide they are done before you are and don’t get upset when they decide they are done fishing. Just move onto another activity on this list or something else.
Kid Casters JHKCBNTS1 No Tangle fishing rodPlano One Tray “Take Me Fishing” Tackle Box with Tackle
Swimming
Swimming around in a pool, pond or lake will keep the kiddies happy for many hours. Make sure you have all the necessities: Sunscreen, appropriate flotation devices, swim diapers for toddlers and babies, water for drinking, snacks, towels, and sunscreen (Did I say that one already? Well, it is very important to keep them protected from the sun).
Stearns Kids’ Puddle Jumper Dinosaur Life Jacket,fits kids 30-50 lbsSpeedo Youth Neoprene Child Lifevest Flotation Device 50-90 lbs. – Girls – Pink/Blue
Banana Boat Sunscreen Ultra Mist Sport Performance Broad Spectrum Sun Care Sunscreen Spray – SPF 50, 6 Ounce
Pampers Splashers Diapers – Size 3-4 – 24 ct
Hiking
Hiking a trail through the woods and nature is a fun way to get some exercise for everyone. It is also good way to explore and teach your kids about animals, insects, and plants. It won’t be hard to turn a hike to an Exploring Expedition. Consider doing a scavenger hunt while on the hike and see how many things they can find on their list. Have a bag available for them to bring their treasures back in. Be sure to wear long pants if entering the woods and have appropriate foot wear on. Bug bites make miserable children. A snake bite could ruin your vacation and land you in the hospital, if not worse.
Campfire Songs and S’Mores
Making S’mores while camping is almost a rite of passage for any kid.
Hershey’s S’mores Kit, 3 LB 9.1 OzS’more to Love STL-611 Six-S’more Maker
While making those S’mores, enjoy a round of campfire songs. You don’t have to be a song artist to belt out a few tunes like This land is Your Land, On Top of Spaghetti, Oh Susanna, or many others. Consider a CD of campfire sing along’s if you don’t remember any tunes from your own childhood. My kids love the Veggie Tales and the Little People sing alongs.
Sing Around the Campfire – 20 Fun Songs for KidsBob & Larry’s Campfire Songs
Summer Camp Sing-Along
Children’s Campfire Songs
Telling stories around the campfire is also a lot of fun. Try to avoid scary one’s, though, because you do want them to sleep.
Bike Riding
Pack the bikes and helmets and you are sure to have the kids riding all over. If you want even more fun, make it a family event. Pack some sandwiches, and drinks ride and then have a picnic lunch. If you plan it around stopping at a playground to let the kids play some you’re sure to make a good morning of it.
Tag
A classic game for camping is tag. You’re it. This is always a fun game for kids to play, and they love it when the adults join in. There is just something so satisfying for a kid to be able to say that they tagged Mom or Dad! Of course, you could also play hide and seek, but make sure you set up rules to keep everyone safe. We haven’t ventured into hide and seek yet, because I’m too paranoid.
Play Ball
Kickball will bring back childhood memories of playground battles. Get everyone involved maybe challenge your neighbors to a friendly game. Remember it is about having fun. If you win, even better. Maybe celebrate your win with a trip some place for ice cream cones. Velcro Ball and Scoop Ball are also a ton of fun.
Voit Playground Ball, 8 1/2-Inch, BlueFinlon Throw and Catch Ball Toss and Catch and Toss Game Set for Outdoor Beach Garden Pool Toy
US Games Fun-Air Scoop Ball
Of course, baseball, football, and keep away are alwaays fun.
Toss It
Kids like to throw things, right> Frisbees, boomerangs, and washer games can keep kids occupied for hours. No matter which you choose you are all sure to have lots of fun.
Discraft 175 gram Ultra Star Sport Disc, Bright OrangeBumbleBee Precision Boomerang – Easy Returning Boomerangs!
GoSports Premium Birch Wood Washer Toss Game
Be flexible and have some fun while camping with kids with these activities. You’re sure to create lasting memories that you and your kids will long cherish.
