Turning Grumpy Campers into Happy Explorers
Camping with kids can be an amazing adventure, filled with starry nights, campfire stories, and s’mores galore. But let’s be honest, it can also be a recipe for meltdowns if the little ones get bored or restless. To keep the smiles wide and the “I’m bored” groans at bay, here are 10 fantastic things to bring on your next camping trip with the fam:
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1) Flashlight Tag & Nighttime Scavenger Hunt:
Turn nighttime into playtime! Pack a few flashlights for a classic game of tag after dark. You can even take it up a notch with a glow-stick scavenger hunt, hiding little treasures around the campsite for the kids to find.
Have little kids? Grab yourself an LED Snap Bracelet to keep track of them. Not only do they look cool, it certainly gives you a piece of mind that you will be able to keep an eye on your kids fairly easily.
2) Nature Bingo Cards:
Spark curiosity about the outdoors with homemade bingo cards. Make squares with prompts like “find a red leaf,” “see a bird,” or “hear a cricket chirping.” The first one to complete a row or the whole card wins bragging rights (and maybe a campfire treat!).
You can also add a twist to this and turn it into a scavenger hunt as well. Prizes and treats are certainly a great motivator to older kids to play along. Our kiddos really love their chocolate bars so we make sure to have enough with us for such occasions.
3) Campfire Classics & Ukulele:
Songbooks with silly campfire songs and a ukulele (easy to learn!) are guaranteed to get everyone singing and laughing around the fire. Look up some campfire choreography online for added entertainment!
Ghost stories, would you rather, conversations with good company are all things our family love. You don’t have to be musically talented to make a campfire come to life. There’s a rule in our life and that is “No phones around the fire”. True meaning for this can be used no matter where you are. Basically we ask our kids to be present in the moment when we have family time. Easier said than done.
4) Bug Catching Kit & Magnifying Glasses:
Turn your little ones into junior explorers with a bug catching kit and magnifying glasses. Let them investigate the fascinating world of creepy crawlies (creepy, but cool!). Remember to teach them about respecting their new insect friends and letting them go after examination.
Who would have guessed that our oldest would be some sort of bug whisperer. They found it fun to capture as many cicadas as they could. Yes, those noisy bugs that come out every few years or so and make sweet love sounds.
5) Camp Crafts & Sidewalk Chalk:
Bring along some camping-themed craft supplies for rainy days or quiet afternoons. Think pinecone bird feeders, nature collages, or decorating rocks with fun paint markers. Don’t forget sidewalk chalk for campsite masterpieces!
Speaking of sidewalk chalk, it’s a lot of fun to find Facebook pages you can join for your campground. You’ll often find posts of people asking for others to stop by and wish someone a happy birthday. Join in the fun and maybe create an obstacle course for other campers to enjoy. We can’t tell you how many times we have enjoyed someone’s hopscotch, obstacle course, an invitation to wish someone a happy birthday, etc.
6) Outdoor Toys and Sports:
Classic outdoor toys are perfect for burning off energy and getting some laughs. A jumprope competition or a good old-fashioned game of frisbee catch is a surefire way to create happy campers. Maybe even a football, baseball and baseball mitts, cornhole, ladder toss, just to name a few.
Typically our go to game is cornhole but we have even brought with us a badminton set. Believe it or not, some lots are huge and have enough room. Bonus if you are on a buddy site.
7) Stargazing Kit & Glow-in-the-Dark Tent Decorations:
Turn bedtime into a magical experience with a stargazing kit! Help the kids identify constellations and learn some fun space facts. Glow-in-the-dark decorations for your tent or RV add a touch of whimsy and make nighttime bathroom trips less scary.
What’s better than having a night sky full of shooting stars? Our stay at Pokagon State Park in Indiana did not disappoint. The skies were clear and we stayed up way past our bedtimes enjoying the show in the sky. Bonus – No kits required. Just some comfy chairs that recline, a blanket, pillow and your loved ones.
8) Hammock & Cozy Blankets:
Create a cozy relaxation zone with a hammock strung between two trees. Kids will love to snuggle up with a good book or just take a nap under the dappled sunlight. Pack plenty of cozy blankets for extra comfort.
Hammocks are huge hits with every age. We typically bring two with us that come with their own stands and have two others that you can tie to a tree. Just make sure you find out the rules of the campground before you go setting them up.
9) Binoculars & Journal:
Encourage exploration with a pair of kid-friendly binoculars. Let them observe birds, animals, and interesting plants. A small journal is a great way for them to document their discoveries and budding naturalist skills.
Even a journal for us older kids who love to document their experiences and adventures. Don’t have binoculars? No problem, just take out your phone and use the zoom function on the camera. It’s amazing how far these devices in our pockets have come and what it can capture.
10) Board Games & Card Games:
Don’t underestimate the power of classic games! Pack a few travel-sized board games and card games for some after-dinner entertainment or rainy day fun.
Oh, and we don’t just pack travel-sized board games… that’s the beauty of bringing your RV. A thrilling game of mall madness, settlers of catan, Harry Potter Clue, to name a few.
Here are some of our favorite board and card games:
- Harry Potter Clue
- Grounded for Life
- Uno Flip (or your favorite Uno)
- Mall Madness
- Settlers of Catan
- Playing cards (typically playing Euchre)
- Would you rather
- Tenzy
Happy Campers?
Remember, the key to a successful camping trip with kids is to be prepared for anything and to embrace the spirit of adventure. With these fun extras, you’ll have all the ingredients for a camping trip that creates lasting memories for the whole family.
Let us know your favorite thing to do with your little and big kiddos.