Nature has an abundance of what I like to call “nature toys.” You know: sticks, rocks, leaves, flowers, tree stumps, trees. My kids usually enjoy finding things in nature and inventing ways to play with them. The possibilities are endless!
Sometimes, however, kiddos may need some guided activities to keep them busy at the campsite so they are don’t wander off while you’re cooking or setting up your tent. Or, maybe you’d like an activity you can do as a group, an activity they can do quietly while their sibling naps, or an activity they can do at the campsite that will keep them occupied while you enjoy your coffee/glass of wine/whiskey quietly.
In the rare cases when nature is not entertaining enough, you might consider bringing these items on your next camping trip:
Here are our tips for bringing the "fun" to the campsite.
Group Campsite Activities
Activities you can do with a group of kids or kids and adults together
1. Games
I’m not talking complex games or games with a million pieces, but simple and fun games you can play with a 3-year-old, and even involve your toddler, to the extent possible. Teams or no teams, winners or not, you decide—just make sure it is fun! Here are our faves:
Uno: a card game of matching colors and numbers
Deck of cards (to play slap jack, go fish, memory)
Pictionary: Bring a small dry-erase board or notepad. Whisper something simple to your child to draw and have others guess
Kid-friendly board games with big, travel-friendly pieces that are hard to lose:
2. Slack line
Are there trees at your campsite? Bring a slack line for hours of fun.
Not sure what a slack line is? Read up on using it with kids here.
Strap each end to a tree and low enough to the ground— around 2 feet—where your kids can get on easily and try for themselves. Or, make it high enough for adults to use and hold your kiddo’s hands as they walk down the line.
3. Hammock
You may think a hammock belongs in a different category.
“This isn’t a group activity! It is for relaxing peacefully.”
Just you wait…
For kids, a hammock is basically a huge banana swing. Tie that hammock between two trees at a height your kids can access and they will be jumping in and out for hours.
Keep an eye on them though, the shape of the hammock will cause all riders to get pretty close to each other, and sometimes kids (aka my toddler) may prefer a little space and can get fussy.
There was usually one adult present with the kids in the hammock at all times swinging them back and forth while they squealed in delight.
Get Moving Activities
Activities to get your body moving
1. Campsite Bingo
Bingo is a great way to bring nature into the fun.
If you’re camping in a safe place without poisonous plants or bugs, pre-print a campsite bingo sheet full of safe, outdoor items for your kids to hunt.
This is fun to do while hiking, too!
2. Scooters or bikes
If your campground is paved or there are paved trails nearby, it’s a great idea to bring your kids’ scooters or bikes.
Our kiddo loves doing laps around the campsite, in front of our campsite, up the parking spot and back, to the bathroom and back, or for a mile down a trail.
It is a great way to let your kids safely explore and practice their gross motor skills.
3. Music
Read our blog here about how you can bring music anywhere with your kids.
Pack some egg shakers, an ukulele, or just use sticks on your cooler—whatever you have can help kids either join in the jam session or dance to their heart’s content.
4. Balls, frisbees, throwing things.
What better place to learn how to throw a frisbee than in nature where there is little risk of hitting anything breakable?
A simple game of catch can brighten anyone’s day.
Quiet Time Activities
Activities to slow your body down
1. Books
Our kids love books. We usually bring a few books for the tent, for bedtime, and for fun that we leave out on a picnic blanket at the campsite.
I often find my preschooler “reading” books with the other kids in the tent or doing a group story time with one lucky adult.
2. Art
Bring crayons, color pencils, coloring books, watercolors, blank note pads, or scratch paper.
Give your kids the opportunity to be creative quietly. Suggest they find nature items to make a print.
Just beware that you may come home with one less crayon, and then may want to read the book The Day the Crayons Came Home with your family about a few missing crayons’ wild adventures.
Camping isn’t only about enjoying nature, it is about enjoying time with your family in nature. So whatever activities it takes to make the trip enjoyable and cohesive, by all means, do them!
Sure, you’re sleeping outdoors and it takes a lot more coordination than a hotel room, but camping is much more than that, including the added perk of having the playground, activities, dining, sleeping, and more all at one location: your campsite!
If you think about it that way, it is kinda like a resort, but without the help and with a lot more dirt.
What are your favorite campsite activities? Share in the comments below.
Puerto Rican & Indigenous mama of two. Bay Area native. Salsa dancer. Backpacker. Doula. Angel (she/her/hers) is a co-founding member of the Beautiful Brown Adventures team. She has traveled to over 30 countries and loves to explore the world with her two daughters & partner - one ice cream shop at a time.
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