10 Great Things to Do on a Family Camping Trip

Written by Katherine Swarts

This article is courtesy of  HomeLife magazine.

You’re going on a family camping trip – without TV or computer games – and your kids are already wondering what they’ll do. Help them get ready for their experience in the great outdoors by going over some fun things they can do in the woods.

1. Try some wildlife spotting. Bring a field guide or get a list of the local wildlife (available at most state or national parks). Go on a bird walk. Try insect spotting – how many butterflies, dragonflies, or grasshoppers can you count? Take a flashlight out at night and look for raccoons, possums, and owls. In the daytime, you might spot anything from an otter to a bear. (Make sure the kids keep their distance – and not just from the bear.) Make a game of walking slowly and quietly so you don’t scare away your quarry.

2. Go on a scavenger hunt. If animals are hard to find, try looking for plants and rocks. A scavenger hunt is always fun. See who can bring back an oak leaf, dandelion, pine cone, and bluebird feather. Make sure the kids know how to identify and avoid poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

3. Practice your navigation skills. While hunting for your treasures, be sure you know where you’re going. Learn to use a map and compass. Practice memorizing landmarks. Climb a hill and see who can spot the river first.

4. Enjoy some random hiking. Once you’ve honed your navigational skills, strike out into a new part of the woods and see what surprises await. Be absolutely sure you can find your way back. You can leave an itinerary with a companion or park ranger just in case you get lost.

5. Go swimming. During all this exploring, you’re sure to find a good swimming hole sooner or later. Swimming in a natural setting is special even if you have a pool at home. Make sure the spot you pick is safe for swimmers. Be sure that everyone follows water safety rules: Never swim alone, never dive without knowing how deep the water is, and watch out for strong currents.

6. Play some outdoor games. After you dry off and get back to camp, the kids may be interested in an active game before dinner. Tag games and foot races will help work off any remaining energy. Play horseshoes or toss a Frisbee®. Be sure you have a clearing with minimal tripping hazards.

7. Relax around the campfire. When you’re finally worn out and it’s getting dark, the fun doesn’t have to end. Campfires are always one of the best parts of the trip. Sing praise and folk songs, tell Bible stories, and share stories from your childhood. And don’t forget to roast some hot dogs and marshmallows. (If you don’t have a campfire, you can still organize a singing and storytelling session and cook dessert on a camp stove or grill.)

8. Stargaze. Don’t go to bed without scanning the sky. A clear night in the country is an unforgettable sight, especially if you live in the city. Look for the Big Dipper, the North Star, and the Milky Way. Watch for meteors. Read aloud Psalms 8 and 19.

9. Play in the rain. Of course, the sky may not be clear all the time. But rain doesn’t mean you have to stay under cover. Put on your rain gear, go hiking, and watch raindrops roll off the trees. If there’s thunder and lightning, don’t venture out. And after the rain is over, you can have fun splashing through puddles.

10. Plan some quiet activities. Rain or shine, you’ll want some time to take it easy. Don’t let the kids pack anything electronic. A book, a board game, or a pen and sketch pad will provide hours of entertainment. Sit by the lake and read to your children. Play checkers with them. Let them draw your campsite or write a poem about the animals they’ve seen.

These 10 suggestions should have you and the kids looking forward to that camping trip. You’ll have even more fun brainstorming your own ideas together. Bon voyage – and have fun!

Katherine Swarts is a freelance writer from Houston, Texas.

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