Camping Games For Kids
Some people might think that kids get bored on camping trips. Sitting on a couch watching TV is not a natural activity for kids to do. Kids like to move around, get into mucky stuff and just explore in general.
I never have trouble keeping my kids entertained on a camping trip. I rarely go places that don't have some sort of swimming, whether it be a creek, beach, lake or pool. If there is swimming it generally turns into an all day activity and by the evening they are completely worn out and drift off to sleep generally straight after tea.
If they are still wide awake and full of energy after the sun goes down I just give them a torch each and off they go playing hide and seek in the dark with their "spotlights".
During the day's that aren't suitable for swimming we like to go exploring the country side and spotting the wild life. A pair of binocular's for each child is a must on these sorts of outings. Kids love binoculars and never tire of spotting birds and other forms of wildlife.
When you don't feel like going out and about and just want to relax I have a trusty magnetic chess set for me and the older child and the other younger ones generally play some sort of card game such as snap.
Campfire stories are great and you can make them up on the spot or learn some good ones to retell. Don't give the younger ones nightmares with terrifying tales though or they won't go to sleep for ages. One good story telling method when you have older children is to start off with one line and the others add to it. The story unfolds as each child makes up a line.
Take some bubble mix bottles. It doesn't take up much room and kids will have hours of fun with them. The best thing is that spillages won't matter as your outdoors.
Get your children to start a camping journal and write down what they have seen and done. The younger ones that don't know how to write can attempt to draw the wildlife or find interesting stones, flowers and leaves to glue into their journal.
Some other good things to pack are balls and frisbees. Most camp sites have a big area where kids can kick a ball around. I've even been to some where they had skate parks, tennis courts and basketball rings which was excellent.
Camping crafts is also something that will keep the kids engaged for hours. For some great ideas on camp craft check out this kids camping site.
Camping Games For Kids - Treasure Hunt
Draw out a map of the area you are staying at. Make it look like some sort of pirate treasure map by staining it with coffee and tearing the edges. Give it that aged and ancient old world look.
Tell the kids you found it hidden in a tree or under a rock and that it looks like a treasure map. They won't believe you but they'll take it in their stride for a bit of fun. On the map mark one spot that has a clue on where to find the treasure. The clue you leave should lead to another clue.
For little kids that can't read make sure you include pictures as well. As they find each clue it leads them closer and closer to the real treasure. The treasure should be something that is relatively cheap and can be shared with everyone such as gold foil wrapped chocolates.
Always have a backup treasure just in case someone else finds it first.
This game can take up a lot of time for the parent but the rewards are well worth the effort. Kids absolutely love a good treasure hunt.