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Do you take your kids camping? We have been wanting to get a camper for a long time and we finally took the plunge. I think that S was just as excited as I was to finally pick up our camper and take it out on an adventure. While the fun of camping is spending a lot of time outside, when the feel like temperature is over a 100 we had to stagger our time outside with the air conditioned camper inside. So how did we keep S entertained while camping?
Card Games
There are so many card games you can play with a deck of cards. We taught S how to play Uno and Solitaire on our first camping trip. Next time, I am going teach her Old Maid and Rummy.
Coloring
We brought the Color Wonder sets, so that marker didn’t end up where it wasn’t suppose to. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about crayons melting in the hot vehicle.
Fishing
So S only lasted until she caught a fish and then went off chasing and catching tiny frogs, however getting to fish with her Papa had her declaring the day “the best day ever”. Always check with the campground before fishing to find out if you need a license and if it’s catch and release only.
Exploring the Campground
There is lots to explore at campgrounds and the surrounding area. With each campground being different there could be hiking trails, pool for swimming, lake/pond/river for fishing or a playground. You can always look for signs of animals like scat or tracks (S’s favorite book is Who Pooped in the Park? – Grand Canyon National Park is available for a large selection of national parks and discusses looking for signs of animals). Don’t forget to look for lightning bugs/fireflies in the evening!
We found a large snake skin and lots of tiny frogs that S enjoyed catching on our trip to Grand Gulf Military Park in Mississippi. The park also had lots of civil war buildings, pieces of machinery and a pre-civil war cemetery.
Bubbles
Bubbles are a fun activity that kids can do by themselves, while you are setting up camp or cooking dinner.
Glow in the Dark Sticks, Necklaces, Etc.
Perfect for having fun in the evenings around the campfire are some glow in the dark items like necklaces or bracelets.
Quiet Time
After being out in the sun for several hours, S was hot and tired. I suggest bringing an activity that your child enjoys doing quietly. S loves books, so she curled up on the top bunk and read Magic Tree House books to herself.
Some other items I picked up for S in the dollar section at Target were puzzles, travel games and travel activity pads. S enjoyed camping so much that she was begging that we not go home.
Be sure to keep an eye out for my other camping posts including what you have to purchase when you buy a camper and what I learned on our first camping trip.
Do you take your kids camping? What are their favorite things to do?
This is a great list. I would bring coloring books, reading books and games when we would camp with my son. But he loved to swim so much and ride his tricycle that he kept pretty busy.
Spending time outside is the fun of camping!
I love taking my girls RV’ing! They entertain themselves well. We do stock up on the bubbles and use our bubble machine and then we play a lot of outside game.
Love being able to spend time outside while camping! So much fun!
Such great ideas! My little one loves camping. Just exploring the area around her keeps her entertained right now (as she’s only 2), but I’m sure I’ll need to keep these activities in mind as she gets a bit older!
Thank you for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays!
Thank you Brandyn!
Such great ideas. I have been afraid to take our kids camping for this reason. Will definitely keep this post in mind!!
Thanks Laura! I hope you take a chance and go camping! We are having so much fun!
I can’t wait for my kids to be old enough to take them camping! Color Wonder markers are so awesome! My son already loves them. I can get so much done while he colors.
Color Wonder is so awesome!
It’s been a while since we’ve taken the kids camping. Guess I need to put that on the list!
You have some great ideas here. Thanks for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Thank you Alayna! I hope you get to go on a camping adventure soon!
This sounds like a great list. Our girls love getting back to basics, I never thought of the colour wonder sets, great idea. #countrykids
Thank you!
Great ideas. We’re always out in our caravan but haven’t had to worry about organising too many activities so far because our kids are so young (12 weeks and 2 years). I think we will be using some of your ideas this summer. I particularly like the idea of exploring our campsites to see who else lives there #countrykids
Thank you Claire! Exploring is always so much fun and usually a rock or stick makes my daughter happy 🙂
You’ve got some great ideas, for how to keep the kiddies occupied when you’re away camping. It’s great that S was so excited to come along with you, and enjoyed all her different activities you had planned. S looks like she’s enjoying learning all the different card games as well as going fishing with her dad. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
Thank you Fiona! She had a wonderful time!
I’m not much of a camper so you may need to do a follow up post on how to keep mommy entertained…LOL! My husband does keep saying that we’re going to do a family camping trip soon so I’m saving this post for when that time comes!
Thanks so much for linking up with Share The Wealth Sunday!
xoxo
Lisa
Thank you Lisa – love your idea! I hope you do give camping a try 🙂
Some of my favorite memories come from camping as a kid. This is a great list to help keep those kiddos happy and entertained. Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
Thank you Amanda!