As a full-time RV camper with kids. I know they are sometimes tough to occupy. The nice thing about camping is that kids can find lots to do if you turn them loose outside. If you camp by a beach you really don't need to do anything but keep them from drowning.
Over the years, I've found that kids will naturally play with sticks, rocks, sand, shells, and climb trees. But, sometimes you need a little extra for them to do. Here is list of 10 things to keep kids occupied.
10. Ranger programs
If you are fortunate enough to be in a National Park or even many State Parks there is often a ranger program on the animals of the park, or geology, or trails, or whatever is unique to the area. They are great educational resources for kids.
9. Geo-Caching
If you have a GPS unit, especially one capable of using while hiking you can go to the geo-caching website and usually find geo-caching points close to you. If you don't have a GPS many parks especially State Parks have GPS units they will loan you. The kids really like hiking with a purpose of finding something.
8. Fishing
My kids love to catch fish. I think deep down most kids do. They don't like the worms and holding the fish sometimes, but that's what the parents are for. Many State Parks and even National Parks will let you fish for free without a license.
7. Swimming
I have yet to meet a kid that doesn't like to swim. I really had no idea how much until we stayed at an RV park with a pool. The kids loved it more than I would have guessed. One of the best places we found was a river near our campsite that had a perfect protected pool with warm water. Just be safe with kids and watch them closely and keep them away from currents.
6. Outdoor games
This can be a broad description that often includes tether-ball, ladder golf, throwing a Frisbee, Bocce ball, a baseball, horseshoes, a football, or even paper airplanes. There are numerous newer games including bean bag tosses or washer tosses. Kids seem to like them all.
5. Indoor Games
Rain happens. If you camp long enough you'll have a rain day. This is where board games and cards come to the rescue. If you have older kids teach them some great card games such as, Cribbage, or 500 Rummy. For the younger kids, they will like card games such as Sleeping Queens and Coloretto.
4. Hiking
This is probably the main reason we all like to camp. But, so often kids now days do less and less activity. This is such a great way to show kids beautiful places and keep them healthy.
3. Biking
My youngest learned to ride a bike in Grand Teton National Park. She wanted to keep up with her siblings. Kids like to explore and a bike offers them easy access to lots of scenery. You won't even have to convince them it's exercise.
2. Basking in the sun
Camping is meant to be relaxing. Slow down and help your kids slow down and just enjoy being outside. Have them just sit in the sun and read, or play a game, or just talk.
1. Have a fire
Besides just being outside, having a fire is one of those fundamentals of camping. Let the kids have cook a S'more and they will remember your trip forever. Please be sure to show them safe fire practices.
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