As a parent, we are always trying to avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” from our kids. This has never been more challenging in our fast-paced technology-driven culture. The “I’m bored” can be especially hard to avoid while camping because kids are taken out of their normal element of tablets, video games, and the internet.
Don’t worry though there are plenty of camping activities for youth campers to keep them happy and entertained.
These camping activities for youth campers are broken down into four main categories based on the age of the child. Keep in mind though just because an activity might fall into one age group it doesn’t mean that it can’t work for another age group just as well.
Regardless of age though the key to avoiding the dreaded “I’m bored” is to keep the child busy and engaged while camping.
Camping Activities for Toddlers
When camping with toddlers keep it simple. A lot of the same things you might do at home can still apply while camping. For toddler-aged children you will be introducing them to a new environment so use this to your advantage and incorporate your surroundings and nature into your activities.
Pet Rocks – This is a simple idea but is sure to keep your kids entertained for hours. Let the children help pick out their favorite or several favorite rocks to bring back to the campsite. Then let the children use these rocks as their medium to create all sorts of fun animals. Helpful supplies for this activity include water-based paints, glue, construction paper, pipe cleaners, and don’t forget the googly eyes.
Sidewalk Chalk – A great place to use sidewalk chalk is around the campground. You don’t have to worry about the mess and every kid loves sidewalk chalk. You can easily put a camping or nature twist on this activity by having your child draw pictures of the things he sees in nature such as animals, trees, or plants.
Story Time – Camping is a great place for storytime as it is free from all distractions. Bring several books with you for the camping trip to read around bedtime or throughout the day.
I Spy – A classic game that can be played anywhere, playing I Spy around the campsite adds a whole new fun twist as you can look for and discover things in nature.
S’mores – What kid doesn’t love chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers. S’mores can be a fun treat around the campfire and as everyone knows half the fun is in making them. Don’t forget pokers to warm the marshmallows over the campfire.
Camping Activities for Preschoolers
Many of the same activities that are fun and entertaining for toddlers will also work for preschoolers. Keep in mind though the key to keeping kids engaged and having fun is to keep them challenged. The complexity and difficulty of the game or activity might need to be increased to keep the kids engaged and entertained.
Bubble Mania – Bring several bottles of bubble solution, wands, and bubble machines to fill the campsite with bubbles and glee. The great thing about bubble mania while camping is there is no need to worry about making a mess, so let the bubbles fly!
Campfire Songs – Singing can be a fun activity while camping especially around the campfire. Bring some simple songs you can teach the kids quickly and let the music fill the great outdoors. For musical bonus points, you could bring some simple instruments to let the kids play like a tambourine, little drums, or a recorder.
Shadow Puppets – When the sun goes down it can be especially challenging to keep kids entertained. Shadow puppets are sure to keep the fun going though when the sun sets. The great thing about shadow puppets is you don’t need to buy anything, just a flashlight and a backdrop are all you need. The ceiling of a tent can make a great backdrop for all your shadow puppets.
Animal Watch – When camping with children you are instilling a love for nature in their hearts and minds they will carry with them for the rest of their life. One of the best ways to foster a love for nature is by enjoying a fun activity called animal watch. Just as the name implies it involves keeping an eye out for animals around the campsite or while hiking. You can even turn this activity into a fun game by seeing who can find the most or different types of animals.
Nature Scavenger Hunt – Scavenger hunts can be a great way to get kids involved in their surroundings. To play just create a list of items found in nature and see who can find everything on the list first. Don’t forget to set boundaries so everyone knows they need to stay within eyesight of you while they are on their hunt.
Camping Activities for School Age Children
School-age children can be a little more challenging to keep entertained while camping but the same rules apply as they do with toddlers and preschoolers. To keep school-age children entertained focus on keeping them busy and challenged.
Nature Tic-Tac-Toe – This is a fun simple game that can be played by any aged child the twist here is to use things found in nature to play Tic-Tac-Toe. Good outdoor pieces for the game include sticks for the grid and acorns and pine cones for the X’s and O’s.
Stone Skipping – Another simple activity that is sure to keep kids entertained is stone skipping. The great thing about this activity is nature provides everything needed. The only items needed is a body of water and flat rocks for skipping.
Flashlight Tag – When the sun goes down it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Flashlight tag is a great game to play while camping. All you need is a handful of basic flashlights and you are ready to go.
Catch – A great form of entertainment while around the campsite is a simple game of catch. Whether you play with a ball and glove or a football everyone loves a good game of catch.
Biking – A great place for a back ride is around the campground or campsite. Bike riding also has the added benefit of allowing everyone to see more of nature as you can cover more ground on a bike as opposed to on foot.
Camping Activities for Teens
Teens can be the most challenging of all to keep entertained while camping but don’t fear it can be done. Teens will want more independence while camping but that doesn’t mean you can’t plant the seed or idea that keeps them entertained and having fun.
Journaling or Reading – Not all teens are going to love reading and journaling. In nature though, all the distraction and noise of electronics and technology falls away. Giving your teen plenty of time to explore new interests and hobbies. Camping might be just the thing that instills a lifelong love of reading.
Card Games or Board Games – Card games and board games can be a great activity to keep teens entertained and having fun while camping. Make sure to pack a basic deck of cards and any other board games your family might enjoy.
Hiking – Hiking can be both physically and mentally rewarding for any age group. This is a great activity for teens because it stokes their sense of adventure and can be great exercise. Check out these must-read tips for any hiker hitting the trails.
Water Activities – If your campsite has nearby water, there are a lot of great activities that can keep young adults entertained. Some of the more popular outdoor water activities include swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Campfire Cooking – While young adults might need a little prodding they do want to feel useful and needed even around the campsite. Campfire cooking is a fun activity where they can help prepare the meals for the family over a campfire.
Camping Activities for Youth Campers and Beyond
Did you enjoy these camping activities for youth campers? For even more fun camping activities and games check out Top 60 Camping Activities for All Types of Campers.