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Even seasoned camping families might struggle for ideas to entertain the kids when boredom sets in. While adults might revel in the chance to relax with a good book, away from the TV, some kids may struggle for ideas on what to do, especially if the weather is bad or after the sun sets.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Keep a Journal:
Encourage your kids to write a few lines about what they have been up to on their camping trip. They can write about where they are staying, cool animals they've spotted or fun games they've played. Encourage them to write a creative story about their ultimate camping trip. Any creative activity is good for developing imagination!
Make a work of art:
Bring some glue and materials from home, or use what's around you for a unique craft lesson. Using found objects to create a work of art requires little preparation and lots of imagination.
Make a miniature house out of twigs. A necklace out of long grass and seeds. Use nail polish to paint pet rocks. Remember to encourage your children to leave living things be - picking flowers or leaves still on the tree is not eco-friendly!
Scavenger Hunt:
All kids love scavenger hunts, and it's a great way to make a fun game a learning experience too. Give them a list of natural things they need to find. The first one to collect all the things on the list is the winner.
Make each item specific to really make the game a challenge- a piece of granite rock, a twig with three branches. Give them a disposable camera to photograph living things like flowers or plants, birds and insects. The photos can be added to their journals so they can enjoy the experience over and over.
Bird and animal watching:
Encourage your kids to learn about native flora and fauna of the area you're visiting. Bird watching is a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet and look a little closer at the natural world around you.
Bring along a book of plants and animals that are likely to be spotted near your campsite and have a competition to see who can identify the most during your stay.
At night, use a torch to spot nocturnal animals that come out to feed. Kids will be excited when the find something, and it's a good exercise in practising patience too!
Outdoor Survival Skills:
A camping trip is the perfect chance to teach your kids how prepare for and survive being lost in the bush. Teach your kids how to use a compass, read a map, signal for help using a mirror or watch, building or finding a shelter and how to find water in the bush. These skills are fun for kids to learn and may prove to be life-saving if they ever find themselves alone in the great outdoors.
Performing Arts:
Encourage everyone to put on their thinking caps and perform in a family variety show. Singing a song, performing a skit or telling a joke or a simple game of charades can be fun for the whole family. Offer a prize for the best act and your kids will be happy to spend hours perfecting their piece!
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