10 Ways to Entertain Kids on a Camping Trip

Kids nowadays are so plugged into entertainment that it might seem challenging to get them to put down the video games, shut off the computers, and get outside to go camping with you in the first place. And then what do you do once you actually get them out in nature? Electronic withdrawal can be hard on a kid! But with a little creativity and a good sense of adventure, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you can open up a whole new world to them and give them something to appreciate for a lifetime. Here are some ways to keep your kids entertained while camping.

1. Let the kids help map out the trip – Teach the kids how to read a map and let them help map it out. Show them how to use the legend and what each symbol stands for. They can learn to read the exit numbers and highway markers and help you navigate to the destination. When they learn how to calculate distances between places, they can keep track of where you are at any given point. Map reading will also help curtail the “Are we there yet?” syndrome.
2. Geocache – There are many areas where geocaching is available. Learning about geocaching, and then going out and actually doing it, can be a lot of fun for your kids. It will put them in touch with something that is high tech, yet still honors the outdoors. It also allows them to be part of a global game. For more information about this sport check out this website: www.geocaching.com.
3. Nature hike – Arm yourself with binoculars and a field guide suitable for kids, and take off on a nature hike. Kids will be surprised to learn what’s really going on in the world around them, and how many different plants and animals are actually out there. You can track animals, do some bird watching or identify the flora that abounds in the area.
4. Scavenger hunts – There are several environmentally friendly ways to do scavenger hunts. Make a list of things to find, and then send everyone out to search for the items. For low impact hunts, use digital cameras to take pictures of the objects and share the pictures back at camp. You can make the list as easy or as difficult as the kid’s ages allow.
5. Explore the area – Many camping areas have interesting local history. Find out what the landmarks and interesting spots are in the area ahead of time and then make it a point to visit them during your trip. If there are any local mysteries or spots of intrigue, you may want to share it with older kids to give them something to check out.
6. Storytelling – A great staple of camping is sitting around the campfire telling stories. You can tell kids interesting stories from your family history or tales and legends. At night kids love to hear spooky ghost stories… just don’t make them too scary for the little ones! Everyone can join in by taking turns coming up with a story. You can also do a story-go-round where one person starts a story then passes it on to the next, who adds a little bit more, and so on… it’s sure to take several wacky twists and turns as the story unfolds.
7. Campfire songs – Singing around the campfire is another old staple of camping adventures. There are plenty of books available if you’ve forgotten or don’t know any camp songs, and teaching the kids the old standards and harmonizing can be a lot of fun. Be willing to let the kids teach you some of the more modern songs too.
8. Make s’mores – Kids love making s’mores at the campfire. And who can blame them? There’s not too much that’s better than roasting marshmallows, finding the perfect square of chocolate, and then smooshing them between graham crackers. Just be sure to follow fire safety rules so there won’t be any accidents.
9. Pond studies – Ever wonder what’s really in the pond? For this you will need a magnifying glass and a jar. Scoop up some water from the nearest pond and use the magnifying glass to see what’s in there. You will be surprised at all the little creatures living in the water.
10. Nature crafts – There are all kinds of nature crafts that kids can do. One standby favorite is doing leaf rubbings. All you need are some crayons, paper and leaves. Put the paper over the leaf and rub the crayon on the paper. You will see the details of the leaf revealed in the rubbings.

These are just a few ideas that you can use to help kids forget about the technology and enjoy being out in nature. Brainstorm with your kids to find out what kinds of activities they would like to do while out camping. Take this time to make some wonderful memories that they will always carry with them.

Taken From Summer Nanny Jobs