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That first camping trip with the young ones may be a little daunting, but fear not, there are many ways to entertain children when camping.
This starts from as soon as you set off on your journey to when you tuck them in on that first night.
Below are a few things we have tried over the years and can recommend. Some are for slightly older children, but many will help with the younger ones too.
If we have not used these exact products, we have used something very similar, so can certainly recommend them.
For the Journey
Here are a few items to make that journey go a bit smoother, and hopefully keep the “Are we there yet?” questions to a minimum.
In Car Activity Books
We had something similar when Max was younger. I can’t quite recall the exact one we had, but it was similar to this.
There are things for them to do in the book, and in the car, but also when looking out the window.
There are lots over on Amazon, so why not head over and check them out!
Tablet
Let’s get this out the way early.
Despite their bad press and all the talk around too much screen time, they do have their uses.
Movies and games are an obvious choice to kill some hours for the children on that long journey.
The grown-ups can also use them for a spot of television in the evening too!
Head Phones
It will be inevitable your toddler or child will spend some time on the iPad, or other tablet equivalents.
Especially on longer journeys.
Max has had Rockpapa headphones for a few years now. These are not the exact ones, but look pretty good.
Games Tins
How about a small tin with lots of different games in? This particular one may be more suited to the ‘older’ younger children, maybe from 5 years, but would still make good fun.
Each card is a different idea for a game, with many being played by just looking at things in or outside the ‘van or car.
Car Activity Seat Tray
We had one of these briefly, and they seem to have come on a long way in the meantime.
They can hold pens, drinks, games, and some can also convert into Car Seat Back Organizer
A great way to have everything to hand, and pass the hours while getting to your destination.
Car Bingo
Something to keep the little ones looking out of the window, and trying to spot what is on the card or book in front of them.
There is also no reason why this can’t be used when the journey is over, perhaps to complete a card or a line.
Around The Campsite
On arrival, once everyone has explored and the camping trip can begin, then it should be a lot easier to entertain the children.
The below includes fun activites that use up a bit of energy, and perhaps a couple more educational, but still fun, ones.
Rocket Stomper
Great fun for the kids.
Often gets other children around you to join in.
A great ice breaker!!
Travel Swingball
We have a swingball in the back garden.
This one here packs down into a neat box, ideal to take in the campervan.
We have not actually used this one, but it looks pretty good and there are lots of others to choose from
Outdoor Exploration Kit
By their very nature, campsites are surrounded by wildlife, and places to explore.
Why not encourage that, with an Exploration Kit.
Containing things like binoculars, magnifying glass, and a compass, the little ones could have fun, while learning at the same time.
Nature Treasure Hunt
Perhaps to be used in conjunction with the Exploration Kit, or on its own, how about an outdoor sensory treasure hunt?
Using things like size, touch and sight, you can spot things that match the descriptions on the cards.
This product is subject to specific safety warnings
Warning: Not suitable for children under 36 months
In the evening
As bedtime draws closer, the evening routine may be disturbed a bit. When camping, the routines do go out of the window, there are still lots of great ways to entertain the children. Particularly during family time in the campervan.
Below are some fun and simple ways to have a great night in the ‘van for the whole family.
Dobble
A fun game of snap with a difference.
Cards with several symbols on are turned over, and you have to match the pair. But, they are different sizes so it is not as easy as it sounds.
Be prepared for plenty of table slapping when you or your family spot the match!
Banangrams
Perhaps this is one for older children. It is a scrabble-type game, where you make your own ‘crossword’ of words using tiles.
As it was the three of us, it used to be Max with one of us, and we used to help him with the spelling.
As they get older, they could perhaps play on their own, but perhaps agree to just 4 letter words for example.
What Am I?
Here is a link to a game where you are given cards, and everyone else has to ask you questions to guess ‘What you Are’.
This is for ages 8 and up, but here is a way to do it for (almost) free, and make it fun.
Buy a packet of PostIt notes and write down simple things the younger ones could join in with. Dog, Cat, Car, Train etc.
The note can be stuck to the person’s forehead, and they have to ask their family up to 20 questions, to guess what they are.
Colouring
Always a favourite, and a great way to entertain the children before storytime when you are camping.
How about keeping it camping-themed, with a colourful camping colouring-in book?
Top Trumps
An old classic, that even I can remember playing as a child.
We have Football, and F1, but this one looks interested, and is travel related.
It is also educational too!
Entertain Children when Camping – Final Thoughts
So there we have it, our top suggestions on how you can keep the children, or indeed everyone, entertained when camping.
Whatever you choose, we definitely suggest a good mix of things you can do seated, for the journey or the evening, but also something a bit more energetic and something to do outdoors.
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In the meantime, thanks for reading, and Happy Travels.
Richard