How to Plan Fun Family Camping Activities

By Roy Scribner
Camping Blogger

If you are planning a family camping vacation this summer, you might be wondering how you're going to keep the kids entertained when you're not out hiking or sightseeing. Luckily, many of the state and federal parks that are popular with family campers feature a lot of family- and kid-oriented activities during the summer to keep everyone entertained.

The first place to look for ideas on family camping activities is the description of the campground on its ReserveAmerica page. Two summers ago, we spend the Fourth of July holiday at Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area, near Oregon's Crater Lake National Park. ReserveAmerica describes the park as follows:

"There are 201 campsites, hot showers, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails. In the spacious day use area there is a large swimming area, boat ramp, marina, boat rentals, restaurant and groceries. There are also 11.5 miles of bike and hiking trails through a lush conifer forest with year-round streams and ample wildlife viewing."

When you're camping with young children, you can't go wrong with playgrounds, bike trails, swimming and wildlife viewing! It's always nice to have a nearby grocery store, too, particularly if you are new to the camping experience.

In addition to the activities listed on ReserveAmerica, many state and federal parks feature Junior Ranger programs throughout the summer. These programs vary by location, but generally run an hour in the afternoon and feature a youth-oriented activity that is fun, but also teaches something about the area or the wildlife.

If your summer vacation plans include hiking, you might be wondering how to keep your kids interested and engaged. One strategy is to turn the hike into a scavenger hunt. Begin with the letter "A" and challenge your children to find an object whose name begins with that letter. Continue through the alphabet during the hike and, before they know it, the hike will be over and they will probably be looking forward to the next one. Kids can take pictures of the object, or simply keep a list of the things they find...

More Fun Activities

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[Dan]

Wow… I like your idea on how to encourage or motivate your kids to ho hiking. I just hope it didn’t end up, you carrying your kids for the whole duration of the hike. Sometimes we have to plan the right activities for the kids especially for the younger ones. Kids are loved to try some adventure too but most kids have a lot of limitations yet. I might just ruin your camping trip.

[Marriane]

As early as they kids are still kids, we must expose them to different kinds of adventure or environment in order to broaden their knowledge. However, they are still and you said they need to be entertained. It is good that you have posted suggestions and tips which are very useful, thanks!

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Kids love to find different bugs to. IF you have a contest on who can find the coolest bugs, it will keep them busy for a really long time. Just make sure you tell them not to touch them with their hands so they don't get stung or bit.

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All these tips here are worth the time spent for reading. I would suggest that anyone planning for a camping should read this and search for more post in order to get the best out of your camping trip...yeah!kids love bugs, so keep them protected.

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I like your blog. Nature is best enjoyed when shared with your family especially with the kids. Camping is something the kids will surely enjoy and it is also a learning experience for them.

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Nice post. Camping is a way to relax, recharge body and soul, a chance to maintain a connection with the beauty of nature, and the best time to strengthen the bonds with family and friends.

[Suzanne]

In planning a family camping trips it is really important to look into the details of the campground. And I strongly recommend Washington. There is so much to see and do and if you are like most families, you probably have this state included in your list of places to go to someday.

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[Roberta]

Nothing goes wrong with a well planned camping trip, right? During summer I always plan a remarkable camping trip for my kids. Thank you for your tips I could use it for our next summer adventure.

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I like your ideas on how to keep kids interested in hiking. Thanks.

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Very informative and helpful. There are a lot of activities at this campground for the family.

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Cheking out what activities are available as part of the planning process is very important. It's so important to go to a camping destination that will entertain all members of your family.

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Defininately beats the card games our kids insist on bringing out in the midle of hiking trips. Must try some of these!

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