Community Forums

whatnext · 08-24-2016, 10:44 AM

We are about to get into the camping scene. We will be purchasing a TT on the near future. I was just wondering what everyone's favorite activities are with their kids while you are out. I plan on taking mine hiking, building camp fires for smores since the kids love them and hopefully get my boys out fishing since they have never been before.

BFlinn181 · 08-24-2016, 11:06 AM

As a retired science teacher, I always enjoyed exploring nature with my children. Scavenger Hunts, stream study, (turning over rocks and looking for macro-invertebrates) hiking, scat identification, etc. Never bored while on a camping trip!

milasman · 08-24-2016, 03:43 PM

Junior Ranger programs at the National Parks are excellent for kids 5 to 14.

**NLOVNIT** · 08-24-2016, 06:41 PM

Is geocaching still popular? 10 years ago, our nieces loved to do that.

We carried cornhole & badmtton sets as well as several card & board games for them for when it was raining & we couldn't be outside for the other games. We pretty much always stayed in state parks when they were with us so there were all sorts of nature things to do. Many state parks also have movie nights on summer weekends as well as weekend kids activities.

If you have smart phones, download a star chart app. Spotting constellations & planets is fun when you're in a campground without street lights.

Depending on their ages, assign them some set up/tear down camp tasks. If they're part of the experience they'll appreciate it more.

Do as much as you can with them outside to get them away from being glued to texting their friends or scrolling around on their smart phones. Most of all have fun - you'll create valuable memories they will remember all their lives.

Lori-

DreaminBig · 08-24-2016, 07:21 PM

My boys are grown now, but we still try to keep up some of the old traditions when we get a chance to take the grandkids camping. Hiking, swimming, bike riding, "treasure hunts" with clues hidden in several places to find, joining in on programs and watching demonstrations at state/national parks. For evenings--campfires, ghost stories, cards, board games.

twogypsies · 08-25-2016, 05:20 PM

This is the absolute best activity for children of all ages and adults. It's not only for camping but you can do it in your own home town. You'd be amazed at the caches that are hidden right near you. It's basically a treasure hunt. It takes you to awesome scenic places or historic places - many places that you never knew existed. If you plan to hike there will probably be hidden caches along your trail.

We've placed many of our own 'Travel Bugs' in caches and we can all see where it's traveled - some have gone around the world!

We've been doing it for many years with our children and grandchildren.

https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2014...ing-with-kids/