Summer is the perfect time to unplug and get outdoors. Camping is one of our favorite summer-time activities for soaking up the sunshine and revitalizing. From lake swimming, s’mores around the campfire, and exploring the woods, there are so many family fun activities to do while camping! Here’s a list of activities to get you started and ensure no one is bored on your next camping trip.
AROUND THE FIRE
- Start a camp fire
- Tell ghost stories
- Play guitar, the harmonica, or another instrament
- Sing songs
- Make s’mores –don’t be afraid to try different kinds!
- Learn how to tie new knots
- Carve or whittle a walking stick or wooden figure
- Get crafty:
- Make friendship bracelets
- Build a birdhouse
- Make a sun-catcher
- Reenact your favorite TV show and movie scenes
- Sharpen your knife
- Write a poem, song, letter, story, or keep a camping journal
- PLAY GAMES
- Charades
- I-spy
- Ladder golf / Blongo
- Bean bags / cornhole
- Horseshoes or ring toss
- Minute-to-win-it games
- Cards –War, Cribbage, Poker, Uno
- Board games –beware of losing pieces, but simple or travel-based versions of games tend to work well (Yatzee!)
- Hang-man or tic-tac-toe (use a stick and play these on a dirt canvas)
- Compete to see who can build the biggest/coolest thing with mini marshmallows and toothpicks
- Have a water gun shooting contest
- For larger groups:
- Play (flashlight) tag
- Hide and go seek
- Sardines
- Capture the flag
- Water balloon or water gun fight
ON THE WATER
- Float on the lake or tube down a river
- Go fishing or clamming
- Swim / snorkel
- Skip rocks
- Build a sandcastle
- Aqua Zorbing
- Go boating, kayaking, or canoeing
- Use a rope swing to jump into the lake or cliff dive
- Play water volleyball or basketball
- Dive
- Waterski or jet ski
- Create your own water if there isn’t a lake:
- Fill an inflatable wading pool to keep cool
- Line a truck bed with a tarp and fill it with water
GET ACTIVE
- Play hackysack
- Toss a Frisbee around or play Frisbee golf
- Play soccer, kickball, volleyball and other sports
- Go rock climbing
- Go for a run
- Practice target shooting
- Fly a kite
- Make a tree fort
- Chop wood for the fire –be sure to check local regulations about cutting down trees
- Go ATVing
- Spelunking (cave exploring)
- Lawn bowl or play some croquet
ENJOY & EXPLORE NATURE
- Go for a hike
- Pick wild berries and search for other edible plants and nuts
- Collect wild flowers
- Go on a critter hunt to see what animals & insects you can find
- Go for a bike ride
- Catch lightning bugs in a jar
- Go geocaching
- Collect items for a nature scavenger hunt
- Go on a photo walk
- Build a snare and see what you can catch for dinner
- Climb a tree
- Use a compass to find your way on a map
- Bird-watch
- Collect shells or rocks
IN THE TENT
- Read a book or magazine
- Read aloud to others
- Make shadow puppets using your flashlight
- Listen to music
- Watch movies on a portable device
- Play on other electronics devices (iPods, Gameboy, etc.) –although we highly recommend unplugging for the duration of your trip!
RELAX
- Watch the clouds float by and look for shapes
- Stargaze and search for constellations
- Practice yoga
- Knit or crochet
- Swing in a hammock
- Take a nap
- Sunbathe –don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Watch the sunset / sunrise
OTHER CAMPING IDEAS
- Bring along pets -they can join in on the fun.
- Invite friends and family to go with you for company and let the kids bring friends to help keep them occupied.
- Meet other campers in the area and socialize with them.
- Bring lights and decorations to make your campsite extra fun.
- Try new camping recipes and food.
Find local campgrounds in the Rice Lake, WI area!
