How to Entertain Kids at a Campsite

For the most part, kids can entertain themselves if let loose among trees, rocks and open space—that’s the genius of outdoor play. But after all the exploring and hiking has been exhausted, you may need some help entertaining the troops at the campsite. Here are some ideas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Teach the kids to tie knots. Bring a piece of rope for everyone and see how many types of knots everyone can learn.
2. Make grass whistles. (See the eHow “How to Whistle on Grass.”)
3. Have a scavenger hunt with items in view of the campsite.
4. Assign the kids camp chores: jobs such as picking up litter, filling water jugs, collecting firewood, building fires and preparing meals are all much more fun than chores they do at home.
5. Encourage quiet activities such as reading, card games, dominoes or Mad Libs.
6. Organize a family-size game of charades.
7. Sing corny campfire songs, have a goofy dance contest or a talent show.
8. Share campfire stories (be careful of scary ones if your child is prone to nightmares). A related option: Start a communal story in which one person begins with “Once upon a time…” and everyone adds on to the tale.
9. Lead them on a flashlight walk before bedtime.