“Are we there yet?” “How much longer is this going to last?”
We’ve all been there. At least, if you’re a parent you’ve probably heard these words from your little ones.
Kids get bored fast naturally, and it can often be difficult to get them to appreciate every part of camping like we do as adults.
But finding a good babysitter can be next to impossible, and you can’t just leave them at home – who would want to? 😉
Sure, you can bring along their favorite toys and games to make them feel more comfortable in the unusual setting, but here are some other ways to make their trip memorable for years to come.
1. Sing a campfire song.
As the saying goes, “Music soothes the savage beast”, and in this case it has never been more true. Getting your kids to sit down around the fire and enjoy classic campfire tunes is a great way to connect the whole family.
The Kids Campfire Book has over a hundred pages of stories, games, and outdoor activities you can share with children around the campfire.
2. Go exploring.
No matter how old you are, going for a short hike surrounded by all-natural scenery will never get boring. Look up the local trails in your camping area, and take the kids out for a real adventure.
3. Make s’mores.
Can you really imagine a kid saying no to a delicious treat? The possibilities are endless when it comes to making s’mores. Grilling fruit is another delectable option to make by the fire, if you’re looking for a healthier option with all natural sugars. Either way, their taste buds will be exploding and they’ll be having a pretty sweet time.
4. Tell stories…with clouds.
Cloud watching by Tom Chance is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
On a hot spring or summer day, there’s nothing more relaxing and memorable (especially during your childhood) than laying out and simply just staring up at clouds. Bring a blanket, and ask your young ones what they see in the clouds up above. You may be surprised what they come up with.
5. Make fossils.
For this one, all you’ll need is some cheap air-dry clay, like this kid-friendly bucket from Crayola. Look around for interesting pieces you’ll want to fossilize, like unique leaves, rocks, shells, or branches. With a sheet of wax paper on top, press the object firmly into the air-dry clay for a few minutes. It’ll replicate every fine detail, leaving your children with a collectable to keep forever.
