How to Entertain Young Campers

While camping trips are fun for everyone, you may sometimes have to make an extra effort to engage smaller children. To entertain young campers, then, have multiple camping games for both indoors and outdoors planned in advance. Make sure you have all of the proper supplies for outside camping activities, as well as indoor entertainment in case of inclement weather. Most importantly, get involved in the games your young campers play and have fun yourself. When they see you enjoying yourself, they are apt to follow your lead.

Things You'll Need

  • Hiking gear
  • Kickball
  • Roaster sticks
  • Campfire food
  • Flashlight
  • Cards
  • Board games
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your young campers on a hike through the woods. Allow them to lead the hike by choosing the paths that your group will take. Point out interesting natural features along the way, as well as any birds or other animals you come across. This helps the children learn about nature and develop an appreciation for it.

    • 2

      Set up a kickball game for your young campers to play. Kickball is a fun and simple way to encourage the kids to exercise outdoors. Encourage your young campers to get enthusiastic with the game by having adults join in on each team.

    • 3

      Prepare a campfire. Provide your young campers with roaster sticks and campfire food, such as marshmallows and hot dogs. Be sure, however, to supervise the campers while they make their own campfire food; safety is key. Keep them entertained around the campfire with stories and songs.

    • 4

      Tell ghost stories before bed. Memorize multiple stories in advance so that you can recite them to your young campers in as realistic a manner as possible. For dramatic effect, turn out all of the lights and hold a single flashlight to your face while you tell the story. Then encourage the kids to tell their own ghost stories by passing the flashlight around.

    • 5

      Set up indoor games, such as board games and cards, to keep your young campers entertained at night or during inclement weather. Give them multiple options by setting up several board games. Be sure to get involved with the games yourself. Young campers are especially entertained by new card games and card tricks, so teach them any that you know.