Camping has to be one of the very best types of vacation for a family group. Not only do you get to explore the great outdoors, but you also get to spend time together away from all the distractions of modern life. Of course, if you take your family campaign you will want to make sure that they are amused and engaged during their stay. The good news is you can find some of the very best activities everyone can get involved in on a camping trip below. Read on to find out what they are. 

Do some campfire cooking 

The first and some may argue one of the most fun activities you can do while camping is cooking. After all, you’re going to need some hot meals during your stay, and campsite cooking is quite a different experience from cooking and eating indoors. Where possible try and do some proper campfire cooking, even if it’s just S’mores! All you need is gram crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. Although a spread like Nutella can make them pop. 

Campfire bread cooked by wrapping it around sticks and placing it in the fire is another firm favourite. This is because the kids not only get to search for and collect the sticks to cook it and make the dough, but they also get a fun savory snack at the end of the process. Although, you will need to make sure the kids are well supervised whether cooking on a camping stove or over an open campfire flame, and that you maintain proper campfire safety.

Try building a survival shelter

Another great camping activity that the whole family can get involved in is building a survival shelter. The idea of this is to collect materials that you find around you in the forest and then use them to create a structure that provides some protection from the elements including the cold and the rain. If you are a truly adventurous family you may want to spend some time in your shelters before you head back to camp as well. 

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cfx6I0rajOo?si=JEt6AQS8WJhXeIKs” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen></iframe>

To prepare for this task, watching videos on the different types of shelters that can be effective is a good idea. You can even split the family unit into 2 teams and have a competition to see who is the best survivalist! 

Fly your drone 

Flying your drone is also a great camping adjacent activity to try. This is for two key reasons, the first is that it’s a great way of recording your trip and getting a bird’s eye view of the terrain you are in. While the second is that you can often find locations that are great for camping, and drone flying at the same time. A perfect example of this is camping in a coastal spot which allows you to to fly your drone out over the sea. 

However, some important considerations need to be made when flying a drone. First of all, you need to make sure you have a reliable and robust piece of equipment, like the DJI M30T which is lightweight but still portable. This is something which makes it perfect for camping when you don’t want to have to use up all your luggage space. 

Secondly, you need to plan the location where you will fly and film carefully. For example, densely populated forests tend to be a bad idea even for the most advanced drone users as it can be hard to avoid all the obstacles that they hold. Last of all, it’s crucial to remember that in many places you will need to hold the proper permits to fly your drone, so be sure to apply for these well ahead of time, or you risk confiscation and fine. 

Scavenger Hunt 

One of the most fun activities for the whole family during a camping trip is a scavenger hunt. The basic principle of a scavenger hunt is that you set a certain number of specific objects that each team or individual must find. The great thing about this is that you can tailor it specifically to your group or location making it easier for kids and more challenging for the adults. Another great thing about scavenger hunts is that you can get a wealth of premade sheets to use online. All you need to do is download them and then print them. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for something for the older kids or a more mixed group then what about giving geocaching a go? It’s very similar to a scavenger hunt but the idea is that you are given the latitude and longitude coordinates of a geocache and then you hike to that area to find it. The twist is that not all geocaches (usually small plastic containers to protect from the weather) are easy to find and some are rather deliberately camouflaged and hidden so you really have to search for them. 

Happily, you can usually get some clues from the notes that other people have entered on the geocaching website you use. Once you have found the cash, there is usually paper and pencil for you to add your name, initials or date. Sometimes there will be tokens inside which you are encouraged to take and then distribute in a different geocache so they move around the country and even the world! 

Go on a Hike

Surely a classic camping activity has to be to take the whole family on a hike? Hikes can be great fun for so many reasons such as getting out and exploring a new location, getting to see things that you can see from any other vantage point, and working up a good sweat. 

For the whole family to hike together successfully it’s a smart idea to make sure everyone is kitted out with the proper equipment before you begin. This means sturdy walking shoes or boots, along with natural fibre socks that provide comfort and a barrier for the foot so it does not rub, but that also lets the foot breathe and will dry out fast if they get wet when fording a stream. 

It also makes sense to do a little research into your route before you begin. Look online to check the skill and fitness level of a potential route, and make sure it fits everyone including the weakest member of your group. Also, be sure to get information about potential hazards, the times of year that it’s safe to hike that trail, and how long it should take approximately. Be sure to take at least one fully charged smartphone and a powerpack in case of emergencies as well.

Relax 

Last of all, but by no means least, a fantastic activity to do as a family while camping is to relax. Indeed, there is no better place in the world to relax than in the wilderness because you are so far away from people, work, school, and all the little things that stress you out every day. 

With that in mind, what about hanging some hammocks between the trees and spending some time dozing in the sun? Alternatively, you may like to spend the time reading, or telling spooky stories around the campfire. (A great activity that helps kids develop their imagination and public speaking skills).

Although, if the weather is less than perfect you could build a pillow fort inside your tent. Then if the kids insist, you could all watch a movie on a portable DVD player or your phone while snuggled under a blanket! Add some yummy snacks like candy, chips, and popcorn if you have a gas burner and some Jiffy Pop and you can while away some happy hours altogether as a family.