Load up and move out; it’s time to go camping!
Camping is something that can be done at any time of year, even if it takes a bit of a drive to escape non-permitting weather. This is especially true for RV campers. Even so, with the right gear, camping out of a tent can be just as fun in harsh temperatures. What really makes a camping trip worthwhile are the activities, or “main course”, of the trip. There are tons of great options out there for family camping activities that can work in most climates.
Make sure you also check out our other popular family activity posts ‘Games for kids camping outdoors’ and ‘Free activities for kids at the campsite‘.
Fishing
Fishing is a great camping activity for the whole family. Kids love reeling in that “whopper” of a fish. I think, even more than catching fish, kids just love casting and reeling. Adults can enjoy the relaxing nature of fishing. The beautiful sound of the water, the laughter of the children, and the satisfaction of getting a bite can really make for a great time. The price tag on a fishing trip doesn’t have to break the bank either. Cheap, generic-brand fishing rods work fine when fishing for trout or crappie with the family. Lures are generally a couple bucks a piece, and a spool of fishing line that will work fine for smaller game fish can be as little as $7. These are expenses that you only have to make once. The only necessary repeat expense for a fun-filled fishing-focused camping trip is fishing permits.
ATVs
If you are looking for a more thrilling activity for your family’s camping trip, try ‘All Terrain Vehicles’ or ATVs. Most large campgrounds have trails that can be ridden, and, if you choose to go a bit further off the grid, deserts, grasslands, and mountainous trails all make for great ATV experiences. This activity is a bit more expensive than fishing, but it’s one that is well worth the cost. Teaching your kids to ride an ATV from a company like Killer Motorsports may be one of the best bonding experiences you ever get with them. Plus, going places that a car can’t go would be awesome for any family. To minimize the cost of this activity, do your internet research. There are great, trustworthy companies, that have many options that you can compare to each other. Make sure to be a safe as possible, and get the right protective gear for your whole family. This will show your kid’s that fun has to coincide with safety.
Hiking
Hiking is a well-known and popular activity; and there’s a reason for that. It’s an activity that the whole family can participate in, and it’s a blast! There are not many camping activities that offer such a sense of satisfaction as hiking. There’s just something about using your own two feet to get to the top of a mountain, to be able to overlook the land below. Hiking also offers chances to see wildlife that you wouldn’t normally see. Kids get super excited when they spot a deer, or see a magnificently-colored bird. One other benefit to hiking is that it is a great way to get some exercise while on a camping trip. A serious up-side to it is that it’s cheap to do. Some water and a granola bar is all you need to trek out on a trail for a few hours.
If you don’t want to venture far from the campsite, though, there are some really fun activities for the family to do, right there by the tent. Frisbees, horseshoes, and even badminton can turn a plain ol’ camping trip into the best family trips of yours and your kid’s lives. No matter what route you choose, or the intensity level of your chosen activities, the most important part of camping is family fun and bonding. Of all these great options, be sure to pick the best one for your family. And if it’s the first time you’ve been family camping, then we’ve got some great tips about that too.
