Discover a list of great summer camping activities for kids and have the whole family entertained while enjoying the outdoors. Once you turn off the WiFi and tune out the World Wide Web, you can have a bundle of fun as a family and enjoy activities together in between watching the wildlife, boating around the lake, or hiking in the woods. Family campgrounds can have a wide variety of activities, particularly ones for kids. This is the time to bond and also to find adventures in nature. For a fun time when not out hiking or boating, you can find ideas for games and activities for the whole family in the list below.
- Flashlight Tag – This game is hide-and-seek with a twist โ it is played in the dark. The person who is โitโ has to have a flashlight and will shine it on the person when found in their hiding place.
- Tug of War – This is a long-time family favorite that requires only one piece of equipment – a rope! Choose a location with plenty of space, divide the kids into two teams, and go for it!
- Ring Toss – You can either purchase a ready-made game or easily make your own to play at night with water bottles and glow sticks sticking out of the top.
- Sleeping Bag Race – A family sack race is a wonderful game and simple to play as you already have your sleeping bags that you can use as sacks. Set up a race and have some fun.
- Map Quest – This game teaches kids to use a map and find something. Hide a simple item a short walk from your camp and draw a map for your child to follow to find the item. Reading and following a map is a useful skill that will stick with them for their whole life.
Family-Friendly Campgrounds in State Parks
Brown County State Park, Indiana
This state park provides many activities that make it ideal for families. There are plenty of playgrounds, and lots of hiking and biking trails that are family-friendly. Drive the 20 miles of forested roads and enjoy the numerous scenic overlooks. For accommodations, you can choose cabins or stay in one of the large campgrounds. There is even a horseman campground for those with horses, and 70 miles of horseback trails.
Recommended: How to Pack for a Family Camping Trip
Clinton State Park, Kansas
On the shores of Clinton Lake, this state park offers modern amenities for families of any size. Enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, archery, and volleyball. Watching wildlife is a popular activity here in its maintained habitat and prairie areas. With a one-acre fishing pond for children, this is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to learn to fish. Thereโs a larger trout pond for the adults. Find primitive sites, cabins, and full hookup sites to choose from for your stay.
Clarkco State Park, Mississippi
A family-friendly park in Mississippi, Clarkco State Park offers plenty of outdoor fun for all ages. There is swimming, fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. A boat launch allows you to get your boat out onto the water. Play disk golf and let the kids enjoy the playground. You will even be able to play tennis on their tennis court.
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut
Discover two miles of sandy beach at this state park. The kids will have the time of their lives playing on the boardwalk and playground. There are many activities that beach lovers love, such as collecting shells, building a sandcastle, and sunbathing. Saltwater fishing is a premier sport here at Hammonasset. With 558 open campsites, you should easily find a spot you love.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.