Cool Camping Activities for Kids (Pictures & Videos)

Is it time to get your kids off their laptops or their tablets and get their tents out of the garage? There is no reason why we have to say, “Remember when we used to..?”

Our kids can still enjoy the good old days. There are some great backyard camping activities for kids, which will replace any action networking video game in a second.

Bonding Opportunities

There is not much bonding you can do by sitting next to your friend in a movie. However, lying under the stars or toasting marshmallows together is something you will never forget. This is something friends can do together, or you can do together as a family. Skip Disney for a year because there is plenty of time for that.

Rainy Days?

You are probably asking, what if it rains? Your kids will probably have a spare game in their kit. Make sure you check on this. However, this is where you have to be prepared for a couple of rainy day activities. Sometimes this is even more fun. This is where the creativity has to come out and you will see your inner gifts go to work.

Be Prepared

Make some great snacks because when kids come back from a summer camp, the first thing that they complain about is the food, so make sure you get this right. Don’t just go to the store and buy a couple of those dehydrated snacks.

Instead, make something tasty and homemade like you used to get. Toasted marshmallows between two graham crackers is a good start. Make your own trail mix as well. Your kids can help you with this.

Bring different accessories along that kids can get involved in when the time allows for them to get creative with crafts. Camping craft activities for kids should definitely be allowed.

Things like a String God’s Eye (see instruction video above), Window Nature Art or Stick Vases are all very popular forms of creation.

When kids are not drawing or getting clever with natural things, then you may want to send them out to pick up wood for the fire. You could take them fishing if you are in an appropriate area. In the evening, sing fun songs around the campfire (see video for song ideas).

Think of activities beforehand  such as hiking according to the area. Plan your trip according to the activity. You may not have space for a bike in the car, but there may be a place to hire one and do some mountain biking. Teaching your kids something new like hunting can definitely be an adventure. This may be a big step so you should take this one slow, but it is something they will remember for a long time to come. 

At the end of the day, this is just about getting your kids out of the house. They may not be amused about skipping out on Disney World and they may not be too happy to be away from the television set, but it is really amazing how quickly they forget about all of those things once they learn something new. There is nothing like catching your own fish for the very first time when you are eight years old.

Author Byline

Lisa Williams is a freelance writer and children's book author.


Tent image by Arminti under royalty free license via SXC
Toasting marshmallow image by julaif under royalty free license via SXC
Smores image by NoShoes under royalty free license via SXC

Play Dough Recipes for Kids

There are loads of things you can do with play dough if you think about it. I remember making a giraffe on one occasion back in the day, and it kept me busy for ages. It was fascinating!

Kids can spend hours on end making animals they saw on their last trip to the country, or they can get busy with something they imagine comes from out of space. You can get creative with colors and textures so kids can really go wild and take it to the next level. This is when the little sculptor really comes to life.

Tips About Home Made Modeling Dough

Making play dough recipes for kids is really not difficult. In fact, it couldn't be easier, and I've also included an uncooked play dough recipe you could get your own child busy with so they can brag they actually did everything themselves.

Some people prefer to make a lot at once and this is not a bad idea, but make sure you keep it in a sealed container. Eventually the flour inside the mix will take its toll so you can't keep it forever, but if you find your kids are really enjoying themselves, and this is one of their favorite pass times, then it would just be logical to make a little extra and save yourself some extra work. If you are looking for more texture then opt for the cooked variety.

Recipe for Homemade Play Dough

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups flour
2. 2 cups tepid water
3. 1 cup salt
4. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5. 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
6. Food coloring of your choice (this can be bright, neon or neutral)
7. Add in scented oil for something extra special

This is an easy play dough recipe for kids because you just cook this up all together over heat until you can feel that the dough has some elasticity to it.

Cool this in a bag or a sealed container. Many people have said their mix can last up to six months. Personally,  I would say it can last between four to six months, which is really not bad if you think about it.

So it may be a good idea to make a selection of colors all at one time to save you from working every time your kids want play in dough. This recipe will make an ample amount for up to four kids so if you think you may have more kids (in case your kids invite some friends over), then you may want to double the recipe.

No-cook Play Dough Recipe for Kids

Often the kids just want to help with everything. This may be helpful at times, but sometimes you have to have a little more patience than usual. A recipe for modeling dough, which has been designed for kids to make, solves the problem and allows kids to come up with something they can really be proud about. In saying that, it's always nice to get kids involved.

The only problem with this variety is that it doesn't last too long. In fact, compared to a shelf life of a couple of months with the other recipe, this one will only last a week.
Make this in small batches; otherwise it will be a waste. You also have to keep it in the refrigerator. Kids will like the fact that the dough doesn't take a long time to make.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup flour
2. 1/2 cup water (hot)
3. 1/2 cup salt
4. Food coloring of your choice

Mix the flour, salt and water with the coloring and knead it around until it forms a dough that you can pull apart like elastic.

Watch the video below to find out how to make modeling clay with flavored dry drink mixes.

Playing with dough or modeling clay exercises the hands and fingers and develops fine motor skills. Try one or both of these recipes whenever you need a way to keep kids busy for a little while - like rainy days!

Author Byline

Lisa Williams is the author of two children's books, Big Cats and Penguins.

Giraffe image by Alex Bruda under royalty free license via SXC