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Beat boredom: Must-try camping games for your next family trip
There’s a special magic to a family camping trip. The crackle of the campfire, the vast starry sky, and the scent of pine in the air create a perfect backdrop for making memories. However, the unstructured freedom of the great outdoors can sometimes lead to a dreaded chorus of “I’m bored!” from the younger campers. A successful family adventure hinges on more than just a good tent and tasty s’mores; it requires engagement. Packing a few planned activities can transform downtime into quality time. This guide is packed with must-try camping games designed to captivate everyone from toddlers to teens, ensuring your next trip is filled with laughter and connection, not complaints. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of games to beat boredom.
Classic campsite games with a natural twist
The best camping games often require little to no equipment, using the natural environment as your game board. These classics are popular for a reason, but giving them a camping-specific twist makes them even more memorable. Instead of a standard scavenger hunt, create a nature scavenger hunt. Before you leave, make a list of things for your kids to find. Don’t just list items like “a pinecone”; get creative with descriptions to encourage observation:
- Something smooth and grey
- A leaf bigger than your hand
- A Y-shaped stick
- Something that makes a crunching sound
- Three different kinds of seeds
As dusk settles, a simple game of tag transforms into the thrilling adventure of flashlight tag. The rules are simple: one person is “it” and uses a flashlight to “tag” other players by shining the beam on them. It’s crucial to set clear boundaries for the play area to ensure everyone stays safe in the dark.
Unleash creativity around the campfire
As the day winds down and everyone gathers around the warm glow of the fire, it’s the perfect time for games that spark imagination. These activities are low-energy but high-engagement, perfect for settling down before bed. Start a campfire story circle where one person begins a story with a single sentence, such as, “Deep in these woods lived a mysterious creature with glowing eyes…” Each person around the circle then adds one sentence, building a collaborative and often hilarious tale. Another fantastic option is the memory game “I’m going on a camping trip.” The first person says, “I’m going on a camping trip and I’m bringing…” and names an item, like “a tent.” The next person repeats the phrase and the first item, then adds their own: “…and I’m bringing a tent and a marshmallow.” The game continues around the circle, testing everyone’s memory.
Low-prep games for downtime and rainy days
Every camping trip has its quiet moments—while waiting for dinner to cook, during a midday rest, or when an unexpected rain shower forces everyone into the tent. Having a stash of low-prep games is a lifesaver. A simple deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment with games like Go Fish, Crazy Eights, or Rummy. For a more active indoor game, try charades with a camping theme. All the prompts can be related to your trip: “setting up a tent,” “roasting a marshmallow,” “paddling a canoe,” or “seeing a deer.” This requires nothing more than your imagination and a willingness to be silly. These games are portable, versatile, and perfect for keeping spirits high when you’re confined to a small space.
| Game idea | Best for ages | Equipment needed | Best time to play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature scavenger hunt | 4+ | A list (pre-made or handwritten), collection bags | Daytime |
| Flashlight tag | 6+ | Flashlights | Night |
| Campfire story circle | 5+ | None | Evening / Campfire |
| Card games (Uno, Go Fish) | 4+ | Deck of cards | Rainy day / Downtime |
| Glow stick ring toss | 3+ | Glow stick bracelets/necklaces, a stick or bottle | Dusk / Night |
Active games to burn off energy
After a long car ride or a day of sitting still, kids often need to move their bodies. Tapping into this energy with fun, physical games can prevent restlessness and ensure a good night’s sleep. Set up a simple glow stick ring toss as it gets dark. Activate a few glow stick necklaces to use as rings and place a larger, straight glow stick (or a sturdy stick from the ground) into the dirt as your target. For a no-equipment classic, a wide-open space is all you need for a game of Red Light, Green Light. You can also encourage collaborative play by challenging the family to build a fort or fairy house. Using only fallen materials like branches, leaves, moss, and rocks, this activity fosters teamwork and a deeper appreciation for the natural resources surrounding your campsite.
Camping is an opportunity to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other. While the primary goal of these games is to beat boredom, their true value lies in the shared experiences they create. From the competitive thrill of flashlight tag to the collective imagination of a campfire story, these activities are the building blocks of cherished family memories. The key is to come prepared with a few ideas but remain flexible. Some of the best moments happen spontaneously. So, on your next family trip, pack this list of camping games alongside your tent and sleeping bags. You’ll be equipped not just to survive the great outdoors, but to create an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, teamwork, and fun.
