30 Fun Camping and Outdoor Activities for Families

1. Animal Watching

While the types of animals you can watch varies greatly on the part of the world in which you live; wildlife watching can be a very relaxing and rewarding activity.

One should take some time before heading out on a wildlife watching adventure to research the types of animals they may encounter as well as how to handle any dangerous species they may come upon.

Participants may make use of a number of different animal calls or baiting techniques to attract animals for their viewing pleasure. Paired with photography, animal watching can make for an exciting hobby.

2. Berry picking

No matter where you live there are usually multiple u-pick type places within a 30-60 minute drive. Depending on the time of year you can get fresh berries of virtually all varieties, and also apples. It is best to plan ahead a use for the berries you pick to avoid having to throw them into the compost.

3. Bicycle riding

Refers to the use of bicycles either for sport, recreation or for transport. The people riding the bicycles are referred to as cyclists or bikers. Bicycle riding as a sport involves a number of contestants competing to reach the touch line. The cyclist who reaches the touch line fast wins the race.

4. Bird watching

This is a sport that is also known as birding. It involves observing birds for fun. It is done in places that are home to many birds such as parks. One can watch the birds with naked eyes. However, for clarity, one can use visual enhancement devices such as telescopes and binoculars. One too can listen to the noises and sounds produced by the birds.

5. Bonfire

They create a great atmosphere for various outdoor events or even as a standalone activity. Choose a spot that is safe and capable of accommodating all your accessories and guests.

You can use dry twigs, sticks, unwanted woods and even dry leaves to start the fire. Be sure to comply with the local government regulations to avoid legal tussles.

6. Capture the flag

This is a game that is usually played in teams of more than 6 people. The target is to find the opponent’s team lag and getting it to your side without arousing any attention or getting tagged.

The flags can be two objects of similar shape and size. Choose a light colored object if you intend to play this game at night. Agree on the rules of engagement before your start playing to avoid any disagreements.

7. Catching/releasing insects

Catching insects can be a great learning exercise for kids. Always be sure to not harm the insects and always release them shortly after catching them. Caution should be exercised in handling them. Use traps to capture the insects, avoid those that sting to avoid injuries.

8. Climb a tree

Tree climbing is a fun activity that entails climbing and ascending from a crown of trees. Some of the safety attrite that each climber must wear to avert injuries include helmet, harness, gloves and a rope.

There are a number of rope techniques that one can use to take part in this sport. One of the most common is the single rope technique that is normally used to climb tall trees. The rope has to be strongly harnessed on one branch.

9. Drawing/painting Scenery

Painting or drawing scenery is an activity that involves use of paint brushes and a piece of paper. Examples of sceneries that one can draw include boats, mountains, lakes and bushes.

Parents are advised to encourage kids to take part in this activity so as to nurture their creativity skills and boost self-esteem. Choose paint colours that blend with the natural colour of the selected scenery.

10. Finding Shapes in Clouds

There is nothing more interesting that relaxing in a warm afternoon and finding shapes in the clouds. It is an activity that all children and adults love to do.

You do not need so much concentration to find suspended water particles forming shapes. Whether it is dinosaurs, dragons, birds, cars- you can find any shape in the clouds. So when you need to pass time in a fun way, just look up and start finding shapes in the clouds.

11. Flying a Kite

On one windy afternoon, when you are completely bored and nothing seems to be working indoors, just go to the fields and fly a kite. You can decide to make your kite or buy a wide range of these kites in a local store.

Once you have made the right choice for the kite, you must ensure that you have the right space to fly your kite. Avoid roads or areas around the airport. If you would wish to have more fun in flying a kite, look for a friend or two and celebrate the great moments.

12. Flying Disc

Flying disc is a toy that is shaped in a way that it flies in the air as it spins. Many people refer these discs as Frisbee after the name of the company that originally manufactured them. There are many types of these discs; from the disc dog, disc golf, flying rings to the illuminated discs. When buying these toys, you should be considerate of the purpose, the size and the price.

13. Fossil/Rocking Hounding

Rocking hounding is an activity that involves collection of: rocks, invertebrate fossils, gems and petrified wood. After collection of these materials, you are not allowed to sell them. Still, one must check the landownership before going on a rocking hounding trip. This is because you are not allowed to trespass against privately owned land unless the legal owner agrees to it.

14. Geo-Caching

Geo-caching is an activity that involves use of Global Positioning System receiver to hide containers in all parts of the globe. Mobile phones could also be used in this case.

The participants are hence supposed to seek these items using navigational techniques. The players must be clever in placing their containers- geo-caches, in places where billions of people in the globe cannot find them. Around 2 million geo-caches are hidden from you at any particular time.

15. Hide and seek

Also known as hide-and-go-seek. This is originally a children’s game that involves a number of people hiding in the surroundings. It begins when a randomly chosen player is tasked with finding the hiding players. This one player counts down a predetermined number after which all the players will have hidden themselves. This player then goes on to find the hiding players.

16. Hiking

This is a sport that involves walking for long distances that are mostly vigorous and tiresome especially in the countryside. Hiking can also refer to the act of climbing a hill where people climb a mountain for fun and enjoyment. Hiking involves body exercises especially when hills and mountains are involved.

17. Horseback riding

It is also known as equestrianism, riding or horse riding (Britain). It is a game that involves riding a horse mostly for competitions. During races, a player is supposed to ride the horse, steeplechase or vault with the horse. Horse riding also involves riding horses for fun, cultural or artistic exercise.

18. Horseshoes

This is an outdoor game that is played by two players or two teams with two players each. The players use 4 horseshoes and 2 throwing targets. The players take turns to toss the horseshoes at the targets (stakes) that are placed forty feet apart. However, the game has evolved and at present they use a U shaped bar twice the size of horseshoe.

19. Identifying animal tracks

Identifying animal tracks is more of a recreational activity that involves identifying and following animal tracks for fun and not necessarily to find the animal itself.

20. Jogging/running

This is a sporting activity that involves running or trotting at a slow speed that is mostly a leisurely speed. Jogging is meant to improve the runner’s health and fitness without causing much stress to the body such as through fast running. Jogging can be performed within ones compound or the surroundings.

21. Look for different plants

There are so many plants species in the world. Unfortunately, many people do not take time to look for different plants, and study them at a closer range. You will be thrilled to realize the differences in the growth patterns of plants and the benefits of some of them.

You will also find it interesting to see the beauty of life through these plants, and soon enough you will have an activity of a life time to engage in.

22. Metal detecting

Probably you have always wanted to find out about different types of metals that have been manufactured in both the past and in the modern day time.

You can now for a treasure hunting trip game and start collecting all metals; from coins, gold, silver and other metals. All you need is a metal detector and a recommended site where you can easily find various pieces of metals.

You will realize a huge amount of treasures hidden underground in an area where nobody would have cared to see. Note that some these treasures that you will find could be worth millions of money.

23. Photography

This is the art of taking pictures for future references. It is an effective way of archiving all those memorable events such as weddings, anniversary or road trips. Technology has led to development of new cameras that are more reliable as they have a high resolution power that enables users to take pictures of any target from far.

You can also train to be a professional photographer in a learning facility if you intend to make money from this art.

24. Relax in a Hammock

Relaxing in a quality hammock, is one of the best ways of spending time on the beach or outside your house as you read your favourite magazine. They are available in different designs and styles in the market. The classic hammocks are still very popular due to their unique design. When shopping for one, consider the material that is used to make it.

25. Snowboarding/Skiing

When winter approaches, one thing clicks in your mind- snowboarding. But, do you have the basics of snowboarding? Well, firstly, you need to be prepared.

You should search for the best clothing; from the gloves, warm jackets, and skiing boots among others. You should also do a few exercises, and find out how easily you can avoid falls during the sporting. Lastly, you need a company of friends or family members for the sport to be more interesting.

26. Star Gazing

During one of those still nights when the sky is clear, just walk out of the yard and go for star gazing. You will begin to notice patterns of starts that you did not think that they existed. You will also notice that some starts shine brighter than others.

On a lucky day, you may find a shooting star that will remind you of those’ make a wish’ games. Ultimately, you need to try star gazing; whether with company or not.

27. Tag

Tag is again originally a children’s game, but can be played by adults and still put smiles on their faces. Simply put one person is selected as the player who is “it”, it is then their task to run around and “tag” another participant who then becomes “it” and now has the responsibility to tag another player.

28. Trampoline

Trampolines are a great activity for people of all ages. You can put up a trampoline in your own yard usually for a couple hundred dollars. It can be an expensive investment for some, but once you get on you will instantly know it was money well spent! This is also a fantastic form of exercise for those looking to shed a few pounds.

29. Visit a waterfall

This is one of the best ways of spending a weekend or holiday. There are hundreds if not thousands of waterfalls in the world that you can visit. You will surely love the scenic view and the fresh breeze that waterfalls present. Be sure to carry a camera to take photos and some snacks to keep you hydrated.

30. Watch a sunset/sunrise

Millions of people from all across this planet enjoy watching the sunset/sunrise. There are many locations that you can use to enjoy this spectacular natural phenomenon. It is recommendable to choose a location that is slightly raised but easily accessible from your residential area. You can take photos or enjoy your favourite drinks as you watch the sun disappear into the horizon.

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