You may remember the lazy days of your childhood, spent playing flashlight tag and riding bikes until the streetlights came on. Chances are, your kids’ childhoods look quite different, with a dizzying amount of time spent staring at screens. But, what if we told you there was a world where children still play outside? RVing with kids offers them a chance to disconnect from devices while connecting to the great outdoors.
Whether you are traveling with tots or teens, RVing with family can open up a world of activities and opportunities. Switch up the daily grind, park the RV in a beautiful landscape, and dive into a host of outdoor adventures that cater to all ages and interests, all with the freedom to explore at your own pace and the convenience of home on wheels.
RVing Outdoor Activities at the Campground
Here are some activities to put on your campground agenda when RVing with kids:
- Scavenger hunts: Whether you create your own or find pre-created challenges online, scavenger hunts are a fun way to get kids of all ages to interact with the outdoor world. If you’re okay with incorporating devices for older kids, make it a photo challenge.
- Things with wheels: Campgrounds offer plenty of pathways to explore, as long as you do so safely. Bring along bikes, skateboards, scooters, and more. Older kids will appreciate the independence of exploring independently, while parents can enjoy family time when taking the little ones out for a roll.
- Arts and crafts: Some families buy craft kits that “live” in the RV, making a camping trip a special time for creativity. Plus, you can incorporate nature either as the theme of the crafts or as materials to use in the projects.
- Campfires: Of course, the campfire is a classic part of camping with kids. Amp up your campfire game by making deluxe s’mores with unique additions (like peanut butter cups, mint, and more).
- Gear and games: Get your kids involved in the planning process by allowing them to select some outdoor games that look fun. Whether you go for classics like cornhole or pick up popular new activities like pickleball, taking along gear and games can help you focus your family for time together.
- Sports galore: Many campgrounds offer wide-open spaces for engaging in all kinds of activities. Plus, most parks have amenities like basketball goals, gaga ball pits, and volleyball nets. Check out the campground amenities online before you go, so you can take along whatever items you’ll need. Or, check to see if loaners or rentals are available.
RVing Activities Away from the Campground
While kids can enjoy the great outdoors at the campground, you can also incorporate nature into your travels with these tips:
- Visit a state or national park: Some locations simply inspire awe. Taking your kids to the grandest landscapes in the nation is one of the best ways to inspire a love of nature. Involve your kids in the planning whenever possible. They can create their own bucket list of parks.
- Add outdoor activities to your agenda: While some outdoor fun can happen spontaneously, putting activities on an agenda is a sure way to make sure they actually happen. Schedule time for fishing, family hikes, geocaching, rock climbing, and more. This is a great way to connect with the landscape and each other.
- Plan a photography excursion: Thanks to social media, kids are naturally into photography as a way to share their experiences. Lean into this while traveling and find unique spots to visit, giving your kids new backdrops and focal points. Sometimes, scouting out the World’s Biggest Ball of Twine is worth the effort.
All of these activities and tips can help connect your kids with the great outdoors, but they can also accomplish a secret side mission: Connecting the kids with YOU! By engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, kids can stay active, learn about nature, and enjoy endless adventures. Embrace the freedom and excitement of RVing, and watch as your kids thrive in the fresh air and open spaces.
