Fun family vacations are a staple of any summer, and if you’re like most people you’re probably already dreaming of your next trip. Family camping vacations are one of the most popular choices for Americans — in 2011, they spent 534.9 million days camping altogether. The only problem with planning a family camping trip is that you need to plan at least a few fun activities, since kids these days are so accustomed to getting entertainment from electronics. Here are a few of the most popular camping activities that the whole family can participate in.
1. Water Sports
Since the weather is perfect for getting in the water, make sure to plan some water sport activities. Many family camping resorts offer a bunch of these — like boating and water slides and parks in pools or lakes. Remember to pack safety equipment like life jackets that fit everyone well and pack plenty of sunblock for the whole clan.
2. Hiking
The most popular activity to do during family camping vacations is hiking. Not only does this get the whole family together for some exercise, but you can also turn it into an educational experience as well. Pack a couple of books about the plants and wildlife in your region of the country and see how many of them you can identify on your hike. Just be sure to stay on designated paths on the family campgrounds and bring a map — just in case.
3. Food Preparation
Eating is usually a process when you’re camping, since you won’t have the convenience of a stove top or an oven at your disposal. Since family campsites usually have a grill space or designated fire pits, it’s not going to be tough to cook but you can make it a collaborative effort. Get the kids involved in prep and teach them how to cook over an open fire — while being cautious, of course. Moreover, the construction of Smores is always a fun family activity.
