When planning your next outdoor adventure, knowing the things to do when camping with family can turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable experience. Camping isn’t just about tents and s’mores—it’s about slowing down, laughing together, and creating memories that outlast the campfire glow. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, finding activities that engage everyone is key to a successful trip.
In this guide, we’ll share a curated list of fun, meaningful, and age-appropriate ideas that will keep the whole crew happy—from sunrise hikes to starlit storytelling. Let’s make your next family camping trip one for the books.
Preparing for a Family Camping Trip
Before the adventure begins, a little planning can make a big difference. Family camping is most enjoyable when everyone feels safe, comfortable, and excited about what’s ahead. Preparation ensures that the fun stays high—and the stress stays low.
Choose the Right Campground
Not all campsites are created equal. When camping with kids or a multi-generational group, look for:
- Family-friendly amenities like restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and playgrounds
- On-site activities such as kayaking, nature trails, or planned activities
- Level, shaded sites for easier tent/RV setup and comfort
- Safe surroundings, including clear signage, well-lit paths, and helpful staff
Plan for the Unexpected
Spring showers? Bored teens? Hungry toddlers? They happen. Pack for variable weather, bring layers, and prepare quick meals everyone enjoys. Consider making a flexible itinerary to keep the day flowing while leaving room for spontaneity.
Involve Everyone
Let each family member choose at least one activity or meal for the trip. It builds excitement and ensures everyone feels included.
With the right location and a thoughtful plan, your camping trip becomes more than a getaway—it becomes a family tradition in the making.
Activities for Young Children (Ages 3–7)
Camping with little ones can be pure magic—if you have the right activities. At this age, kids are naturally curious and imaginative, so the goal is to tap into that energy with hands-on fun that keeps them engaged and connected to the outdoors.
Nature Scavenger Hunts
Turn a simple walk into an exciting adventure. Create a list of easy-to-spot items like a pinecone, a feather, something red, or a funny-shaped rock. Give your child a paper bag or small basket and let them “hunt” around the campsite or trail. It’s a fun way to develop observational skills while teaching respect for nature (remind them to leave living things where they are).
Storytelling and Campfire Songs
As the sun sets and the fire crackles, it’s the perfect time to gather the little ones for storytime. Tell silly or gentle bedtime tales, sing classic campfire songs, or let them make up their own stories. This simple tradition helps calm their energy, sparks creativity, and strengthens family bonds.
Resort Recreational Activities (Arts & Crafts)
If you’re staying at a campground with organized activities, check the schedule for arts and crafts sessions. These staff-led workshops often include painting, bracelet-making, tie-dye, or decorating keepsakes. At Campland on the Bay, we’ve designed these activities with kids in mind—easy, hands-on, and lots of fun.
These sessions are great for:
- Creative play during slower parts of the day
- Making new friends at the craft table
- Bringing home handmade souvenirs
It’s a perfect way to keep little hands busy while encouraging imagination and connection.
Activities for Older Children (Ages 8–12)
Kids in this age range are adventurous, curious, and eager to test their independence—making camping the perfect opportunity to channel that energy into fun, skill-building activities.
Hiking and Exploration
Plan age-appropriate hikes that offer a bit of challenge but are still manageable. Choose trails with cool features like waterfalls, overlooks, or wildlife spotting. Along the way, teach them how to read trail markers, basic map skills, and facts about local plants or animals. It’s a great chance to turn a hike into an outdoor classroom—without it feeling like school.
Fishing
Fishing is both relaxing and rewarding, especially when kids catch their first fish. Start with the basics: how to cast, reel in, and handle a fish gently. Go over safety rules and how to respect the water and wildlife. Even if they don’t catch anything, the peaceful time by the water becomes a memory they’ll carry for years. Many campgrounds have fishing spots available within the resort grounds!
Orienteering Challenges
Give older kids a compass and a simple map (or create your own scavenger hunt-style course) and send them on a mini orienteering adventure. Teach them how to find cardinal directions, read simple topography, and navigate to specific points. It builds confidence, independence, and real-world problem-solving skills—disguised as pure fun.
Activities for Teenagers (Ages 13–17)
Teenagers crave challenge, independence, and purpose—and a camping trip is a great place to give them all three. With the right mix of adventure and responsibility, they’ll stay engaged and feel like a valuable part of the family experience.
Adventure Sports
Older teens are ready for more physical and skill-based challenges. Consider activities like kayaking, pedal boating, or even paddleboarding if available nearby. These sports build confidence, coordination, and respect for nature—plus, they’re just plain fun. Make sure to emphasize safety and provide proper equipment. Look for campgrounds with on-site adventure rentals.
Photography Projects
Turn screen time into creativity time by encouraging teens to document the trip through photography. Give them a smartphone, camera, or even a disposable film camera and challenge them to capture moments—scenery, wildlife, family fun, or campsite details. They can create a photo album, a slideshow, or even a blog post to share after the trip. It’s a great way to help them reflect and express themselves.
Leadership Roles
Teens thrive when they feel trusted. Let them help plan meals, lead a hike, manage a campfire, or take younger siblings under their wing. These small leadership roles build life skills and show them they’re not just along for the ride—they’re part of what makes the trip special.
Activities for Adults
Camping isn’t just for the kids—adults deserve their own dose of joy, peace, and play. Whether you’re looking to unwind, get creative, or simply enjoy nature at a slower pace, these activities are designed to help parents and caregivers recharge while still being part of the fun.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
Take advantage of the quiet moments outdoors to center yourself. A few minutes of morning yoga by the water, a mindful breathing session under the trees, or a silent sunset walk can do wonders. Nature offers the perfect backdrop for meditation and grounding practices that leave you refreshed, not drained.
Cooking and Campfire Recipes
Leave the basic hot dogs behind and elevate your outdoor meals. Try foil-packet dinners, cast iron skillet nachos, or gooey campfire banana boats. Involve the whole family in prepping ingredients, or make it your time to shine. Cooking over a fire adds a layer of fun and flavor you just don’t get at home.
Have Fun!
If your campground has planned activities, join in on the fun! From BINGO to trivia to live entertainment, many campground resorts offer planned fun for all ages. Look for campgrounds that cater activities to all ages.
Group Activities for the Whole Family
Some of the best camping memories come from the moments everyone shares together. Group activities bring the whole family into the fun, bridging ages and personalities through laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition. Here are a few crowd-pleasers that turn simple moments into unforgettable experiences.
Campfire Cooking Competitions
Put your family’s creativity to the test with a campfire cook-off! Divide into teams and give each group a few basic ingredients—then let the culinary magic begin. Whether it’s the best s’more variation or a clever foil-pack dinner, everyone gets to taste and vote. It’s delicious fun with a side of teamwork.
Nighttime Astronomy Sessions
When the sky darkens, the real show begins. Lie back with blankets and use a stargazing app or constellation map to spot the stars. See who can find the Big Dipper first or tell stories about the constellations. It’s peaceful, awe-inspiring, and a perfect way to wind down together.
Team Sports and Games
Keep the energy high during the day with family-friendly games like frisbee, soccer, tag, or relay races. If space allows, set up a mini “camp Olympics” with challenges like sack races or water balloon tosses. It’s a great way to stay active, laugh a lot, and build stronger bonds.
Why Campland on the Bay Is the Ultimate Family Camping Destination
If you’re looking for a place that blends fun, relaxation, and unforgettable moments for all ages, Campland on the Bay in San Diego is the answer. Nestled along the shores of Mission Bay, this family-friendly resort-style campground is packed with activities and amenities that truly offer something for everyone.
Amenities That Make Life Easy
Campland offers full hook-up RV sites, tent camping options, clean restrooms, laundry facilities, and even a market for last-minute essentials. Add in a café, an ice cream parlor, and a cantina with live entertainment, and you’ve got everything you need without ever leaving the grounds.
Activities for All Ages
- Kids love the playground, skate park, and planned activities.
- Teens can enjoy paddleboarding, bike rentals, volleyball courts, the game room, and camper favorite – dodgeball!
- Parents can relax with live music, happy hour, yoga sessions, or a peaceful stroll along the bay.
- Whole-family activities include bonfires, movie nights, and “Campland Rocks” live shows.
Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or kayaking at sunrise, Campland offers the perfect mix of high-energy adventure and laid-back coastal vibes. It’s more than a campground—it’s where family traditions are made.
Make Every Camping Trip Count
Family camping is more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to unplug, reconnect, and make memories that last a lifetime. With the right mix of activities for every age, your trip can be both relaxing and wildly fun. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving downtime, or hoping for a bit of both, there’s one place that delivers it all: Campland on the Bay. From sunup paddleboarding to starlit s’mores, it’s the ultimate family-friendly escape. Ready to make your next camping trip unforgettable? Book your stay at Campland on the Bay today—and let the good times roll.
