Fun Camping Games for Kids
- Kids love outdoor games.group of kids playing image by Cristina Cazan from Fotolia.com
Camping games give children the opportunity to experience the things they cannot get from a computer game. They get kids active, using leg muscles instead of finger movements. The games foster exploration of nature and stretch the imagination. Camping games can be used by small or large groups. The cost is nothing except the willingness to have fun. - Granny’s Footsteps is played with one player as Granny, while the rest of the group stands in a line behind Granny’s back. On cue, the players try to sneak up on Granny and touch her back. After counting to 30 silently, Granny can turn around and try to catch the players moving. If caught, a player goes back to the beginning. First player to reach Granny takes her spot.
“Honey, if you love me…” begins with one person in the middle of a circle. This person starts by looking at a person in the circle and saying, “Honey, if you love me you’ll smile.” The object is to get others to laugh or smile. The person identified must respond without laughing or smiling, saying, “Honey, I love you but I just can’t smile.” The person in the middle can do anything to make him smile, except touching him. If the person smiles or laughs, he moves to the middle of the circle. - Games can be played indoors and even in tents on a rainy day.
The Frog Game starts with everyone sitting in a circle. One person begins by saying “one frog." The next person adds “two eyes,” and the next person says “four legs.” The next person in line says “in the puddle,” and the last person says “ker-plop.” The game continues with the next person adding a frog and saying “two frogs.” The game progresses with “four eyes,” “eight legs,” “in the puddle, in the puddle” and “ker-plop, ker-plop.” The object is to see how many frogs can be added to the game without a mistake. It can be played to the beat of clapping hands.
Minute Mysteries is a game of intrigue. One person gives a clue and the group can ask questions one person at a time. Only yes or no questions can be asked. For example, the clue: The board is black and full of knowledge. What am I? The answer is chalkboard. - Write a list for a scavenger hunt. Make the items age appropriate and keep the group tightly together. One person moderates and sets a time limit. Some ideas for the hunt can include things that are red, slimy, or soft. Choose an area where lots of foliage and nature can be found.
The Silly Symphony game stirs the imagination. Tell each player to find an item or two that will create a sound when rubbed, banged, blown on, or scratched. Set a time limit to find the objects, and then gather in a circle. The conductor calls each person to the stage, where they tune their instruments. Songs can be picked by the group, and after each player has presented his solo, the group can play together as an orchestra.
