Looking for some exciting activities to enjoy during your glamping trip with the whole family? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of 10 family-friendly glamping activities that are perfect for all ages. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful relaxation, there’s something here for everyone. From hiking and swimming in pristine natural surroundings to stargazing and roasting marshmallows by the campfire, you’ll have no shortage of unforgettable experiences to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Get ready for a glamping adventure like no other!
1. Outdoor Adventure Activities
Nature hikes
Nature hikes are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while getting some exercise. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails! Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through a scenic forest or a challenging uphill climb to a breathtaking viewpoint, there are plenty of options for everyone. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife and take the time to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors.
Bike trails
Hop on your bicycles and explore the wonders of nature on two wheels! Bike trails offer a thrilling adventure through wooded areas, along rivers, or even in picturesque countryside. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or an adrenaline-pumping mountain biking excursion, there is a trail suited for everyone’s skill level. Bike through beautiful scenery, feel the wind in your hair, and enjoy the sense of freedom that only comes with cycling.
Canoeing/kayaking
Take to the water and enjoy the tranquility of canoeing or kayaking. Glide along calm lakes or gentle rivers, taking in the sights and sounds of the natural world around you. Paddle at your own pace, breathing in the fresh air and feeling connected to nature. This activity provides an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife up close and personal, as you silently navigate through their habitats.
Fishing
For those looking to unwind and enjoy a peaceful activity, fishing is the perfect choice. Cast your line into a serene lake or river, relax, and wait for the fish to bite. Fishing is not only a great way to bond with family and friends but also allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures it offers. Don’t forget to check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits before casting your line.
Geocaching
If you’re ready to embark on a modern-day treasure hunt, geocaching is the perfect activity for you. Using a GPS device or smartphone, follow the coordinates to hidden containers, or “geocaches,” which are placed in various locations. Engage your problem-solving skills and embark on an adventure that combines technology and nature. Geocaching is an exciting activity that encourages exploration and discovery while spending quality time outdoors.
2. Campfire Fun
Roasting marshmallows for s’mores
No camping experience is complete without gathering around a campfire and roasting marshmallows for delicious s’mores. Enjoy the warm glow of the fire as you skewer a marshmallow and watch it slowly turn golden brown. Combine it with a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers, and you have the perfect gooey treat. This simple activity brings joy to people of all ages and is a must-do when camping.
Campfire storytelling
Gather around the campfire and let your imagination run wild with captivating stories. Pass down family traditions or create new tales together. Each person can take turns sharing their favorite story, whether it’s a spooky ghost story, a heartwarming anecdote, or a thrilling adventure. Let the flickering flames and dark surroundings set the stage for an evening of shared tales and cherished memories.
Campfire cooking
Cooking over a campfire is an experience like no other. From foil-wrapped meals to cooking on a cast-iron skillet, there are endless possibilities for delicious campfire cooking. Prepare hearty meals with the crackling fire as your stove, savoring the unique flavors that only campfire cooking can provide. Whether you’re grilling vegetables, searing juicy steaks, or baking delectable desserts in a Dutch oven, campfire cooking is sure to satisfy your taste buds and create lasting memories.
Playing campfire games
Keep the fun going around the campfire with a variety of interactive games. From classic games like charades and I Spy to more unique camping-themed games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Laugh, bond, and create a lighthearted atmosphere as you compete in friendly challenges and enjoy quality time together. Campfire games are a wonderful way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with loved ones in a relaxed and entertaining setting.
Stargazing
End your day around the campfire by gazing up at the night sky. Away from the city lights, the stars shine brightly, creating a mesmerizing celestial display. Lie back on a blanket or in a comfortable camping chair and let the wonders of the universe captivate you. Try to spot constellations, make a wish upon a shooting star, or simply appreciate the vastness of the cosmos. Stargazing is a peaceful and awe-inspiring activity that reminds us of the beauty and vastness of our universe.
3. Nature Crafts and DIY
Leaf and flower pressing
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by taking up the craft of leaf and flower pressing. Collect fallen leaves, vibrant petals, and other botanical treasures to create unique and artistic designs. Pressing flowers and leaves allows you to preserve nature’s fleeting beauty and create lasting keepsakes. You can use these pressed plants to make beautiful bookmarks, greeting cards, or even frame them as elegant pieces of artwork.
Nature-inspired art
Unleash your creativity with nature-inspired art projects. Use natural materials such as pinecones, sticks, and leaves to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Paint rocks with intricate designs, or make sculptures out of fallen branches. Explore different art techniques and allow nature to be your muse. Nature-inspired art not only provides a creative outlet but also allows you to appreciate the intricate details and patterns found in the natural world.
Rock painting
Take a walk through nature and collect smooth rocks of various shapes and sizes. With some paintbrushes and acrylic paint, transform these rocks into pieces of art. Let your imagination soar as you depict landscapes, animals, or abstract designs. Once dried, these colorful creations can be scattered around the campsite or brought home as sweet reminders of your time spent in nature.
Creating nature journals
Encourage a love for nature and writing by creating nature journals. With a blank notebook or sketchbook, document your observations, sketches, and thoughts about the natural world around you. Whether you’re noting the plants and animals you encounter, describing the sounds of the forest, or reflecting on the beauty of a sunset, a nature journal allows you to fully engage with your surroundings. Over time, it becomes a cherished keepsake and a record of your outdoor adventures.
Building birdhouses
Engage in a DIY project that benefits both birds and your family’s enjoyment. Building birdhouses allows you to create a safe haven for feathered friends while offering an opportunity to observe their behavior up close. Provide shelter, warmth, and nesting opportunities for local birds by constructing birdhouses out of wood or recycled materials. Hang the finished houses around your campsite and delight in the sights and sounds of birds making them their homes.
4. Wildlife watching
Birdwatching
Discover the fascinating world of birds by engaging in the activity of birdwatching. Armed with a pair of binoculars and a field guide, venture out into nature to spot and identify different species of birds. Listen to their melodic songs, marvel at their vibrant plumage, and observe their graceful flight patterns. Birdwatching not only allows you to learn about avian biodiversity but also provides a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature and appreciate its delicate balance.
Spotting local wildlife
Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife as you explore the great outdoors. From deer grazing in meadows to squirrels scurrying up trees, there is always a chance encounter waiting to be had. Be patient, move quietly, and respect the animals’ space. Observing wildlife in their natural habitat is a gentle reminder of the importance of conservation and the interconnectedness of all living creatures.
Going on guided nature tours
If you’re eager to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area, consider joining a guided nature tour. Experienced guides can provide valuable insights and knowledge about the local ecosystem. They will lead you to prime wildlife viewing spots and share interesting facts about the plants, animals, and geological features you come across. Guided nature tours offer a wonderful opportunity to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the environment.
Identifying animal tracks
Become a nature detective and hone your skills in identifying animal tracks. As you stroll along hiking trails or explore the wilderness, keep an eye on the ground for footprints, paw prints, or signs of animals passing through. Determine the species responsible for leaving these tracks by observing their size, shape, and pattern. Identifying animal tracks not only adds excitement to outdoor adventures but also offers insight into the variety of wildlife that inhabits the area.
Butterfly and insect observation
Delve into the fascinating world of butterflies and insects by observing their behavior and interactions. Butterfly watching is a delightful activity that allows you to appreciate the graceful flight patterns and vibrant colors of these delicate creatures. Similarly, observing insects such as bees, dragonflies, and ants provides an opportunity to understand their roles in the ecosystem. Learn about their habitats, feeding habits, and the crucial contributions they make to the natural world.
5. Outdoor Games and Sports
Badminton
Engage in a friendly and energetic game of badminton with family and friends. Set up a net and take turns rallying the shuttlecock without letting it touch the ground. Badminton is a versatile sport that can be played at any skill level and provides an excellent way to exercise and have fun outdoors. Enjoy the camaraderie and friendly competition as you try to outmaneuver each other and score points.
Frisbee
Unleash your inner athlete and toss around a Frisbee. Whether you’re playing a game of catch or engaging in an exhilarating game of Ultimate Frisbee, this activity guarantees plenty of movement and laughter. Develop your throwing skills, strategize with teammates, and enjoy the excitement as you engage in this classic outdoor game.
Soccer
Gather a group of friends or family members and enjoy a spirited game of soccer. Set up makeshift goals and let the friendly rivalry begin. Run, kick, and cheer as you compete in a sport that is beloved worldwide. Soccer not only offers physical exercise but also promotes teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.
Volleyball
Set up a volleyball net and get ready for some bumping, setting, and spiking. Volleyball is a popular team sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Engage in friendly competition, improve your hand-eye coordination, and get a great workout as you dive, jump, and soar to keep the ball in play. Whether you play on the beach or in a grassy field, volleyball is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while having fun with others.
Croquet
Embrace a leisurely yet competitive game with croquet. Set up your hoops, grab your mallets, and embark on a strategic journey of skill and precision. Navigate your ball through the designated course, aiming to be the first to hit the center peg. Croquet is a game that encourages friendly competition and lets players enjoy the beauty of their surroundings as they engage in friendly banter and strategize their shots.
6. Campsite Cooking
Preparing campfire meals
Campsite cooking is an opportunity to get creative with your meals while enjoying the rustic charm of cooking over an open flame. From hearty stews simmering in Dutch ovens to mouthwatering foil packet meals cooked directly in the fire, there are endless options for outdoor culinary delights. Embrace the simplicity of cooking with basic ingredients and let the smoky aroma enhance the flavors of your meals.
Cooking foil packet recipes
Foil packet cooking is a convenient and delicious method of preparing meals at the campsite. Simply wrap your choice of protein, vegetables, and seasonings in aluminum foil and cook it directly on the fire or grill. The result is a flavorful and tender dish that requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re making foil packet seafood, foil packet fajitas, or foil packet breakfast hash, this cooking method is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Outdoor grilling
Enjoy the experience of outdoor grilling by cooking up your favorite meats, vegetables, and even fruits over an open flame. The sizzle and aroma of food on the grill create an irresistible atmosphere, as you watch your meal transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you prefer juicy burgers, perfectly seared steaks, or grilled seasonal vegetables, outdoor grilling allows you to savor the unique taste and texture that only cooking over an open flame can provide.
Making campfire pizzas
Satisfy your cravings for pizza while camping by making delicious campfire pizzas. Use pre-made pizza dough or wrap premade pizza crusts in aluminum foil and toast them over the fire. Top the crusts with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, and let the heat from the fire melt the cheese into gooey perfection. Campfire pizzas are customizable and offer endless possibilities for creating the perfect combination of flavors.
Cooking over a Dutch oven
Experience the versatility of cooking with a Dutch oven, a cast-iron pot with a lid that can be used for a variety of campfire cooking techniques. Use it to bake bread, simmer soups and stews, roast meats, or even cook desserts. The cast-iron material ensures even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, allowing you to create mouthwatering meals in the great outdoors. Cooking with a Dutch oven adds an element of tradition and nostalgia to your camping experience.
7. Scavenger Hunts
Nature scavenger hunt
Engage in a thrilling outdoor adventure with a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of natural items for participants to find, such as pinecones, different types of leaves, or specific animal tracks. Armed with the list, venture into the wilderness and search for these items, competing against others or working together as a team. Nature scavenger hunts ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity and offer an exciting way to explore the environment.
Photo scavenger hunt
Combine the fun of scavenger hunts with the art of photography by embarking on a photo scavenger hunt. Create a list of specific photos to capture, such as a sunset, a unique rock formation, or a specific plant species. Armed with a camera or smartphone, explore your surroundings and snap away. Compare your photos at the end, sharing the moments and stories captured within each frame. Photo scavenger hunts offer a creative and memorable way to document your outdoor adventures.
Treasure hunt
Spark the spirit of adventure with a treasure hunt. Hide trinkets, small toys, or little surprises around the campsite or designated area. Create a map or clues leading participants to each hidden treasure. Let the excitement build as everyone follows the trail and searches eagerly for hidden gems. Treasure hunts foster a sense of exploration, encourage problem-solving skills, and guarantee smiles of delight when treasures are discovered.
Animal-themed scavenger hunt
Educate and entertain with an animal-themed scavenger hunt. Create a list of different animals or animal tracks to find, encouraging participants to observe their surroundings and learn about the local wildlife. Armed with field guides or online resources, identify the animals or tracks and mark them off the list. Animal-themed scavenger hunts engage participants in nature, teach them about ecology, and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse creatures that call the outdoors their home.
Campsite scavenger hunt
Transform your campsite into a treasure trove of hidden surprises with a campsite scavenger hunt. Hide little trinkets, toys, or special goodies around your campsite, creating a sense of wonder and delight for everyone involved. Participants can search high and low, exploring every nook and cranny as they uncover the hidden treasures. Campsite scavenger hunts add an extra dose of excitement and fun to your camping experience.
8. Relaxation and Wellness
Yoga sessions
Unwind and rejuvenate your mind and body with yoga sessions in the great outdoors. Find a serene spot amidst nature and roll out your yoga mat or simply use the grass as your natural yoga mat. Engage in gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and calming meditation as you connect with the earth beneath you. Yoga sessions in nature provide an opportunity to find balance, release tension, and embrace the peacefulness of your surroundings.
Meditation in nature
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by practicing meditation in nature. Find a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Let the sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling, and water flowing guide you into a state of stillness and presence. The natural surroundings create a calming atmosphere, allowing you to disconnect from the outside world and connect with your inner self.
Outdoor spa treatments
Indulge in a luxurious spa experience surrounded by the beauty of nature. Set up a relaxing outdoor spa area complete with comfy lounge chairs, scented candles, and soothing music. Treat yourself to facials, foot massages, or even homemade body scrubs using natural ingredients like coconut oil, sugar, and essential oils. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit as you pamper yourself in a tranquil outdoor oasis.
Starlit massages
Enhance your relaxation experience by treating yourself to a massage under the stars. Find a cozy spot outdoors and lie down on a comfortable massage table or blanket. Allow skilled hands to work their magic, soothing tired muscles and promoting overall wellness. The peaceful ambiance of the night sky adds an enchanting touch to your massage, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.
Relaxing by a natural water feature
Whether it’s a lake, river, or waterfall, spending time by a natural water feature offers a soothing and tranquil experience. Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down and let the gentle sound of flowing water wash away any stress or worries. Take deep breaths, close your eyes, and allow the cool breeze and calming ambiance to envelop you. Relaxing by a natural water feature is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature and promote a sense of peace and well-being.
9. Campfire Performances
Family talent show
Put on a family talent show around the campfire and showcase your individual skills and talents. Sing, dance, play musical instruments, recite poetry, or perform a skit. Encourage each family member to share their unique abilities, fostering a supportive and positive environment. The family talent show is a great way to celebrate each other’s strengths, boost confidence, and create lasting memories.
Singing and playing musical instruments
Gather around the campfire and let the music flow as you sing and play musical instruments. Whether you have a guitar, ukulele, or even homemade percussion instruments, let your voices and melodies harmonize with the crackling fire. Sing familiar campfire songs or create your own tunes, letting the music create a joyful and heartfelt atmosphere.
Shadow puppets
Engage in a classic form of entertainment with shadow puppets. Use your hands to create various shapes and characters against the backdrop of a campfire. Bring stories to life, act out scenes, and let your imagination run wild as the shadows dance and flicker. Shadow puppets foster creativity, encourage storytelling, and add an element of playfulness to your evenings around the campfire.
Storytelling performances
Let your storytelling skills shine as you captivate your audience with tales of adventure, mystery, or laughter. Share personal anecdotes, folktales, or even create your own stories on the spot. Keep the fire’s glow as your backdrop and let the flickering flames enhance the atmosphere of suspense or excitement. Storytelling performances not only entertain but also strengthen the bonds between listeners and storytellers.
Improv games
Spark laughter and spontaneity with improv games around the campfire. Engage in exercises that require quick thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Play games like “Yes, and…” to build on each other’s ideas, or try “Story Circle” where each person contributes a sentence to create an improvised story. Improv games promote teamwork, boost confidence, and create an environment filled with laughter and joy.
10. Nature Photography
Capturing beautiful landscapes
Allow your creative eye to capture the beauty of the natural landscapes around you. Grab your camera or smartphone and explore the surroundings, seeking out breathtaking vistas, stunning sunrises or sunsets, and picturesque natural features. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and perspectives to truly capture the essence and majesty of the outdoors. Through photography, you can preserve the fleeting beauty of nature and share it with others.
Macro photography of plants and insects
Zoom in on the intricate details of the natural world with macro photography. Capture the delicate petals of a flower, the intricate patterns on a butterfly’s wings, or the texture of an insect’s exoskeleton. Macro photography reveals the beauty that often goes unnoticed by the naked eye, allowing you to appreciate the small wonders that make up the larger ecosystem.
Wildlife photography
Embark on a wildlife photography expedition and document the animals that call the great outdoors their home. Whether it’s birds soaring through the sky, deer grazing peacefully, or squirrels darting through the trees, capturing wildlife in their natural habitat offers a glimpse into their captivating lives. Patience, observation, and an understanding of animal behavior are the keys to successfully photographing wildlife.
Time-lapse photography
Unleash your creativity and experiment with time-lapse photography. Capture the movement of clouds, the changing colors of a sunset, or the growth of plants over time. Time-lapse photography allows you to condense hours or even days into a captivating sequence, revealing the subtle changes that occur in the natural world. This technique adds excitement and visual interest to your photography collection.
Night sky photography
Capture the beauty of the night sky by venturing into astrophotography. Set up your camera on a tripod and use long exposure techniques to capture stars, constellations, and even the dazzling display of the Milky Way. Experiment with different settings, lenses, and composition to create stunning images that showcase the awe-inspiring vastness of the universe.
In conclusion, glamping offers an array of family-friendly activities to enjoy in the great outdoors. From outdoor adventure activities like nature hikes and bike trails to nature crafts and DIY projects such as leaf pressing and rock painting, there is something to engage everyone. Campfire fun, wildlife watching, outdoor games and sports, campsite cooking, and scavenger hunts add excitement and camaraderie to your glamping experience. Take time to relax and connect with nature while practicing yoga or meditation, and end your nights with campfire performances and nature photography. Glamping provides the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories and cultivate a love for nature that can be passed down through generations. So grab your gear, gather your loved ones, and embark on a glamping adventure that combines the best of both worlds – luxury and the great outdoors. Happy glamping!
