Pitch the tent, roll out the sleeping bags and gather the kindling. It’s time to go camping!

Kids and camping are a natural fit. They love the novelty of sleeping outside, and the great outdoors is a natural classroom. Are you a camping novice, unsure of how you will entertain your children in the middle of the woods? For the most part, the children will entertain themselves, but if you need some ideas, try some of these activities:

1. Bring a book about star constellations to locate them in the sky at night.

2. Treasure hunt for local insects, small animals, rocks and plants.

3. Have a contest to see who can imitate the wildlife best.

4. Make chores into fun contests: Who can gather the most firewood, who can get their cleanups done first.

5. Use corn to catch fish.

6. Take photographs to show off to your friends.

7. Draw pictures of your favorite scenes.

8. Make finger puppet plays on the tent after dark with the flashlight.

9. Bring a book about rocks or plants/animals and see how many you can find.

10. Toss around a ball and Frisbee.

11. Bring binoculars to go bird watching or wildlife watching.

12. Bring a croquet set to set up and play around the campsite.

Source: Diana Perry