Fun activities that liven up a camp: recreational games
When you go camping, you set up the tent, have a barbecue, and then…
Huh? What should we do next? There’s actually a lot of time until sunset—this situation happens more often than you’d think.
So in this article, we’ll introduce fun activities, games, and recreational ideas for times like that.
They’re enjoyable for everyone from kids to adults, so be sure to check them out before you head out! Whether it’s an adults-only trip, a camp with a bunch of kids, or a family outing, if you know activities that anyone can enjoy regardless of age, you’ll be set even when there’s downtime during your camp!
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Fun activities that liven up a camp: Recreation games (91–100)
fishing
If you’re near the sea, try rock fishing; if you’re near a river, go for stream fishing—finding a campsite where you can’t fish is actually rare.
Many people camp specifically to enjoy fishing.
During your free time at camp, whether you’re an old hand or a beginner, have fun casting a line.
As long as it’s not a no-fishing zone, you can even eat your catch on the spot—two birds with one stone.
If you’re not keen on cleaning fish, practice catch and release instead.
If you’re new to it, give fly fishing or lure fishing a try!
Sharks & Castaways
Draw one large circle and three small circles on the ground, and divide the group into one shark and the rest as castaways.
The large circle is an island; the small circles are rescue boats.
The castaways start running from the island, aiming for the rescue boats.
The shark tries to catch the castaways.
Anyone caught becomes a shark.
Repeat several times; when only one castaway remains, that last person is the winner!
slacklining
Slacklining is a pastime where you enjoy balancing on a narrow, belt-like line.
It has spread worldwide, with events like the Slackline World Cup held in the United States.
It’s hard at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a lot of fun—highly recommended.
You can set it up between two trees and enjoy it, making it perfect for camping! Start low to the ground so you won’t get hurt if you fall.
Mountain board
Would it help to imagine it as a skateboard with bigger wheels? Since the wheels are large, off-road terrain is no problem! You can enjoy it anywhere there’s a slope.
Be sure to wear a helmet and pads so you don’t get hurt if you fall.
Command Game
Simple yet exciting.
For example, if the leader says “Command: raise your right hand” while raising their right hand, the participants should imitate and raise their right hand.
However, if the leader says “lower your right hand” while lowering their right hand, you must not imitate them.
That’s because when the phrase doesn’t start with “Command,” imitation is forbidden.
Listen carefully to the commands.
playing on the rocky shore
If you’re camping near the ocean, how about some tide pooling? The sea views are beautiful, and swimming or getting up close with marine life is fun for both adults and kids! Playing with things you find in nature can be surprisingly entertaining, too.
Pick up a favorite seashell on the way back and you’ll have a little keepsake of your memories.
Why not be greedy and enjoy both the mountains and the sea?
Target practice with a bamboo-leaf popgun
Let’s make a bamboo pop gun and try a target-shooting game! First, gather bamboo grass (sasa).
You’ll insert a thinner piece into a thicker one, so collect plenty in various sizes and thicknesses.
Choose a piece that fits snugly inside another, insert it, and pack one end with splinters or scraps to fix it in place, leaving the other end free to slide smoothly.
Stuff a wadded, damp tissue into the tube, and when you push with the fixed bamboo, it pops out with a satisfying sound—pop! Make some targets and try knocking them down.
You can even assign points to the targets and compete!
