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 games that liven up a camp: Recreation games (11–20)
electric water gun
When you play with water guns in the city, you have to be a bit considerate of people around you.
But out in nature, you can enjoy it without worrying about a thing! Water guns might sound like kids’ toys, but there are electric models now, so adults can have plenty of fun too.
It could be exciting to set up team battles that make use of the natural surroundings.
If you make it so getting hit even once means you lose, it turns into a pretty thrilling game.
Make a leaf vein specimen
When you go into the forest, you’ll find many different kinds of trees.
Likewise, you’ll see lots of different kinds of leaves on the ground.
So how about making a “leaf vein specimen”? It takes a bit of work to make the veins clearly visible, but if you do it during a summer camp, it can serve as an independent study project, and the sense of achievement when you finish will be all the greater for the effort.
It’s dangerous for children to make on their own, so be sure to do it together with an adult.
Catch
It’s a recreational game that you can play with groups, starting from just two people.
It’s a classic! No materials are needed, and once you learn it, anyone can play easily, so it’s highly recommended.
How to play: Hold both hands out in front of you.
Point only your right index finger downward, and make a loose fist with your left hand so there’s a gap in the center.
When someone says “Catch,” quickly put your right index finger into the gap of the person’s left hand.
It’s even more fun if you mix in trick calls—like saying “cabbage” instead of “catch” to fake people out.
slacklining
When you head out camping, you want to fully enjoy the great outdoors, right? How about going all-in on slacklining while you’re there? If you think of it as tightrope walking for sport or recreation, you’ll get the idea.
You’ve probably seen TV shows with segments like “Taking on a high-elevation slackline!!”.
Stretch the line over water and it becomes a waterline; do yoga on it and it turns into yoga slacklining.
Spending focused time just walking the line is such a luxury, if you ask me.
Choose the style that suits you best.
Camp Bingo
When it comes to classic party and event games, bingo is a staple, and it could be a hit at a camping trip as well.
You can buy bingo cards at 100-yen shops, so using store-bought ones is fine, or you can enjoy making them by hand with your kids! Adding camping-themed illustrations will boost the mood even more.
It’s bingo when you complete a line—vertical, horizontal, or diagonal! To get everyone even more excited, consider preparing some lavish prizes, one of the highlights of any bingo game.
SUP
SUP has become particularly visible recently—it stands for Stand Up Paddleboard.
You know those things where a person stands on a board like a surfboard? That’s exactly what it is.
Buying and transporting one can be a hassle, but many lakeside campsites and beaches have them available as rental gear.
If you spot one, give it a try.
Just paddling while standing is fun, and you can even do some simple stretches on the board and try SUP yoga.
In winter the water is cold, so be careful not to fall in.
Fun games to liven up your camp: Recreation games (21–30)
Red Light, Green Light
It’s a classic outdoor game.
You’re allowed to move only while the caller says “Daruma-san ga koronda,” and you win if you manage to tag the person who’s “it.” It’s more exciting with more players, so ideally play with a big group! You could also try tweaking the call itself.
If you’re at a spacious campsite, start from far away and give it a go.
