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)
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.
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.
Where are you from?
This is a game adapted from “Antagata Dokosa” that you can enjoy around a campfire.
Everyone holds hands and forms a circle around the fire.
Walk clockwise to the rhythm of the song, but whenever you hear the syllable “sa” in the lyrics, crouch down on the spot.
It’s important to listen carefully so you don’t make mistakes.
Another variation is to switch the walking direction from clockwise to counterclockwise every time you hear “sa,” and switch back the next time it comes up.
The faster the tempo, the more chaos and laughter ensue, making it a recreation that captivates both kids and adults.
Outdoor activities: fun games everyone can play together!
This is a game called “Catch.” Choose one person to be the leader, and have the other participants form a circle.
Hold out your right hand with the palm facing up toward the person on your right, and place your left index finger on the palm of the person to your left.
When the leader says “Catch,” quickly close your right hand, and with your left hand, try to pull your index finger away so it doesn’t get caught.
The leader should vary the timing by stretching out “Ca, ca, caaaatch…” or throw in feints by saying something like “Cat!” instead.
It’s a simple game that helps break the ice and get everyone excited, even with people you’re meeting for the first time.
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.
Magical Banana
Magical Banana started as a segment on a TV show and caught on, eventually becoming established as a recreational game.
It begins with the call, “Magical Banana—when you hear banana, what do you think of?” Players then answer with something associated with banana and keep linking associations.
If you miss the rhythm or say something that doesn’t fit the association, you’re out.
You can even prepare a penalty game!
Fun games to liven up your camp: Recreation games (21–30)
Drop the Handkerchief
Many people might have played this game called “korogaru” when they were in elementary school.
A large group sits in a circle.
The person who is ‘it’ walks around outside the circle, drops a handkerchief behind someone, and runs.
The person behind whom it was dropped chases the runner.
If the runner makes it all the way around the circle without being caught and reaches the spot where the other person was sitting, they switch roles.
The more people there are, the more fun it is.