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 to liven up your camping trip: Recreation games (71–80)
canyoning
Canyoning is traveling downstream using only your body.
Slide down natural rock formations like a waterslide, jump into plunge pools, and experience nature with your whole body.
There are facilities nationwide with guides, so be sure to look them up.
Strider
How about playing with a pedal-less bicycle, a balance bike (Strider)? You push off the ground to move.
It’s recommended for little kids who can’t ride a regular bike yet.
If they get the hang of this, they’ll be able to ride a bicycle in no time.
There are even competitions held, so give it a try!
sport kite
Do you know what a sport kite is? A kite is the “tako” we fly in the sky at New Year’s in Japan, so a sport kite is basically the sport version of kite flying.
Some say it originally started as a target for U.S.
Navy gunnery practice.
Unlike ordinary kites, you control the kite freely in the air using two or four lines.
The fastest ones can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, which is pretty amazing.
You can find sport kites at specialty shops or even on Amazon.
They’re great to play with at a campground where there’s plenty of open space.
If you’re interested, give it a try!
Baked sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven
If you’re a regular camper, you probably own one or two Dutch ovens.
By the way, do you know what “Dutch” means here? There are various theories: that someone named Dutch invented it; that in English “Dutch” refers to the Dutch people who popularized it; or that “Dutch” can mean “imitation,” so it was called an “imitation oven,” and so on.
The mystery itself is part of the fun.
If you have a Dutch oven, making stone-baked sweet potatoes is a great idea.
Just place sweet potatoes wrapped in wet newspaper and aluminum foil onto stones heated piping hot—that’s it! Adjust the cooking time according to the size of the potatoes and the season.
Hiking
How about going for a hike along with your camping trip? Japan offers a variety of landscapes in every season.
Rather than seeing them in photos or videos, I think you’ll experience a special kind of awe by going there on your own two feet and engraving the real scenery in your memory.
Set the distance with the members’ ages and the day’s weather in mind, and have a great time!
bass fishing
If there’s a pond, river, or lake nearby, how about trying bass fishing? You use lures, which are bait made of plastic.
Consider the season, weather, and water temperature to figure out where the fish might be hiding.
It’s a very popular activity as a sport, too.
bungee jump
If you want to test your courage and guts, how about bungee jumping? You can experience a 100-meter free fall right here in Japan.
It sounds tough even if you’re not afraid of heights, doesn’t it? At a dizzying height, are you ready to take that first step?
Birdwatching
If you’ve got enough time to stay overnight in the mountains, birdwatching is also recommended.
You can set up a feeding spot with any fruit you have on hand, or simply stay quiet in a good environment and enjoy wild birds coming to you.
Don’t forget your binoculars when you go birdwatching!
Paraglider
Paragliding is an activity that lets you freely soar through the sky.
The exhilaration will undoubtedly become a lifelong memory.
There are facilities across the country where you can try it, so be sure to look them up.
Just don’t forget to check the weather before you go.
Rafting
Rafting is an activity where you ride a rubber boat down a raging river.
You can experience roller-coaster-like thrills out in nature.
It’s especially recommended during the peak summer heat, because no matter what you do, you’re going to get wet.
Be sure to try it with your family!