Games can be the perfect way to unwind for a lazy afternoon at your campsite, make a rainy night not so miserable, or satisfy your thirst for adventure when you can’t be out on the trail.
But before you go out and buy each every game you think might entertain your kids this summer (guilty), here are my recommendations for the best camping games for families.
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Best Camping Board Games for Families
There’s a few things to consider when you’re packing camping games – you’ll want to consider its size, durability, and make sure it’s not the end of the world if you lose a piece (or two). These camping games fit all those criteria (and are fun to play too!)
Uno Wilderness
Growing up, I spent hundreds of hours playing UNO on rainy camping nights. The wilderness edition adds a fun twist. Early elementary school to adults.
Spot It! Camping
Spot It! comes is an easy and fun “I spy” type game with several game variations to keep you from getting bored when playing camping games with your family. It comes in a sturdy tin, and is fun for all ages.
Spot It! comes in several different versions, and I usually have at least one in my car. Check out the waterproof Splash version for extra durability. Check out Spot It! Fishing too. Preschool to adults.
Sushi Go!
Gamewright makes fantastic games that are easy for young kids to pick up, and are still enjoyable for adults. Sushi Go! is one of our favorites, and great for math practice. Reading skills are not strictly necessary.
Qwirkle
Qwirkle’s wooden tiles make it easy to play on a picnic table when you’re camping. No reading skills are necessary, and it’s a great way to learn about patterns. Early elementary school and up.
Quiddler
Scrabble is not exactly an easy game to take camping, so if you’re a fan of word games, check out Quiddler. A bonus for kids – unlike Scrabble, you aren’t going for long and compliciated words. Quiddler focuses more on short words. Mid elementary school and up.
Mancala
Mancala is an ancient and timeless game that is quick to learn and relaxing to play. If you lose the pieces do Mancala, don’t worry. A few stones or seashells make easy replacements if you lose them camping. All ages – the core concept is easy for youngsters to pick up, even if strategy will lag a few years behind.
Games to learn about the outdoors
Games are a great way for kids to learn. Here are some our favorite nature-education camping games.
Bird Bingo
If you’re a fan of Bingo, this series will help your family learn animal names. Check out Bug Bingo and Ocean Bingo too. Preschool and up.
Professor Noggin’s Trivia Games
There are Professor Noggin games for virtually every topic. Check out the wildlife, birds, and insects if you want to learn about the fauna around you. Earth science is another option to interest outdoor kids. Reading skills necessary, or adult help.
Birds of Prey
This is a print-n-play game, and basically the same format as card game War. But the fun bird facts on each card provide extra entertainment. Reading is not strictly necessary to play the game so it’s acceptable for preschool ages (if they can recognize number values), and readers who want to learn bird facts.
Photosynthesis
While you probably won’t want to take this one with you camping (there’s lots of little pieces), this Mensa Select winning board game teaches about the life cycle of trees and plants. Upper elementary school to adults.
Wildcraft!
Wildcraft is an educational board game that teaches about 25 medicinal and edible plants. There’s no reading required, so young players can join in. Preschool and up.
Board games for rainy days at home
Trekking the National Parks
This is a favorite among board game enthusiasts, campers and non-campers alike. Since none of us are traveling as much as we would want to this summer, this game can help satisfy your wanderlust. Also check out National Parks Trivia by the same creators. Elementary school to adults.
Toasted or Roasted
If you are craving s’mores and campfires, check out Toasted or Roasted. Opponents can rain on your campfire, blow it out, or burn your marshmallow. Elementary school and up.
Nature Fluxx
Fluxx is a fast moving card game that comes in several different varieties. The rules change as you play the game! I love the look of the nature version. Upper elementary school to adults.
Camping Games for Families: Eco-Friendly Focus
Of course, we don’t our love of games to hurt the places we love to play them. These are our favorite games from eco-conscious makers.
Dinosaur Escape
This is hands down one of my children’s favorite games. It’s a fairly simple cooperative memory game, with only a few plastic pieces. If you have preschoolers who like dinosaurs, they will love this game. Preschool to early elementary schoool.
Race to the Treasure
This completely plastic-free cooperative game is another one of our favorites. As a bonus, kids can learn a few navigational skills, like learning coordinates and building paths. Preschool to early elementary school.
Lion in my Way
If you want to get kids laughing, and encourage an adventurous spirit, Lion in my Way is fun way to encourage creative problem solving and story-telling. Kids come up with ways to use silly objects to traverse various obstacles. The solutions might not be practical, but they will be fun. Preschool and up.
Camping card games
Super Fun Family Card Games
As much as my family LOVES board games, sometimes I think that I should have never introduced them to anything beyond a classic deck of cards. After all, there are so many games you can play! If you want to pack light, this book can help you learn plenty of card games to play while camping.
Stack the Scoops
This game is a super fun way to beat the heat on hot camping trips dreaming of ice cream. For kids aged 5-12+, my whole family loves this game. I also love that it was made by Amelia’s friend Astrid (so supports a small business!)
Related Posts:
- Best toys for camping
- Camping and Backpacking for Families
- Camping with Kids Hacks
- 5 Ways to Add Fun to the Campsite
- Best Gifts for Camping Lovers
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