Activities for When It Rains While Camping

Just as you need to plan like crazy while camping, you need to plan just as much for the unthinkable – rain. There are many things that you can do impromptu if it rains, but it is also an excellent idea to be prepared for a rainy night or day in advance.


Take a Vote

Each family member should have a say about what he or she might like to do if it rains while out camping. Arguments and power struggles are just not fun while on a family getaway, so it is important to get everyone on to the same page as much as possible. 

Some of your family members may still like to participate in a boat ride or fishing if it is just drizzling a bit, while others may prefer the safety and warmth of the tent. Be sure to bring plenty of camping ponchos!

It is important to discuss this beforehand and let each family member know that he or she is responsible for bringing along something to keep them occupied if it does rain. Depending on the campsite, wireless internet and phone signals may not be a possibility. And this is not really what you went camping for anyway, is it?


Games of All Kinds

There are so many games to play and it's worth bringing some along just in case. Board games are always popular and everyone can bring one along or agree on just one or two.

• Cards are always fun to play for both kids and adults alike. There are so many old-fashioned card games that you will never be at a loss to find one that suits everyone’s tastes, and you will have loads of fun trying.

• Bingo is fun!  Seriously, who doesn't enjoy a good game of bingo?  It's not often it comes up as something to do with the family. Having some good travel games on hand is a must.

 

• Then there are the various word games such as naming a state, and then the next person has to name a state with the last letter of the previous state mentioned. Let's not forget "I Spy With My Little Eye"!

• Calling out names of people that start with each letter of the alphabet is always fun as well.  There is another name game that we used to play also.  With this one, each person has to come up with a 'verb word' to place in front of their name.  They need to say it out loud, and then perform the 'verb word' while saying it.  For example, "Dizzy Dana" has Dana spinning around in circles while saying her new name.

• Be sure to bring plenty of crayons, markers, paper, notebooks, and any other craft supplies that you know you will all enjoy creating things with.  Once you really get into the act of crafting as a family, you won't know where the time has gone!  And did you know they even make coloring books for grown ups now?  I know, I know ... it's fantastic!

Good, Old-Fashioned Book Reading

No tablets or e-readers.  This is your time to reconnect with the natural surroundings.  Re-wild your wild self.  Reading is a great option. Have everyone go to the library and pick out a book. Yes, a real book with pages and everything!  There is nothing quite like the look, feel, and smell of a well loved book.  It is incredibly soothing to spend some time reading at night by lantern or by day in the tent if it is raining.




Last but not Least...

If you have prepared properly, you will have a separate tent for eating under, with a zippered lining that closes. This protects food from animals and bugs, but also offers you a place to sit and eat.

There may be nothing better than to sit around and eat and talk in order to pass the time while waiting for the rain to stop.  In fact, you just might find that the rainy weather is the absolute perfect opportunity to spend quality time with each other.