Road Trips, Campfires & Curious Kids: Easy Ways to Entertain Under-10’s Outdoors

Travelling with kids under 10, especially when you’re heading off on an outdoor break, doesn’t
have to mean endless screen time, constant “are we there yet?” questions, or feeling like you’re
firefighting boredom from start to finish. With a few simple ideas up your sleeve, the road trip,
camping and everything in between can all feel like part of the adventure.
Whether you’re pitching a tent or opting for something a little more comfortable (this comparison
of camping versus glamping is a great read if you’re still deciding what suits your family best),
the key isn’t keeping children busy every minute. It’s providing simple, flexible ways to play,
explore and feel involved, from the moment you leave home to your last night away.

Making the Journey Part of the Adventure

For young kids, the holiday starts the moment you leave the driveway, and a little preparation
can make the drive feel calmer and far more enjoyable for everyone involved.

If you’re still in the early planning stages of your trip, it’s worth thinking ahead about both the
entertainment and essentials needed, especially if you’re heading somewhere remote. A simple
camping checklist can be really helpful when you’re packing for the trip.

Easy Road Trip Entertainment Ideas

● Spotting games are always a clear winner, whether that’s counting caravans, animals,
bridges or different coloured cars along the way – I Spy books are perfect for this.
● Audio stories or podcasts can also be really helpful during quieter stretches, especially
when energy naturally dips.
● Adventure bags are another simple favourite – a small backpack per child filled with
notebooks, crayons, stickers or binoculars can keep little ones busy while also building
excitement for what’s ahead.
● Snack fun can also go a long way, from choosing their own snacks to planning themed
snack stops.
If you can, try to plan a couple of relaxed breaks along the way. A picnic blanket, a short walk or
simply space to run around can completely reset everyone’s mood and make the journey feel
manageable rather than endless.

Easy Ways to Keep Kids Entertained Once You Arrive

One of the best things about being outdoors together is that entertainment doesn’t need to be
complicated. Nature can do most of the work for you if you let it.
Giving kids permission to explore, get messy and follow their curiosity often leads to the best
play.
Nature-Led Play (Simple but Brilliant Ideas)
● Collecting sticks, stones, leaves and feathers.
● Watching insects, birds or clouds drift past.
● Digging, climbing, splashing and running.
These open-ended activities give children the freedom to play at their own pace and often
become the moments they remember most.
If you’re looking for a few extra ideas to get things started, our list of simple camping activities
for children is full of easy inspiration that works well for a wide range of ages.

Go-To Outdoor Activities for Under-10s

Having a few tried-and-tested ideas ready can really help during slower moments of the day,
early mornings, post-lunch lulls or that tricky hour before dinner.
Outdoor Favourites That Rarely Fail
● Den building using branches, blankets or tarps.
● Campfire time – gathering kindling, telling stories, playing games, singing or toasting
marshmallows.
● Scavenger hunts – pinecones, leaf shapes, animal tracks, something smooth,
something spiky.
● Creative play – nature art, drawing what they can see, or making maps of the campsite.
● Helpful jobs – fetching water, laying out blankets or helping with simple food prep.
These kinds of activities don’t just entertain, they can provide lifelong lessons, helping children
build confidence, independence and a true appreciation of nature.

Turning Outdoor Adventures Into Lasting Memories

One lovely way to keep the excitement going after a trip is to give children something tangible to
help them remember it, not just photos on your phone or socials, but a small physical reminder
of what they actually did.
For some families, that might be a postcard, a drawing, or a note in a little adventure notebook.
Another great idea is using sew-on patches to mark the activities that shaped the trip, building a
den from fallen branches, helping light a campfire, or spending the day exploring.
Pawprint Family offers patches inspired by real childhood adventures, which feel less like
souvenirs and more like a record of experiences. Sewing one onto a backpack, jacket or blanket
after a trip can become a small ritual, and their adventure-themed patches are a gentle way of
marking the moments that mattered most to your child.

Keeping Things Realistic for Parents

It’s important to remember that not every activity will land. Someone will get tired. Someone will
complain. Plans will change. The weather will change!
That’s all part of travelling with young kids, especially if it’s your first time. The aim isn’t to fill
every moment, but to offer enough ideas and freedom for children to feel curious, confident and
comfortable outdoors. Often, the best memories come from the unplanned moments, the den
that collapsed, the story told around the fire, the long drive filled with silly songs and plenty of
giggles.

A Few Thoughts Before You Go

Camping with under-10s or simply spending time outdoors together doesn’t need to be
complicated to be memorable. With a handful of simple entertainment ideas, space for
imagination, and ways to celebrate outdoor adventures, family travel can feel joyful rather than
exhausting.
Sometimes all it takes is a road trip, a campfire, and curious kids with room to explore.