Traveling by RV offers families the unique opportunity to bond, explore new destinations, and create cherished memories. To ensure your trip is as enjoyable as possible, it’s helpful to have a range of activities planned for every scenario. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor pastimes, the right activities can make your RV adventure unforgettable. Below are some family-friendly ideas to keep everyone entertained and engaged on your next RV trip.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking and Nature Walks
One of the best parts of traveling in an RV is having access to scenic outdoor spaces. Hiking and nature walks are perfect for families, offering opportunities to explore local wildlife or enjoy fresh air together. Pick trails that match the skill levels of your group to avoid frustrations. Consider bringing along a nature guidebook or app so kids can identify plants, birds, or animals along the way.
Campfire Fun
Evenings by the campfire are quintessential to any RV trip. Families can roast marshmallows, make s’mores, or try other simple campfire recipes. Beyond food, introduce campfire games like storytelling chains, where each family member adds a sentence to a story or classic songs for a sing-along. Campfires also provide an ideal setting for stargazing—challenge your kids to spot constellations or catch a shooting star.
Scavenger Hunts
A scavenger hunt is an exciting way to explore your RV’s surroundings. Create a list of objects or sights to find, such as a pinecone, a feather, or a specific type of flower. This activity encourages curiosity and keeps kids active. If you’re staying near forests, lakes, or mountains, tailor the hunt to fit the environment for an extra-special experience.
Creative Indoor Fun
Arts and Crafts
Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, but this doesn’t mean your fun should stop. Stock up on simple craft supplies like paper, markers, glue, and scissors. Activities like making friendship bracelets, creating paper animals, or decorating postcards are all excellent ways to keep kids occupied. Crafts can serve as souvenirs from the trip, giving your family tangible reminders of your adventure.
RV-Friendly Cooking Challenges
Cooking together inside an RV can become a fun bonding activity. Plan a mini cooking challenge where family members help create a snack or meal using whatever ingredients you have on hand. For example, you could challenge everyone to build the most creative sandwich or decorate cookies. This activity also sneaks in some practical life skills for kids.
Movie or Game Nights
Transform your RV into a cozy entertainment hub. With a portable projector or TV, you can create a mini-movie night featuring your family’s favorite films. Throw in some popcorn and blankets, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, board games, puzzles, or card games can add hours of entertainment, requiring minimal setup.
Games for the Road
“I Spy” and Trivia
Keeping everyone engaged during long trips is key to a smooth RV journey. Classic car games like “I Spy” are simple yet effective for passing the time. Depending on your kids’ ages, you can also incorporate trivia about your destination to build excitement. For instance, if you plan to visit RV resorts in Southern Utah, quiz your family on its geography, history, or landmarks.
License Plate Game
The license plate game is a timeless way to stay entertained on the road. Challenge your family to spot plates from as many states as possible and keep a tally. Add a competitive twist by offering small prizes for the most states found or the rarest plate spotted.
Road Trip Journals
Encourage your family to write or draw in travel journals during the drive. Kids can write about what they’ve seen so far, draw pictures of landmarks, or jot down their favorite moments. Not only does this activity keep them busy, but it also results in keepsakes they can look back on later.
Outdoor Sports and Recreation
Biking and Scootering
Bringing along bikes, scooters, or skateboards can elevate your trip. Many RV parks have trails or paved areas perfect for a leisurely ride. This activity helps kids burn off energy while giving parents some time to relax. Helmets are a must to ensure everyone stays safe.
Water Activities
If you’re parked near a lake, river, or beach, water activities are an obvious choice. Kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply swimming are excellent family-friendly options. For low-maintenance fun, bring along inflatable tubes, water guns, or beach toys. These activities help break up the day and provide hours of entertainment under the sun.
Outdoor Sports Challenges
Pack lightweight sporting equipment like frisbees, sturdy balls, or a badminton set. Create simple challenges or competitions to get everyone moving and working together. These games are easy to organize and require minimal space, making them perfect for RV travelers.
Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, crafting cozy evenings in your RV, or enjoying games on the road, the right mix of activities ensures that everyone will look back on the trip with a smile. The next time you visit beautiful destinations, keep these ideas handy and enjoy every moment to the fullest.