If the park you are camping in is near water, you may enjoy activities such as swimming, canoeing, or fishing. Check the park map to find preferred locations for these activities. The camp store will have information, too, like where canoes can be rented, and where the best fishing spots are. You should also know the laws and safety issues for activities you participate in.

Adults often must have a license to fish, but for children, a license is not usually required. Boating laws pertain to canoeing, so a whistle and life jackets are necessary. Always swim in designated areas because motorboat and Jet Ski drivers cannot see swimmers easily.

Short nighttime nature walks can be exciting and educational. Take a flashlight and whistle if you want to study nature at night. Stay on paved paths, like streets or bike trails, and do not take a night hike near water. Because there isn't a lot of light pollution near remote campgrounds, the stars appear brighter, and more of them can be seen. For stargazing, take along a telescope if you own one, or a book of constellations to identify.

Campfire games are fun after-dinner activities, too. Share spooky tales (the ones that end on a silly thought are best) or take turns making up fictional camping stories.

"Best of Times, Worst of Times" is a fun campfire game. Campers tell "Best of Times" memories, like a marriage proposal or the winning goal of a high school football game. Then everyone shares "Worst of Times" stories, like most embarrassing moments.

Inside the tent, kids may enjoy making shadow puppets with a flashlight or singing favorite songs.

Even if you checked the weather, rain showers can pop up at any time, especially in the spring. As long as it is a passing shower and there is no threat of dangerous weather, you'll only need to find activities to occupy campers temporarily. Most tents come with rain tarps, so attach the tarp and duck inside for some quality family time. The same games played in the car and around the campfire can help entertain campers on a rainy day.

If you are not concerned about getting drenched, take a walk to explore how nature looks in the rain. What do spiders do when it rains? Kids and parents may learn from the experience. Rain makes beautiful patterns on water. Tell the children to remember what they see and draw it when you return to camp. When the rain has passed, dry off, change clothes, and enjoy the rest of your trip.