Kid friendly RV activities
Travel days and long campground stays get a LOT more fun when you have a playbook of kid friendly RV activities ready to go. From classic yard games to app-powered nature walks and themed road trips, you can turn almost any campsite into an outdoor playground and classroom.
Whether you’re parked at a full-service RV resort or boondocking off the beaten path, a little planning goes a long way. The ideas below mix active games, quiet-time options, educational adventures, and tech your kids already love—all tailored to RV life.
Use this guide as your go-to list for RV campground games, rainy-day backups, and fun stops to build into your next route.
Classic campground games that get everyone moving
Cornhole
Cornhole is a campground favorite for a reason. It’s simple to learn, doesn’t take much space, and works for almost all ages. Set up a board by your RV or in a grassy area, split into teams, and play to 21.
For younger kids, move the boards closer together and make up your own rules—like “bonus points for trick shots.” Cornhole boards also store flat in a basement compartment, making them perfect RV family activity gear.
Horseshoes
If your RV park has a horseshoe pit, you’ve already got a built-in activity. Horseshoes teach kids coordination and patience as they learn to aim for the stake.
Keep it friendly—play teams, set up short “best of 5” games, and let kids celebrate each ringer like a championship win.
Lawn darts (modern safe versions)
Old-school lawn darts got a bad reputation for safety, but modern, kid-safe lawn dart sets use weighted rubber tips or big plastic fins. They’re great for target practice and simple scoring games.
Use hula hoops, chalk circles, or picnic blankets as targets and invent themed challenges: “land the spaceship,” “hit the treasure island,” etc.
Shuffleboard
Some RV resorts and campgrounds still have shuffleboard courts, and kids usually love the novelty. Show them how to push the discs and keep score, then let them make up their own mini-games.
If there’s no official court, you can improvise with painter’s tape or chalk lines on a smooth driveway and use beanbags or soft pucks instead.
Volleyball
A sand or grass volleyball court is perfect for kid friendly RV activities because you can easily adjust the rules. Lower the net, allow multiple hits, or play “catch and toss” versions for younger kids.
Volleyball keeps everyone moving, burns off travel-day energy, and gives older kids a chance to bond with other families at the park.
New-school challenges & backyard-style competitions
Axe throwing (at supervised locations)
Axe throwing has exploded in popularity, and many tourist areas now have family-friendly venues. This is not a DIY activity—keep it to supervised facilities with proper safety gear and trained staff.
Older kids and teens often love the “try something edgy but safe” feel. It’s also a fun way to break up a day of driving or sightseeing.
Frisbee golf
Frisbee (disc) golf is one of the best RV campground games because you only need a couple of discs and a map. Many parks, city greenbelts, and state parks have courses you can walk to from your site.
If there’s no official course, create your own around the campground using trees, poles, or picnic tables as “targets” and keep score on a notepad or phone.
Cell phone games (the smart way)
Phones and tablets don’t have to mean everyone zoning out separately. Turn cell phone games into shared experiences:
- Team-based trivia apps
- Photo scavenger hunts (“find a red leaf, a funny sign, a unique rock”)
- Short cooperative games you can play in pairs
Set time limits—like 20 or 30 minutes—and then switch back to analog fun. Tech becomes a tool, not a crutch.
Big adventure activities near your RV campsite
Bicycling & Segway tours
Bikes are classic kid-friendly RV activities. Pack bikes or rent them near popular trails and use them for campground exploring, short town rides, or trips to the beach or playground.
In some tourist towns, you can trade pedals for wheels with Segway tours. These guided rides give older kids a thrill while learning about local history, architecture, or nature.
Jet boats & water adventures
If your travels take you near rivers or coastal areas, look for jet boat tours or family-friendly river cruises. These add adrenaline to your RV trip without needing to own a boat.
Combine them with swimming, paddleboarding, or simple beach play so younger kids can participate at their comfort level.
Surfing & beach days
Surfing lessons are a fantastic way to anchor a themed RV trip along the coast. Many surf schools offer kid-friendly lessons with soft-top boards and calm-water practice areas.
Even if surfing isn’t your thing, boogie boarding, tide-pooling, and sandcastle contests can fill an entire day and burn serious energy.
Ghost town hunting
“Ghost town hunting” is one of the most memorable family road trip activities you can add to your route. Use guidebooks, blogs, or visitor centers to find old mining towns, abandoned railroad stops, or historical districts near your route.
Pack a picnic, sturdy shoes, and a camera. As you explore, talk about the people who lived there, why the town grew, and why it faded away.
Visit interesting landmarks & plan themed trips
Instead of just driving from Point A to Point B, build themed trips around:
- Lighthouses
- Old forts and battlefields
- National park geologic features
- Quirky roadside attractions
Knowing you’re on a “Gold Rush Trail,” “Ghost Town Loop,” or “Lighthouses of the Coast” adventure makes every stop feel connected and exciting.
Cozy camp evenings: low-tech fun around the RV
Movie night with a projector
A small portable projector turns any RV site into an outdoor theater. Hang a white sheet, the side of the RV, or a portable screen, hook up a speaker, and pass around popcorn.
Choose kid friendly adventure movies, nature documentaries, or classic comedies to fit the setting. This is a great way to wind down after a busy day of hiking or exploring.
Show kids how to make a fire (safely)
If your campground allows it and local regulations permit, teach kids how to safely build and tend a campfire. Focus on:
- Gathering the right size sticks
- Laying a simple teepee or log cabin structure
- Fire safety and extinguishing
Then reward the lesson with s’mores, campfire stories, or a simple “best marshmallow roaster” contest.
Board games for rainy days and quiet nights
A small stack of travel-sized board games and card decks can save the day when weather ruins outdoor plans. Choose games that:
- Pack small and don’t have tons of tiny pieces
- Play quickly so everyone gets a turn
- Work for a wide age range
Rotate which kid picks the game each night to keep things fair and fun.
Turn every hike into a learning adventure
Kid friendly hiking with the 
AllTrails app
The AllTrails app is a powerful tool for RV families. Use it to:
- Filter for kid-friendly or easy trails
- Check recent reviews and photos
- Download maps for offline use in low-signal areas
Talk with your kids before the hike about distance, elevation, and what you might see. Let them help choose the trail so they feel part of the adventure.
iNaturalist: ID plants and interact with others
The iNaturalist app turns any walk into a nature treasure hunt. Kids can:
- Snap photos of plants, bugs, and wildlife
- Upload them to get ID suggestions
- See what other people have found nearby
This kind of activity transforms “just another hike” into a hands-on science project, making nature more engaging and meaningful.
Gold panning with kids
In historic mining areas, some outfitters and parks offer gold panning experiences. Kids learn how miners worked, what they looked for, and the realities of chasing a strike.
Even if no one gets rich, swirling sand and rocks in the pan and spotting tiny flakes creates a memorable story tied directly to local history.
Learn the history and culture beforehand
Before you roll into a new town or region, spend a little time learning about:
- Indigenous cultures and original inhabitants
- Key historical events in the area
- Local industries (fishing, farming, mining, tech, etc.)
Share a few simple stories or facts with your kids and encourage them to spot clues as you explore. Suddenly, every landmark, museum, and ghost town feels like part of a bigger story they’re helping uncover.
Making the most of kid friendly RV activities
The best kid friendly RV activities aren’t necessarily the most expensive. They’re the ones that fit your kids’ ages, energy levels, and interests—and that you actually have time and space for in your rig.
Mix high-energy games like volleyball and Frisbee golf with quieter options like board games, movie nights, and nature apps. Layer in bigger adventures—jet boats, surfing lessons, ghost town hunting—when your budget and route allow.
Most importantly, involve your kids in planning. Let them help choose trails on AllTrails, pick which board games to pack, or vote on the next themed trip. When kids feel invested, they’re more likely to stay engaged and create the kind of memories that make RV life truly special.
How do I plan kid-friendly activities for a long RV trip?
Start by mapping your route, then look for kid friendly RV activities within 30–60 minutes of your planned overnight stops. Save ideas in a notes app or travel planner: playgrounds, disc golf courses, short hikes, ghost towns, museums, and unique landmarks.
Then build a loose rhythm: one “big adventure” day (like a hike or tour), followed by a lighter day with campground games, bike rides, and board games.
How can I keep kids safe during outdoor games and adventures?
Set simple, clear rules before the fun starts: where they can go, what gear they must wear (helmets, life jackets, closed-toe shoes), and when to check back in. For activities like axe throwing, jet boats, or surfing, only use reputable, supervised outfitters that provide safety gear and instructions.
Teach older kids to look out for younger siblings and to check in with you before heading off to new parts of the campground.
What if the weather is bad at the RV park?
This is where your back-up RV activities shine: board games, indoor movie night, cell phone scavenger hunts, reading time, and simple crafts. If the weather is safe to drive in, consider a “bad weather field trip” to a local museum, indoor climbing gym, bowling alley, or historic site.
Keeping a small “rainy day bin” of special games or activities makes bad weather feel like a treat instead of a disappointment.
How much gear do I really need to bring?
You don’t need to pack every game ever invented. Focus on multi-use and compact gear: a good frisbee, a deck of cards, a couple of board games, a projector if you have room, and maybe cornhole boards if you love them.
Remember that many campgrounds already have playgrounds, courts, or fields you can use. You can always rent bikes, surfboards, or jet boat tours as needed rather than hauling everything with you.
How can I use phones and tablets without everyone zoning out?
Treat screens as tools, not default entertainment. Use them for shared activities: AllTrails for hikes, iNaturalist for nature ID, trivia games, or photo scavenger hunts. Set clear time limits and alternate on-screen activities with no-screen games and outdoor time.
When the whole family is engaged in the same app or challenge, phones enhance your RV adventures instead of replacing them
