In an attempt to buy my wife some sanity before school starts I took the our 5 year old daughter on an overnight trip.
We had a great time and learned some new games like the 2 hr. look for the digital camera [I'm glad I found it because of the 20 or so pictures she snapped were 2 of me watering a tree.] or the daddy carries 15# of pretty rocks back to camp from the high lake plus daughter up on shoulders... .
I'm looking for some input as to games/entertainment that's worked for you. I carried a whiffle bat and ball because that is what she currently likes.
No frisbees, even a small child can throw one farther then I won't to chase plus they have a great affinity for blackberry brambles. Doing it a again in a couple of weeks, maybe Bozeman can bring out a line of sul Barbies.

Edited by pyeyo on 08/27/2006 17:52:57 MDT.

I take my 3 year old out sometimes, and I try to time the hike so there isn't too much "in camp" time to get bored before dinner-campfire-bed. I try to involve her with pitching the tarp (holding the sticks up, getting stakes), collecting firewood (I don't take her to locales that don't allow small campfires, since that means no marshmallows, and forget about that!). I also have had luck with lightsticks at night, a small(light) favorite book and toy, a disposable camera (so she isn't handling your digital). Also, bug collection at the stream, tracks w/plaster molding (haven't done it, since most of the big game are not going where I take her), wading/swimming are of course good options in good weather. Tossing medium sized rocks (pine-cones?) into circles drawn in the dirt (think darts meets shuffleboard) can be fun for a while. I'd be curious to get some ideas, too!

My daughters, 6 and 9, like the fantasy aspect of the woods. At 5 they were all into building Fairy homes out of sticks/rocks/leaves, etc. It was an extension of a popular book with interactive supplies they were reading at home. Art projects are pretty light weight. A lot of what they like in the woods is the same as what they like at home. Figure out if there is anything they are into that can transfer. Also any trail games for gummy fish / oreos/ etc. rewards work well. Count the blazes, spot birds, etc. The snack / hydration rewards are win-win out there. At five many are into small things and are interested in rocks/ shells /bugs / collections/ etc. Maybe the best possibility is in getting her friend to come along w/ their parent! Variety is key, thier attention span is short. Better to make a list (long) of possible activities and keep it handy...

In addition to the insect inspection, playing in the creek, and star gazing I have had fun playing a version of hide-and-seek with my daughter. Take turns hiding an object in the tent (under sleeping bag in tent attic, under my shirt, in your shoes, etc.) while the other person closes their eyes. I was surprised by how many hiding places there were in the tent, but we had a grweat time. Shadow puppets are also fun.