How To Give Your Kids An Old School Summer

Riding bikes all day. Making up games. Catching frogs. Going back inside only for food or because Mom said so. It used to be called summer. Now it’s “free play” and it still reigns in one place in America: Campgrounds. Even helicopter-ish parents relax and let their kids—and themselves—enjoy the freedom.

“There are always gangs of kids, without close supervision, roaming and making friends,” says Stacy, mom and long-time camper. “Part of it is the community feeling. But I also think that camping just tends to attract parents who encourage their kids to explore the outdoors.”

“As I saw on one camper’s sign, “Dirty feet, bug bites, cold drinks, campfires, sunsets: the Camping Life.”

Studies show free play develops “self-directed executive function.” That means kids can better control their impulses and emotions, improve creative thought, and build initiative, planning and organizational skills.

6 Ways Camping Empowers Free Play

1 – LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER

Campgrounds are a little bit of Mayberry. They are mini-neighborhoods and insta-community. People drive slower, stop to chat, and keep an eye on what’s going on. Campground staff, infrastructure and rules help security, too.

2 – MIXED AGES & FAST FRIENDS

Given the chance, kids get together and play naturally. Here many kids, parents and activities are all together. Older kids tend to look out for the younger. Fun just happens.

3 – LOTS TO DO — AND CLOSE BY

Trails for bikes, places to swim, playgrounds, flashlight tag—campground amenities put lots of activities in close range for kids (and adults).

4 – MAKE YOUR HOUSE “FUN CENTRAL”

Pop a tent or hammocks for kid hangs, add a clothes line for beach towels and forts, park the bikes and toys. Kids keep coming back “home” without feeling like they’re checking in or being monitored.

5 – EVERYBODY OUTSIDE

Adults get to play, too! Be a kid again with your children. Or chill with RVs outdoor perks like Wifi, TVs, even outdoor kitchens. Hanging outside while giving kids space gives them a chance to build skills and confidence—and lets you stay close.

6 – AN 1980S CHILDHOOD WASN’T ALL GRASS STAINS

Old-school summers had plenty of TV, video games and microwaved snacks. RVs can too—which pretty much saves any rain day. Ready to try an RV adventure? Try our quiz and see what RV might be right for your family.