Summer Camping Tops Activities List For Moms and Families - My Family Travels

Let’s go camping! is a popular refrain, as summer camping beats out other family activities according to a new summer 2021 travel survey.

We’ve long been fans of camping – especially the kind that comes with plenty for kids to do and creature comforts for parents. 

What Every Summer Camping Spot Should Have

Rustic cabins and a large waterslide at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Burleson, Texas
This Jellystone Park in Burleson, Texas has some park model rental cabins right below its fantastic waterslide. Photo c. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

At Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, for example, you can take your pick of where to stay — a yurt, cabin, tent or RV – so comfort is guaranteed. Kids have plenty to do. Kids’ activities include everything from wagon rides to mini golf to jumping pillows and Yogi Bear-led dance parties and crazy games. 

Let’s not forget water sports. Jellystone Park is known for water slides, splashgrounds and  pool foam parties. Each park is different, and many may also be located near beaches and lakes as well as tourist attractions and national parks.

Survey Finds Families Turn to Summer Camping

Colorfull waterslide at Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Williamsport, Maryland
Waterslides and enhanced pool areas are a hallmark of this Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Williamsport, Maryland. Photo c. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

According to a new survey of more than 800 moms and their kids conducted this spring for Jellystone Park, going to swimming pools and water parks is kids’  #1 choice for summer fun.

The pandemic has brought millions of families to camping. The survey found that moms prefer camping over other types of vacations. Seventy percent said they are somewhat to very comfortable camping, compared with staying in a hotel room (62%). Only about one-third of those surveyed (37%) were comfortable traveling by air, with only one-in-five moms comfortable taking a cruise.

Camping Offers Together Time and Relaxation

Kids bounce on a jumping pillow at the Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Canyon Lake, in the Texas Hill Country.
Bounce rooms and jumping pillows keep the kids active at the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Canyon Lake, in Texas’ Hill Country. Photo c. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

More than nine-out-of-10 moms felt that summer camping and glamping lead to greater family communication and bonding compared to other activities. According to Touchstone Research, that’s because families spend time together communicating face-to-face, cooking over a campfire and playing together, giving them less time to spend online.

Eighty-five percent of moms who have camped before said that camping and glamping helps their family relax more than other types of vacations. Nine-out-of-10 moms with camping experience said their family has made some of its best memories on these trips. Nearly all of them (98%) said they would recommend camping or glamping to friends and/or family members who have not yet tried it.  

Digital Detox is Another Camping Benefit

Several kids play pool volleyball at Jellystone Park campground in Quarryville, Pennsylvania.
Pool volleyball is one of the many cool-off activities at this Jellystone Park camp-resort in Quarryville, Pennsylvania. Photo c. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

Another plus, 95% of those with camping experience said their family is less likely to engage in social media or other online activities while summer camping than at home.

Three-quarters credited the variety of activities, including swimming, organized games and activities. Another two-thirds said camping stimulates quality conversations between family members that overshadows the need to communicate with other people online.

Providing children with an opportunity to learn new life skills, controlling their family’s environment and saving money on eating out were identified as top summer camping attributes.

Camping Means “Me” Time

People in Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo Bear suits play miniature golf together at a Jellystone Park.
Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo play miniature golf together at a Jellystone Park in Akron, Ohio. Photo c. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

Moms also value “me” time or time with their partner. The survey showed that although moms prioritize family togetherness, they also value adult  time.

Kids value their own time, too. When asked what they like about summer vacation, only 50% of children surveyed gave five thumbs up –- the most possible -– to spending time with their parents. Even fewer (35%) gave five thumbs up to spending time with their brothers and sisters.

Fortunately, campgroundsoffer plenty of options for kids and their parents to make new friends.

Author Eileen Ogintz and her family have camped in several states, often with their dog. Whether in an RV, tent or cabin, she can attest to the value of camping as a family experience, and created this post about summer camping for sponsor Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts.

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