29 Family Glamping Activities Everyone Can Enjoy

Imagine waking up to golden sunlight filtering through the trees, the smell of pine and coffee in the air, and the sound of a nearby creek flowing gently. That is the beauty of nature and the charm of glamping, camping’s adventurous spirit with the comforts of home. 

It is the perfect way to reconnect as a family, breathe in fresh air, and create lasting memories without sacrificing a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors. Glamping is the perfect way to connect with nature while striking a balance between comfort and the great outdoors.

Whether you are exploring redwood forests or relaxing by the creek at Breathing Trees Camp in Boulder Creek, these glamping activities will bring everyone together—from toddlers to grandparents—with fun family outdoor activities that inspire joy and connection.

Let us explore the most enjoyable and memorable things to do while glamping as a family and gather inspiring glamping ideas for your next glamping adventure.

Benefits of Family Glamping

Glamping combines the best of camping with the comforts families love. You get adventure without the hassle—no pitching tents, no sleeping on the ground, just cozy spaces surrounded by nature that glamping provides. 

Compared with traditional camping or classic camping, glamorous camping offers a more luxurious and authentic way to enjoy nature while keeping things comfortable and memorable.

At Breathing Trees Camp, guests can stay in eco-lodgings like the Tree Tent or Airstream Globetrotter, surrounded by towering redwoods and a year-round creek. You will experience nature immersion without giving up your favorite comforts for a truly unforgettable experience. 

Many glampers also enjoy the feeling of staying in a glamping tent or the charm of canvas tents that blend rustic appeal with glamorous design.

Here is why it is perfect for families:

• No setup stress – your beds, bathrooms, and fire pits are ready when you arrive, so you can relax and enjoy.

• Comfort for all ages – with real beds and cozy spaces inside the tent or cabin.

• Immersive nature with modern amenities – for safety and convenience that glamping offers something for everyone.

• The perfect opportunity – to unplug from screens, spend quality family time, and enjoy time in nature together.

Fun and Educational Activities for All Ages

Family glamping works best when everyone is involved. These easy and engaging glamping activities are perfect for all generations, blending learning, laughter, and exploration right in your natural surroundings.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of things to find—pinecones, feathers, heart-shaped rocks, or colorful leaves. Kids love the challenge, and it helps them observe their surroundings. At Breathing Trees Camp, families often explore the forest floor and creekside trails searching for hidden treasures using natural materials like leaves and twigs to build fairy houses.

2. Family Hiking Challenge

Pick a short trail and make it a team effort. Assign roles such as navigator, photographer, or wildlife spotter. End with a family photo at the trail’s scenic overlook to enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

Curious what a day at Breathing Trees Camp looks like? Take a peek.

3. Morning Yoga Under the Trees

Start the day with deep breathing or stretching outdoors. Even five minutes of mindfulness helps everyone reset. The forest deck at Breathing Trees Camp is perfect for a sunrise session to connect with nature and center yourself before the day’s outdoor experience.

4. DIY Nature Journaling

Give everyone a notebook to sketch or jot down what they notice—bird calls, tree shapes, or colors. It encourages curiosity and creativity in kids (and calm in adults) and can inspire arts and crafts like painting rocks or leaf rubbings.

5. Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting

Bring binoculars and see who can spot the most animals. Around the redwoods, look for woodpeckers, deer, and blue jays. You can turn it into a friendly competition and play outdoor games along the way.

6. Rock Balancing Art

Collect smooth stones and stack them into mini towers near your campsite. It is a meditative, creative activity that everyone can try together and a unique experience that helps families enjoy nature mindfully.

Outdoor Adventures to Make the Most of Your Day

Once the sun is up and energy levels are high, it is the perfect time for exploration. From forest hikes to water fun, these daytime glamping activities combine learning, exercise, and togetherness in open spaces.

1. Guided Nature Walk

Many glamping sites near Santa Cruz offer guided hikes through the redwoods. Learn about native plants, edible herbs, and the history of the forest from local experts for a more authentic way to connect with nature.

2. Biking Through the Mountains

Bring or rent bikes and explore gentle trails. The shaded backroads around Boulder Creek are perfect for family rides and other fun outdoor adventures.

3. Kayaking or Paddleboarding

If your glamping destination is near a river or lake, rent gear and enjoy calm waters. It is adventurous but easy enough for beginners, and it allows you to enjoy the beauty of the water while appreciating your natural surroundings.

4. Geocaching Adventure

Turn your glamping trip into a treasure hunt. Download a geocaching app and use GPS to find hidden caches along trails or near landmarks as part of your family adventure.

5. Beach and Forest Combo Day

Glamp near the coast? Start your day among redwoods, then head to Santa Cruz’s beautiful beaches like Natural Bridges or Seabright for a swim and picnic before returning to your cozy cabin.

6. Creek Exploration

If you are glamping somewhere like Breathing Trees Camp, water play is a must. Bring water shoes and let kids wade, build rock dams, or look for tadpoles, always supervised, of course, to fully enjoy nature.

Relaxing Afternoon Activities for Families

After a full morning of exploring, afternoons are for slowing down. These relaxing glamping activities help families unwind, recharge, and appreciate the quieter side of nature so everyone can relax and enjoy.

1. Creekside Reading or Napping

Bring hammocks or camp chairs and unwind by the water. Reading a book aloud or listening to the sounds of nature can be incredibly grounding and provide a peaceful outdoor experience.

2. Nature Crafts

Collect leaves, twigs, and stones to make simple art projects like leaf rubbings, dreamcatchers, or clay impressions using natural materials like leaves to inspire arts and crafts.

3. Board Games and Cards

Pack compact games like Uno, Go Fish, or travel-sized Scrabble. It is an easy way to laugh together when the sun gets too warm, and add lighthearted outdoor games to your afternoon.

4. Photography Hour

Give kids a Polaroid or an old camera and let them document the day. It is fascinating to see nature through their eyes and enjoy the beauty of the forest from their perspective.

5. Picnic in the Shade

Spread out a blanket, enjoy sandwiches, and take in the forest view. Add local produce or bread for a Santa Cruz-inspired touch—a simple, glamping is a wonderful way to dine outside.

6. Family Story Swap

Each person tells a short story about their favorite moment of the trip or something funny that happened that day. These spontaneous stories often become an unforgettable experience you will talk about for years.

Family Cooking Ideas for Your Glamping Trip

Cooking together is one of the most rewarding parts of glamping. It is a hands-on, laughter-filled way to bond, and kids love helping out with the menu. Try these easy outdoor recipes and food-inspired family games that make glamping is a great way to share meals around the campfire.

1. Campfire Pancake Bar

Pre-mix pancake batter in a jar and let everyone add toppings such as chocolate chips, bananas, or blueberries. Cook over a skillet or camp stove and enjoy with maple syrup.

2. Foil Pack Dinners

Let each person build their own foil pack with potatoes, veggies, protein, and seasonings. Cook them in the coals and open together for a glamping adventure at dinnertime.

3. S’mores Bar Upgrade

Set up a make-your-own s’mores station with different chocolates like dark, caramel, or mint, and extras like strawberries or peanut butter. Everyone can make s’mores, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a marshmallow treat.

4. Campfire Pizzas

Use flatbread as a crust, add sauce and cheese, then grill over a pan or grate. It is easy, fast, and customizable for picky eaters—one of the most popular glamping essentials.

5. Creekside Breakfasts

At Breathing Trees Camp, mornings often start with coffee and pancakes by the creek. A small grill or camp stove makes it effortless, keeping meals simple and around the campfire.

6. Family Cooking Contest

Turn dinner into a playful challenge where everyone makes a dish, and you all vote on presentation or creativity—a unique experience that adds fun to your family adventure.

Bring reusable utensils, eco-friendly plates, and compost bags. Sustainability matters, and at Breathing Trees Camp, protecting the environment helps every guest enjoy nature responsibly.

Evening Glamping Activities the Whole Family Will Love

When the sun sets and the stars appear, the forest transforms. These evening glamping activities bring warmth, laughter, and connection to your family’s nights under the open sky and sparkling night sky.

1. Family Campfire Stories

Take turns sharing stories—silly, spooky, or true. You can even add a twist where each person continues where the last left off as you gather around the fire together.

2. Stargazing Party

Spread blankets and gaze at the stars. Use a stargazing app to identify constellations or simply count shooting stars under dark skies with minimal light pollution.

3. Acoustic Music Jam

Bring a small instrument like a ukulele or harmonica and have a sing-along. Music sounds magical in the open air and helps everyone connect with nature at night.

4. Night Hike Adventure

Grab flashlights and go for a short evening walk. Listen for crickets, frogs, or owls. Kids love the sense of adventure and the immersive outdoor experience after dark.

5. Glow Stick Games

Bring glow sticks for ring toss or hide-and-seek after dark. It is a fun outdoor and safe way for kids to play under the stars.

6. Parents’ Wind-Down

Once the kids are asleep, parents can relax with tea or wine on the deck. At Breathing Trees Camp, many guests end their day by the fire, listening to the creek and rustling leaves, simply taking time to relax and enjoy.

Family Packing Checklist for a Stress-Free Glamping Experience

Packing right can make or break a glamping trip. Even though sites like Breathing Trees Camp provide most essentials, a few thoughtful extras can make your stay seamless. Consider these must-have glamping essentials.

FAQs

What are the best glamping activities for kids?

Nature scavenger hunts, s’mores, wildlife spotting, and storytelling are all fun, safe, and family-friendly—perfect for a glamorous yet simple night to roast marshmallows around the campfire.

Is glamping safe for young children?

Yes. Sites like Breathing Trees Camp offer secure decks, clean facilities, and easy access to amenities, proving that glamping is a great way to travel with little ones.

What is the best season for family glamping?

Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer offers long days for outdoor play along beautiful beaches or forest trails.

Can pets come along?

Some glamping sites allow pets in specific units. Always confirm pet-friendly policies before booking for a smooth outdoor experience.

How can we make glamping educational?

Encourage kids to identify plants, observe stars, or learn about ecosystems. It turns outdoor fun into hands-on learning and helps them authentically connect with nature.

Create Lasting Family Memories at Breathing Trees Camp

Family glamping is more than just a getaway—it is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and experience comfort and nature in harmony. From scavenger hunts to campfire cooking, these glamping activities bring families closer through laughter, curiosity, and shared adventure.

At Breathing Trees Camp, you will find everything you need for that balance of luxury and wilderness, a place where mornings begin with birdsong and evenings end under dark skies filled with stars.

So why wait? Start planning your next glamping escape today. Breathe in the forest air, cook together under the redwoods, and rediscover what togetherness feels like—one campfire, one laugh, and one unforgettable experience at a time.