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I find other peoples children are the best thing to keep your own children happy when camping.

We also take books, puzzle books, games, drawing/colouring stuff, cards, binoculars, torches (they play out till way dark in darker months with a warm coat on and a torch). DS's (but usually only get used in the car), DVD player but hardly gets used and we have a hand held digital TV but most of the time can't get reception so don't use it, camera to capture all the new best friends on.

Funnily enough we don't take balls or ball games (so it's safe to camp by us!)

The other best thing is Mum and Dad and the uninterupted TIME you can spend with them.

I agree other kids are the best entertainment. Try geocaching. Initial outlay of £50-90 for a GPS unit but what fun the kids have out on walks

We play 20 questions, sit in a circle, one person in turn asks a question such as What is your favorite colour, who would you most like to be,ect.  When it gets answered by the person who asked the question then the next person asks one and so on.  When all has been asked and answered each person in order nominates a person to answer a question about someone else, ie John what famous person would john most like to be.  If he gets it wrong he's out till there's noone left.  It sounds easy but involves listening to each other and having a good memory which is always good for kids.  We have had some good laughs durring this game.

Good old I went to the shops but in alphabetical order or camping suplies ect, makes you think.

Another idea is scrapbooks or memory boxes for them to collect momentos, write or sketch things they have found or done durring the holiday, they can always take them to show and tell back at school then.

One idea I found very useful durring one rainy holiday too was tattoos, great for distraction durring an argument, but bring some baby oil to remove them when they get tatty.  Nail varnish is good too keeps them quiet for hours( they can always do it outside) just be sure that any other kids on the site involved have their parents OK.  I've never found any who won't agree, after all they aren't going to school the next day.

My lot love a "midnight" walk with torches, nowhere far, just round the campsite, it just makes it so much more exciting for them in the dark.  Followed by hot choc when we get back and not very scarry ghost stories. They usually go straight off to sleep.

Or if you are stuck for ideas ask them to organise something they will usually love to take the lead, epsh if you are going to take part in it with them. Oh and don't forget to give then a few chores and responsibilities kids love washing up and going to the shop or to empty the bins on holiday, tell them how you are going to need their help as you are the only adult, and you are only doing this as you know they will help.

Hope you have a wonderful time Regards Maria

Alphabet games are always good, take turns giving topic, i.e. animals, fruit, etc take turns even little ones can play,(sometimes with a little help).Yes/no game - dont need any equipment, apart from a watch to time who lasts longest. one mine always loved start a story, and take it in turns to carry on, remember last person has to finish story.

hope this helps