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Its amazing how quickly after we arrive that my lad has got a game of cricket set up lol

Hate to tell him that eventually, it'll be him putting the tent up while I have a coffee!

I keep a three folding scooters in the boot - one for each child and a spare.   ~They had hours of fun playing on these   
Colouring books/crayons dough - ideal for when you want them near your tent/van.   Also some board games.   We have stuff that we keep just for camping.
Paddling pool for when the weather permits.
Beach toys if there is a local beach.
A kite, but not flown near units. 
I also try an choose a site that is aimed at families, which means that they spend a lot of time playing with other kids.   Last year we were luck as the play area wasn't far from the tent, and we lost our two for hours on end (when the rain stopped).
Take something to keep you amused when they're playing, that can be taken away from the tent.   I find something like my knitting ideal - in the past I've taken my knitting and a folding chair and been able to keep an eye on them while I've relaxed.
If there are plenty of other children you are less likely to get the "mummy mummy" ever two minutes.  

As a last resort we have one of those portable DVD players.   There have been times when we've not used it, and others when it has been a lifesaver.

scrabble

withdrawal symptons from playing it on face book  lol

Thanks for all the ideas! Noted them down. Unfortunately our two are extremely shy around people/children they don't know and have never made friends while we have been on holiday so doubt other children around will entertain them (they are more likely to play somewhere which is not being occupied by other kids! Lol!)

The other things sound good though - we have scooters that we will probably take, and that swingball thing with lots of different games looks good in Argos. They love football so we'll definitely take that anyway.

The 5 yr old is much easier to entertain - she's into drawing/colouring/scrap book etc etc type of things where as my 3 yr old son has no interest in these whatsoever.  He's a hands on boy - likes climbing, cars, bikes and tools! Unfortunately too young to be going to the park alone and still needs lots of assistance on the equipment so not quite relaxing - but still keeps him entertained.

We're hoping for some shorter walks along rivers - stopping for picnics and games of football - just praying the weather is better than our summer holiday last year! Torrential rain and two extremely bored children in a tent!

Thanks again! x

Quote: Originally posted by Milkshake on 25/4/2008

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Apart from a stroll through the woods or sitting on a beach (weather permitting) we can't think of anything else that would entertain them!

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Yes we also like quiet beaches. We live near one and are often there for hours on end.

We are going to the Cotswolds so not really near beaches. No doubt we'll find woods to play in. Unfortunately I am still not convinced that my two know how to find their own entertainment. I have always played a lot with them as I loved to but also because I had the time to give them lots of one-to-one attention so I made the most of it. Possibly wondering now that I have made a rod for my own back as holidays aren't quite relaxing as they both need at least one of us to play with them. (Even though they have each other). They do play together without us - but it is very short lived.

Anyway we will see how it goes and I'll let you know. (Going the last week in May).

x

We've been camping for the last 3 years with our 2 boys who are now 7 and 9 and we have never heard them complaining about being bored.  They are quite good at making friends which helps.  We always take things like balls, frisbees, cricket set, colouring books, scrap books, books.  Seeing as you can't take a bike how about a scooter that folds down?  My boys love the washing up too and helping cook tea.  If it's nice how about a couple of water pistols, it helps to cool them down! 

I'm sure they'll have a lovely time and you'll be amazed at how they do entertain themselves.  Have a good time ... Quinnys