I have been camping with my kids since they were toddlers. Honestly, they don't need to be entertained. Sometimes you can just let them roam around your campsite (monitored of course!). My two boys will gravitate towards any water spigot and start to build dams.
I heard a famous radio talk show host explaining why kids don't need more programs. Kids usually have very short attention spans. Bring them to a play ground and you will see it in full force. They run from one activity to the next. It all seems so random. But not to the kids. They seem to have their playing exit strategies very well planned out.
My wife used to make up a treasure bag for each of our boys that included crayons, note pad, Hot Wheel cars, magnifying glasses, mini flashlights, coins, stickers etc.
We usually bring along bug catchers which they still delight in at ages 11 and 13.
Junior Ranger programs were always a big hit. They spent hours filling out their notebooks with the requirements to get their new Jr. Ranger badges.
Let their creative juices flow by letting them create their own entertainment. Give them a few ideas and let them experiment with what you give them.
If you have boys and there is dirt nearby, you are in luck. Give them a spoon, small shovel, or a stick and they will have the time of their lives for hours. Never mind about them getting dirty. Clothing can be washed.
I still remember my 2 boys digging for "big fat juicy worms" that were supposed to be used for fishing. They had more fun digging for the worms than fishing. It was an Epiphany for me. While they like copying adults, they don't always enjoy what we think they like.
Here is a photo of my 2 boys completing a Junior Ranger program in Utah.
