Ah, the great Australian outdoors! There’s nothing quite like hitting the road in your caravan, setting up camp amidst the beauty of nature, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life away from the hustle and bustle. But when the skies open up and the rain pours down, those idyllic plans can quickly turn into a search for indoor entertainment.
For our adventurous members who love to caravan, especially those with little ones in tow, finding ways to keep entertained when the weather turns sour is as essential as a good swag or a sturdy tent peg. And let’s face it, there’s only so much scrolling through social media one can do before the digital fatigue sets in.
In a recent discussion within a caravanning Facebook group – a virtual campfire where travellers share tips and tales – the topic of rainy day entertainment was brought up. The original poster, seeking to reconnect with their partner after the kids had nodded off, asked for suggestions on small, lightweight games to play. ‘We are so disconnected due to our phones and scrolling social media aimlessly,’ they lamented. ‘Any ideas please?’
The response was a treasure trove of recommendations, but one item stood out for its popularity and affordability: the classic card game UNO, available at Kmart for a mere $6. It’s a game that transcends generations, requires no power source, and can be played with a competitive spirit or a casual, fun approach.
‘We have a small pencil case with a pack of playing cards,’ one caravanner offered. ‘Uno, Magnetic chess, and ‘go find it’ (for the kids).’ Others chimed in with their own variations of UNO, including UNO No Mercy and UNO Flip. ‘Definitely UNO,’ another person agreed. ‘But you could grab a compendium of games for variety.’
The suggestions didn’t stop there. Other popular picks included Skipbo, Monopoly Deal and Monopoly GO, and Five Crowns. ‘Would probably also add Cards Against Humanity and Monopoly GO,’ someone else suggested. ‘Compact, lightweight, easy to play.’ ‘Five Crowns is our new go-to,’ another shared. Kmart, ever the one-stop shop for budget-friendly goods, stocks these games with prices ranging from $5 for Monopoly Deal to $25 for Monopoly GO.
But not all suggestions were strictly PG-rated. Some caravanners, perhaps with a twinkle in their eye, offered more… let’s say, ‘intimate’ activities. ‘Turn the phones off, crack some booze and sit outside enjoying the scenery of the landscape and each other,’ one person advised. Another cheekily warned that their game recommendations led to the conception of baby number two. And one joker even suggested a game of ‘Sink the salami,’ quickly adding, ‘I may get banned for this comment but I promise it’s in good fun.’
So, next time you’re packing for a trip and the forecast looks a bit iffy, remember to throw in that deck of cards or that compact board game. And who knows, you might just discover that these simple pleasures are the perfect way to reconnect and create new memories, rain or shine.
We’d love to hear from you, our wise wanderers of the road. What are your go-to activities when camping trips get a little soggy? Share your rainy day rescue items and stories in the comments below!
Also read: Is it time to establish a specialist caravan licence?
