Dad & kids around a campfire
By Tom Severin
Hey, buddy. Did you hear the one about the ‘gator that strolled into a leather store? He was looking for a long-lost cousin.
Oh, come on. It wasn’t that bad. (Was it?)
Chances are you’ve heard tons of jokes like this one. (And others I couldn’t print here). While most were told in the company of adults, many others were designed for younger ears. That’s great.
I’m a huge fan of taking the family outdoors including four wheeling. Two of my articles discussed that very topic. You can find those from the links below.
- The All-Time Best Family Adventures Cost Less Than A Day At The Amusement Park
- Four Wheeling Good For Families, Easy On The Environment
The fun doesn’t end when the engines shut off, though. In fact, the campout takes on a whole new dimension in the evening. The campfire is roaring and the beverages are flowing. Someone breaks outs the goodies to make s’mores. Right about then is a good time for joke telling.
Sometimes the chatter is naturally lively. Other times you need to jumpstart the conversation. Just throw out some of your jokes.
Most likely you’ll start with “Dad” jokes. You know, the kind your Dad told over and over when you were a kid. Dad always thought they were a hoot; you and your siblings just rolled your eyes. Now you look back in fondness. You count those among the many warm memories of Dad.
As a father yourself, you probably have your own golden oldies. Bring ‘em out again. If your kids start to complain, tell them to offer their own. Make a game of it: Challenge each kid to tell a better one.
Campfire jokes to get you started
You may be throwing out the zingers with ease. In case you’ve forgotten your jokes, or would like a few new (old) ones to try, I’ve got you covered.
I can’t take credit for any of these. Like you, I’ve picked them up over the years listening to others. Take a gander. Perhaps two or three will resonate. If so try them out during your next family outing around the campfire.
- Want to hear a joke about peanut butter? I probably shouldn’t tell you, because you will just spread it around.
- Did you know that I once worked in an orange juice factory? Had to quit because I couldn’t concentrate.
- Speaking of oranges, why did the orange lose the race? It ran out of juice.
- What part of the car is the laziest? The wheels, because they’re always TIREd.
- Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert? Because she was stuffed.
- How did the egg get up the mountain? It scrambled up.
- What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between us, something smells!
- What kind of nut has no shell? A doughnut.
- What did the nose say to the finger? Quit picking on me!
- What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm.
Any time is joke time
You don’t need a campfire to tell jokes. A long drive is another good time. Then you can be a little more creative. For example, spotting an orange-colored object gives you the chance to try the orange jokes.
You pass a doughnut shop. Tell that one.
Up ahead is a mountain. Crack out the egg joke.
You get the point.
You start telling jokes and encourage the kids and everybody else to contribute. Make sure you respond favorably to any your kids offer. They want to feel good, even if their offering is as bad as your “Dad” jokes. (Mind you, I’m not claiming these jokes will get you booked on “The Tonight Show.” The objective is to add some levity to the drive or campout.)
Study this list and add any of your own. Pick 1 or 2 you really like and can remember. Then be prepared for your “stage time” during the next trip outdoors.
Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
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