"Just hike a few miles out to a campsite, hang out, read, cook, play around, and then head home the next evening. My kids are young (7 and 12), and I think it does them a lot of good to be able to cover some distance and pack things in and out on their own."

That's great. There's nothing like getting out in the outdoors, camping, and just living a little bit. No real "purpose" other than to experience the nature around you. Kudos to you.