15 Fun Camping Activities for Kids
Hey, happy campers! Are you ready to take your kids on a camping adventure they’ll never forget? Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into a treasure trove of camping activities for kids that will have your little ones begging for more time under the stars.
From classic games with a fun twist, like camping bingo and glow-in-the-dark tic tac toe, to creative activities like story stones and charades, this list is chock-full of fun ideas to keep the whole family entertained around the campfire.
So, grab your marshmallows, dust off those tents, and let’s get ready for an unforgettable camping trip filled with laughter, bonding, and memories that will last a lifetime!
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Family Camping Essentials
In addition to the activities below, here are some camping products we really love:
- Magical Flames Fire Color Changing Packets
- Campfire Roasting Sticks
- Toss and Catch Ball Set
- Rechargeable Headlamps
- Fire Starters
Cool Camping Activities Kids Will Love
You don’t have to spend a fortune on camping games to keep the kids entertained. Print or DIY these fun camping activities, and let the laughter begin! There is a link to each printable under each picture. Have fun!!
1. Camping Bingo
Fun for kids and adults alike, this Camping Bingo game is a hoot for all ages. You can use whatever you’d like for Bingo markers — pieces of paper, actual game markers, or even rocks that you find in nature.
2. Flashlight Scavenger Hunt
Sure, scavenger hunts are fun, but when you’re camping out in the woods, kick the fun level up a notch by using flashlights! It’s a more challenging and fun way to pass the time.
Other fun crafts:
- Free Road Trip Printables
- Fun Garden Crafts For Kids
- 40 Best Summer Camp Games for Kids
- Fun Crafts With Real Leaves
3. Camping Charades
There’ll be lots of laughter when you play this fun game of camping charades! If you’ve never played charades before, it’s really simple. Each player takes turns acting out the prompt on the card while the other players guess what the word or phrase is.
All the cue cards here have a camping theme, like “pitching a tent” or “chopping firewood.”
4. Nature Scavenger Hunt
A camping trip is the ideal time to go on a scavenger hunt. Tape the list into a paper lunch bag, and collect your items as you check them off. The collected leaves, flowers, etc., will look great in your scrapbook.
5. Camping Story Stones
Begin this activity before your camping trip using paint markers to decorate some stones. Then, once you’re at your campsite, use the stones to tell a story. What a fun way to encourage campers to flex their creative muscles to come up with a fun tale for everyone!
6. DIY Tin Can Lanterns
Before you leave for your trip, make some tin can lanterns to light up your campsite. All you need are empty tin cans, a drill, some paint, and a candle. You can use battery-powered tealights to keep things safe, especially if you plan to use your lanterns inside the tent.
7. Painted Rock Tic Tac Toe
DIY this fun travel game. It’s super inexpensive since it’s made with rocks and paint, and all ages can enjoy it. If you don’t have a storage bag to make your board on, you can always use a stick to draw a grid in the dirt or paint one on cardboard to travel with you.
8. Solar Oven S’mores
Sure, you can make s’mores over a campfire, but if you want to throw a little science experiment into your trip, build a solar oven to make them instead. All you need are basic supplies like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, tape, and a cardboard pizza box.
by Desert Chica
9. Printable Camping Playset
If you’ve never been camping before, using this printable camping playset with your toddlers or preschoolers may be helpful in showing them what it’s like. The printout elements include a family of campers, a campfire, a tent, a mountain scene, and more.
10. Camping Journal
Encourage kids to write about their experiences in this cute camping journal. It includes spaces to write the location, date, favorite attractions, etc.
11. Nature Story Cards
Use these printable nature story cards to tell fascinating stories around the campfire. Use a picture as a starting prompt, and let others add to it by drawing a card. How fun!
12. Camping I Spy
Encourage little ones to be more observant of the world around them. This iSpy game is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to count. The game is as easy as finding the number of each item.
You can extend this activity by going around your campsite and pointing out as many items as possible, like a tent, a compass, and a lantern.
13. Bug Scavenger Hunt
Instead of a regular nature hunt, why not try a bug scavenger hunt to see what sorts of creepy, crawly things are around the campsite? Look for butterflies, ladybugs, spiders, and more.
Kids will love this one – be sure to check out these fun bug crafts, too!
14. Don’t Eat Pete Camping Edition
Have you ever played “Don’t Eat Pete?” It’s a fun game involving snacks, and the one who eats the most is the winner. Who wouldn’t love that? This pack of camping games also includes a word search.
15. Glow in the Dark Tic Tac Toe
Another fun activity for after dark is this glowing tic-tac-toe game. It is easy to make using inexpensive glow sticks—you can even find them at Dollar Tree!
Summary- Children’s Camping Activities
Camping with kids is a fantastic way to bond as a family, explore the great outdoors, and create lasting memories. The 15 activities we’ve shared—from nature scavenger hunts to storytelling under the stars—will keep your little ones entertained and engaged throughout your trip.
These activities not only provide endless fun but also offer valuable learning experiences, foster a love for nature, and encourage creativity.
Remember, the key to a successful camping adventure with kids is to be flexible, patient, and prepared. Embrace the spontaneity of outdoor play, and don’t be afraid to let your kids lead the way in exploring their surroundings.
With these activities in your toolkit, you’ll be well-equipped to turn any camping trip into an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, learning, and family togetherness.
Happy camping, and may your outdoor adventures be filled with joy and wonder!
More Summer Activities for Kids
- Easy Summer Crafts for Kids
- Paper Plate Bear Craft for Kids
- Fun Water Activities That Are Perfect for Summer
- Outdoor Summer Activities for Preschoolers
Must-read Camping Books
Be sure to check out these great books about the great outdoors, which would be a great addition to any camping trip.
Backpack Explorer: One the Nature Trail – This is a great take-along for any camping trip. This fun field guide is great for young explorers.
Exploring Nature – Encourage your little explorer to get outside. This book is full of outdoor activities.
Bird Watch Book For Kids – Learn how to get started bird watching! This guide includes beautiful illustrations of birds as well as a bird journal.
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