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!

pin collage of kid-friendly camping activities

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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.

by Glue Sticks & Gumdrops

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.

by Frugal Coupon Living

Other fun crafts:

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.”

by Modern Mom Life

4. Nature Scavenger Hunt

A camping trip is the ideal time to go on a scavenger hunt. Tape the list to a paper lunch bag, and collect your items as you check them off. The collected leaves, flowers, etc., will look great in your scrapbook.

by The Typical Mom

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!

by Messy Little Monster

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.

by Kids’ Craft Room

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.

painted rock tic tac toe on green background

by Where the Smiles Have Been

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 to show them what it’s like. The printout elements include a family of campers, a campfire, a tent, a mountain scene, and more.

by All for the Boys

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, and more.

by Frugal Coupon Living

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!

by Simple Everyday Mom

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.

by Glue Sticks & Gumdrops

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, ants, spiders, and more. Kids will love this one – be sure to check out these fun bug crafts too!

by Messy Little Monster

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.

dont eat pete camping edition printable game

by Simple Everyday Mom

15. Glow in the Dark Tic Tac Toe

Another fun activity for after dark, this glowing tic tac toe game is easy to make using inexpensive glow sticks. You can even find them at Dollar Tree!