30 Fun Camping Activities for Kids They’ll Never Forget

Planning a camping trip with kids? You’re in for a wild adventure—full of dirt, giggles, and unforgettable moments. But keeping little campers entertained can be tricky without a plan. That’s where this list comes in! From exciting games to creative crafts and classic outdoor fun, these camping activities for kids will make your trip extra special. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, beach, or backyard, these ideas will spark joy and keep everyone smiling.

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Camping Activities for Kids (Best Ones)

Camping is the perfect time for kids to unplug, explore, and get creative outdoors. The key is to offer a mix of nature-based activities, quiet-time options, and high-energy fun. Here are some of the best camping activities for kids that work at any campsite—whether you’re in a forest, by a lake, or even in your own backyard.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Turn a simple walk into an exciting mission. Create a scavenger hunt list with things like a feather, a pinecone, a smooth rock, something yellow, or an animal track. Add a fun twist by using paper bags for collection or creating a nature journal to sketch each item instead of collecting them. For younger kids, use pictures instead of words. For older kids, include bonus challenges like “Find something that smells good” or “Find a leaf with a bug bite.”

2. Campfire Story Circle (With Props!)

Campfire stories are a camping classic, but you can make them even more fun. Pass around a flashlight or a “magic” stick—whoever holds it adds the next line to the story. You can even toss in random items (a toy, pinecone, or hat) and challenge the next storyteller to include it in their part. Younger kids may love silly tales with talking animals, while older ones might go for spooky stories that end with giggles.

3. Bug & Critter Observation Station

Bring magnifying glasses, bug jars, or clear containers and let kids gently observe bugs, beetles, and butterflies. Encourage them to take notes or draw pictures of what they find. Teach respect for nature by always returning bugs where they belong. This is especially fun early in the morning or right before sunset when critters are most active.

4. Stargazing & Constellation Bingo

After the sun sets and the campfire burns low, lay out a big blanket and look up. Use a star map or stargazing app to help identify constellations like the Big Dipper, Orion, or Cassiopeia. Make it a game with constellation bingo or see who can find the most shooting stars. Bring hot chocolate in thermoses to make it cozy, and if you’re camping during a meteor shower—it’s pure magic!

5. Painted Rock Hide-and-Seek

During the day, have kids collect smooth stones and paint them with fun designs, emojis, or camp-themed words. Once they’re dry, hide them around the campsite. Everyone can take turns hunting for them, or you can leave them behind as happy surprises for the next campers. Bring paint pens or quick-drying acrylics for easier cleanup.

6. Obstacle Course Challenge

Use what you have around you—logs, sticks, hammocks, ropes—to build an obstacle course. Set up jumping spots, a crawling tunnel under a tarp, or balance beams from sturdy branches. Time each other or do it in teams. This is a great way to burn energy, especially before bedtime.

7. Leaf Rubbing & Nature Art Time

Collect interesting leaves, bark, and textures from around your site. Place them under paper and use crayons or colored pencils to rub over them. The textures will pop through the paper like magic. You can also use twigs, flowers, and pressed leaves to make nature collages or simple bookmarks with tape and cardstock. Bring a clipboard to make it easier for kids to draw on the go.

8. Campfire Talent Show

Let the kids put together a little performance after dinner. They can sing songs, tell jokes, dance, or perform a short skit. Bring simple props or let them create their own with sticks, blankets, or costumes made from jackets. Record it on your phone for a fun camping memory you can rewatch at home.

Camping Crafts for Kids

Craft time gives kids a creative outlet and a quiet break from all the running around. The best part? You don’t need to bring a whole craft closet—just a few supplies and some inspiration from nature. These hands-on projects are perfect for rainy afternoons, picnic table fun, or winding down after a busy day.

9. Pinecone Bird Feeders

Collect pinecones and tie string around the top. Let kids smear peanut butter all over the pinecone and roll it in birdseed. Hang them on nearby tree branches and watch the birds visit. It’s a simple, eco-friendly craft that teaches kids to care for wildlife. (Make sure no one has a peanut allergy.)

10. Nature Bracelets

Wrap a strip of duct tape around your child’s wrist—sticky side out. Then go on a nature walk and stick tiny flowers, leaves, feathers, or moss onto the bracelet. In just minutes, they’ll have a one-of-a-kind nature cuff they can proudly wear.

11. Painted Nature Flags

Bring a few pieces of lightweight fabric, or cut up an old pillowcase or t-shirt. Let kids paint flags using leaves, twigs, or natural dyes made from berries or mud. Once dry, tie the flags to a long stick or string them into a banner to hang by the tent. It gives the campsite a fun, festive look!

12. Twig Picture Frames

Collect small straight twigs and glue them into a square or rectangle on cardboard. Decorate with tiny stones, moss, or bark. Once you’re home, print a favorite camping photo to place inside. It’s a perfect keepsake and reminder of your trip.

13. DIY Nature Journals

Before your trip, staple or bind some blank pages into a booklet. Let kids decorate the cover and use it as a journal throughout the trip. They can draw what they see, write about their favorite activity each day, or press small leaves or flowers inside. It’s a relaxing activity that encourages mindfulness.

14. Rock Pets

Using googly eyes, paint, and glue (or even found items like grass for hair), let kids turn rocks into fun little creatures. They can name them, build homes for them, and even make up stories about their rock pets’ adventures.

15. Sun Prints with Leaves

If you bring sun print paper or light-sensitive construction paper, kids can place leaves, flowers, and twigs on top. Let the sun do its magic for a few minutes, then remove the objects and rinse the paper. The silhouettes will remain, making beautiful natural artwork.

Camping Games for Kids

Games bring the campsite to life. They help kids connect, laugh, and stay active—day or night. The best part? These camping games are easy to set up, don’t need fancy gear, and work with a mix of ages. Whether you’re looking for quiet fun or high-energy challenges, these ideas have you covered.

16. Flashlight Tag in the Dark

When the sun goes down and the stars come out, it’s time for flashlight tag! Choose one child to be “it” and give them a flashlight. The other kids hide around the campsite. The seeker must tag players by shining the light directly on them. Once tagged, they become “it,” or you can play elimination style. This game adds a thrilling twist to hide-and-seek and is perfect for older kids. Just be sure to set clear boundaries so no one wanders too far in the dark. Glow sticks or reflector tape can also help keep it safe and visible.

17. Glow Stick Ring Toss Game

Turn glow sticks into a glowing ring toss game that looks magical at night. Connect a few glow sticks into rings, and stick a tall stick or water bottle into the ground to serve as your target. You can even mark point zones with extra glow sticks. Take turns tossing the rings and keeping score. This game works well for ages 4 and up, and it’s especially fun for winding down after dinner. Want to up the challenge? Try playing it blindfolded or with time limits.

18. Camping-Themed Bingo

Bingo is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged throughout the day—and it doubles as a quiet-time activity. Before your trip, create simple bingo cards with pictures or words like “tent,” “firewood,” “bird,” “bug spray,” “s’mores,” or “hiking boots.” Kids can mark off squares as they see or do each item. Make it more fun by offering prizes like extra marshmallows or the chance to pick the next game. Laminate the cards and use dry-erase markers for reuse!

19. Capture the Flag Wilderness Edition

If you’re camping with other families or have a group of kids, Capture the Flag is a must-play. Divide into two teams and give each a “flag” (use a bandana or sock). Each team hides their flag in their territory, and the goal is to sneak into the opponent’s side and grab it without being tagged. Add obstacles, natural barriers, or even a “jail” zone for caught players. It encourages teamwork, strategy, and tons of running around. Perfect for big open spaces or woodsy areas where kids can sneak and dash.

20. Sleeping Bag Races

Who needs potato sacks when you’ve got sleeping bags? Line up the kids at the starting line, get them zipped into their bags, and let the hopping begin. They’ll bounce, fall, and giggle their way to the finish. This game is ideal for campground fields or grassy areas and is especially fun when parents join in. For extra excitement, add race challenges like spinning in a circle or hopping backward to the finish line.

21. Nature Charades

A classic game with an outdoorsy twist! Write down animals, camping gear, or nature actions on slips of paper (examples: building a tent, a bear brushing its teeth, roasting marshmallows). Kids take turns picking a slip and acting it out silently while others guess. It’s a great evening activity when everyone is gathered around the fire, and it helps shy kids feel involved in a fun, silly way. Play in teams or keep it casual and light-hearted.

22. Campground Hide & Seek or Sardines

A campground offers plenty of creative hiding spots for an epic game of hide and seek. Make sure to set safety boundaries—like “no going past the big tree” or “stay within sight of the picnic table.” For a twist, try playing “Sardines.” One person hides, and as each player finds them, they hide in the same spot. The last person to discover the group becomes the next hider. It’s hilarious to watch everyone squish into one hiding place!

23. Simon Says: Camping Edition

Turn this classic game into a themed version for your trip. Use commands like “Simon says swat a mosquito,” “Simon says gather firewood,” or “Simon says paddle your canoe.” You can even use it to teach younger kids basic campsite rules and safety, like “Simon says look both ways before crossing the path.” It’s a quick game to play while waiting for food or during morning energy bursts.

24. Stick Tic-Tac-Toe

Nature provides all the game pieces you need! Create a big tic-tac-toe grid on the ground using small sticks. Use two different natural objects—like pinecones and rocks—as game markers. It’s an easy game that’s great for toddlers and preschoolers who want something calm to do while older kids play tag or run around. Bonus idea: have kids paint their own nature markers beforehand as a mini craft session!

Rainy Day Camping Activities for Kids

Not every camping trip comes with sunshine—and that’s okay! With a little creativity, rainy days can become just as fun. This chapter gives you peace of mind and keeps kids smiling even when the weather turns.

25. Indoor Tent Games

If you’re stuck inside the tent or camper, bring out a deck of cards, travel board games, or printable games like “Would You Rather?” or “Campground Mad Libs.” Even a simple game of memory or charades inside the tent can lift everyone’s mood.

26. Storytelling With a Twist

Use a story starter jar filled with prompts like “Once upon a time in the forest…” or “A bear found a treasure map…” Each person adds a line. For even more fun, record your silly story and listen to it later around the campfire.

27. Rain Painting

If it’s warm and drizzly, give kids watercolor paper and washable markers. Let them draw designs, then place their papers in the rain. The drops will create beautiful, abstract art. It’s creative, hands-on, and gives kids a reason to enjoy the rain.

28. Shadow Puppet Theater

All you need is a flashlight and your hands (or paper cutouts). Let kids create shadow puppet shows against the tent wall. They can take turns performing while others watch. It’s calming, imaginative, and perfect for winding down.

29. Puddle Jumping Party

If it’s safe and not storming, suit up in rain gear and head outside to stomp in puddles. It’s pure joy for toddlers and younger kids. Add a puddle-jumping contest or scavenger hunt to spot snails, worms, or raindrops on leaves.

30. DIY Camping Puppet Show

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to get crafty and imaginative. Have kids make simple puppets using socks, paper bags, or even nature finds like leaves and twigs. Let them decorate their characters with markers, googly eyes, or stickers (if you packed some craft supplies). Once the puppets are ready, they can perform a puppet show from inside the tent or camper. Use sleeping bags or chairs as the “stage.” It keeps kids occupied for hours and gives them a creative outlet when they can’t run wild outside.