30+ Best Camping Activities for kids To Enjoy

Are you preparing to take your kids on an exciting camping trip? Kids’ participation in outdoor activities fosters their love of nature as well as long-lasting memories. 

We’ll look at a variety of fun and informative camping activities that I did with my kids in this blog. 👇

I hope you will find some inspiration here, whether you are an experienced camper or just starting.

Top Camping Activities For Your Kid To Enjoy

Every young camper can find something to enjoy, from age-old bonfire storytelling to exhilarating scavenger hunts. These activities can be combined, and you can even try something new. 😂

Ball Games

Family time can be enjoyed while camping. Kids love to go camping, and I can guarantee that they will enjoy playing ball games at their campsite.

You can play catch with them or even carry a soccer ball for them.⚽

Bike Rides Around The Campsite

Bike rides and camping are innate companions. With your kids, bike around the campsite. Ride along trails through the woods, find secret passages, and breathe in the fresh air. To ensure a fun and safe biking experience for all, don’t forget to bring helmets.

Campsite Nature Scavenger Hunt

Visit the campsite with your kid, and go on an exciting nature scavenger hunt. 

I worked with my daughter to create a list of things to look for, such as leaves, rocks, and animal tracks. Together, we went on explorations, made connections with the natural world, and made a tonne of fun memories.

Kayaking

On your camping trip, introduce your children to the fun of kayaking.

Cross serene rivers or lakes by kayak. Give out life jackets, highlight fundamental skills, and allow them to bask in the beauty of the water. 🛶

This is an activity they will undoubtedly adore.

Fishing

For kids, camping and fishing are a great combination. How to cast a line, bait a hook, and wait patiently for a bite should be explained to your little munchkins. Witness their joy as they pull in their first catch.

My son patiently learned the art of hook-baiting and enjoyed it.

Make A Fort

By helping your children with building a fort at the campsite, you can foster their creativity. To make a comfortable shelter, use branches, tents, and blankets. As they create their room for stories, games, and covert adventures, let their ideas run wild. 

Camping BINGO

At the campsite, you can have fun playing this simple game.

Place calling cards that you have cut out in a bowl or jar. Each participant receives a bingo card. 

The player crosses off the image when it is called out on their card. “Bingo!” is shouted by the first player to receive 5 consecutive images.  

Pro Tip 😁

Any camping-related theme can be adapted to this bingo game. Consider using pictures of tents, campfires, hiking trails, or animals. It’s a fantastic way to keep things interesting for kids while they’re camping.

Bubble Play

My son was just thrilled doing this. In the open air, let your child blow bubbles. They will have fun watching the bubbles float off into the distance. 

My son used to have a bubble-blowing contest with his friends.

Star Gazing

Kids have the ideal opportunity while camping to discover the wonders of the night sky. Lean back, look at the sky, and observe the constellations.

Under the sparkling canopy above, tell each other stories about the stars, look for shooting stars, and make enduring memories. 🌠💫

Photography

Using camping photography, unlock the artistic abilities of your children! Let them use their cameras to capture the beauty of nature.

Encourage them to play around with subjects, angles, and lighting. It’s an excellent way for them to record their camping trip and hone their artistic skills.

Camping Charades

We used to form teams to play this and make it more enjoyable. Act out outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and roasting marshmallows. As team members guess and laugh collectively beneath the starry sky, let your imaginations run wild

Lawn Games

Play fun lawn games while camping to keep the kids entertained. Set up a friendly competition using age-old games like bean bag tossing, ring tossing, and sack races. 

Outdoor games that ensure laughter and fun in the great outdoors used to be a lot of fun for my daughter and her friends!

Draw Pictures On Dirt

Encourage kids to draw on dirt to bring out their creativity with a fresh twist. Find a patch of dirt, grab some sticks or just their fingers, and let their imagination run wild.

It’s a fun and active way to make art while taking in the rustic charm of camping, from animals to landscapes.

Name That Song

Play the kids’ “Name That Song” game to make up a musical camping trip. Around the campfire, take turns humming or singing.

To earn points, guess the songs. It’s a wonderful way to bond with others, take in music, and create enduring memories in nature.

Camping Journal

A creative and enjoyable way to remember your adventures and be motivated to go camping once more is to keep a camping journal.

Encourage your child to write about their travel companions, their activities, everything that they saw and things they learned, as well as how they felt and what they were thinking.

Pro Tip😁

Your child should enjoy keeping a journal. They are less likely to stay with it if they are not enjoying it. So let them enjoy themselves! To decorate their journal, they can use stickers, glitter, or other embellishments. 

Stick Maze

Collect several sticks, then arrange them on a level surface.

On the sticks, create a maze using the markers.

Encourage your children to navigate the maze. Use different markers in different colors, or include additional elements, like rocks or leaves, to give the maze a more artistic appearance.

Draw Pictures 

Draw pictures while camping with your kids to encourage creativity. To capture the beauty of nature or bring up imaginative scenes, use sketchbooks and pencils.

Encourage their creative endeavors and engage in a leisurely activity outdoors with them that is both fun and relaxing.🎨✏️

Stick Crafts

Let children collect sticks to make crafts that are inspired by nature, such as picture frames, dream catchers, or miniature log cabins. It’s an easy activity that fosters resourcefulness and introduces kids to nature. 

Every time we went camping, my daughter used to create different works of art with sticks because she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Keynote🤗

Teach children how to hold sticks safely without swinging or prodding other people. Remind kids to carefully place sticks on the ground when not in use and to avoid leaving them lying around the campsite.  

Splash Water

When we used to go camping in the summer, this was a must-do activity. Set up a kiddie pool, engage in a water balloon fight, or splash around in nearby lakes or rivers.

It’s a cool way to beat the summer heat, make pleasant recollections, and spend time together with the whole family outside.

Forest Bathing

By taking a forest bath while camping, you can introduce your children to the wonders of nature.

Take calm strolls through the forest, make bonds with the trees, and relax in the tranquil atmosphere. It’s a peaceful experience that renews the body and mind while cultivating a deep appreciation of nature.🤩

Go For Bicycling

Children can get exercise and enjoy the outdoors by cycling. Cycling can be used while camping to explore the area, go on scavenger hunts, or just get around the campsite. 

My son would enjoy exploring the area on a bicycle.

Pro Tip😁

Pick a campsite with easy trails and level terrain. Make sure your child has the proper size bike for them.

Check that your child is wearing a helmet at all times. 

Campfire Cooking

Kids can assist in cooking a variety of easy and delectable recipes over the campfire, including grilled hot dogs and s’mores. Kids can assist with almost every step of the cooking process, from gathering the ingredients to cleaning up afterward, with a little supervision.🍳

I loved having my son help me make the dishes.

Pro Tip😁

Even though kids can help with the majority of the cooking, it’s crucial to closely supervise them to ensure their safety. Check that the tools and utensils you use are suitable for children to use. 

Study Bugs

A fun and educational way for kids to learn about nature is by studying bugs. Kids can catch and study bugs while camping using nets, magnifying glasses, and other equipment. Bring the necessary supplies, such as nets, binoculars, and jars.🐞🐛🦗

Play UNO

Use UNO to brighten up your camping nights. With your children, enjoy this well-liked card game by the campfire. Use wildcards, match colors and numbers, and have fun. 

This undoubtedly made our camping trip more memorable and added friendly competition.

Treasure Hunt

Make a map, hide hints, and lead your kids on a quest to discover hidden objects in the natural world. It’s a memorable outdoor experience that piques their interest and is enjoyable and entertaining.

Play With Glow Sticks

A colorful and entertaining way to increase the excitement of your camping trip is with glow sticks. Glow stick games can be all kinds of fun and exciting when you’re camping, provided you use a little imagination. 

3 Legged Race

During camping, get the kids moving and laughing with a traditional 3-legged race! Join a pair, tie one leg together, and sprint to the finish line. It’s a hilarious outdoor activity that encourages teamwork and coordination.

Pebble Pets

Kids can use Pebble Pets, which are tiny, vibrant pebbles, to make their special pets. They are ideal for camping because they are lightweight and portable. They can be used by kids to make a variety of animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, and unicorns. 

Hide And Seek

The traditional outdoor game of hide and seek is ideal for camping. Children may hide themselves in the tent, behind rocks, or even in the trees. The seeker can use their senses of hearing and sight to discover the players who are hidden.

Leaf Crafts

My daughter loved performing this. We used to gather variously colored leaves. She would glue multiple leaves together to create leaf animals. She even painted and decorated leaves to create unique leaf masks. 🌿

Enjoy the outdoors and foster creativity with these enjoyable leaf crafts!

Line Up Games

Line-up games will keep the kids occupied while camping. Play “Simon Says” using activities related to camping. Kids can also queue up and pass an item for camping in a relay race. Set up a scavenger hunt where participants queue up to look for natural treasures. 

Nature Rubbings

A simple and interesting way for kids to learn about nature while camping is through nature rubbings. A piece of paper, a crayon, or a pencil, along with some leaves or other natural materials, are all you need. 

Children can rub the items to make lovely patterns that capture the beauty of nature.

Rock Painting

My kids loved this activity. They collected smooth rocks from the surrounding area and painted them in vibrant patterns with acrylic paint.

When they painted rocks with camping emblems, animals, or motivational sayings, I encouraged their imagination and creativity.

Duck Duck Goose

‘Duck, Duck Goose’ is a well-known kids’ game that is outstanding for camping. All you need is a bunch of kids and some space to run around.

Together with their friends, my kids had a lot of fun playing this game, which only enhanced their overall camping experience.

Keynote🤗

The rules of the game are easy to understand: one child is “it” and walks around the circle, tapping each child on the head and saying, “Duck.”

When the child is ready, they say “goose,” and the tapped child chases them around the circle. The first kid to tag the original “it” kid is now the new “it.”

Reading Books

After a long day of outdoor exploration, reading is a fantastic way to unwind and relax. Numerous excellent books are ideal for camping. The books will assist children in learning about nature’s wonders. 📚

Nature Walk With Binoculars

The best way for kids to discover the outdoors while discovering nature is to go on a walk with binoculars. Children who would be unable to see certain objects with their naked eyes can use binoculars to see animals, plants, and other natural objects. 

Mobile Bunk Bed

This bed ensures a comfortable and safe rest during outdoor adventures and is simple to set up and fold down. On these beds, kids can simply unwind and converse with one another.

My daughter and son would sit there and do some drawing or puzzle-solving.

Host a Camp Style Movie

Gather the children around the campfire and show them an adventure film in a camp-style setting. Allow the kids to dress up in their favored camp attire and make sure there are plenty of snacks and beverages available. It’s a wonderful way to cap off a long day of outdoor exploration.

Beach Ball

Camping becomes more exciting with a beach ball. It provides endless entertainment at the campsite and is lightweight and portable. 🏐

Beach balls are available in many different hues and patterns, so you can find one that everyone will adore. My kids tossed it around the campsite while playing catch and keeping up.

Frisbee

A fun and active way to spend time with kids while camping is to throw a frisbee. Children can run around and enjoy themselves, play catch, or attempt to hit targets. Playing frisbee is a fantastic outdoor activity that will also get you moving. 

Slackline Activity

I enjoyed adding slacklining to our camping trip. This safe balance exercise between trees encourages coordination and core strength. Children will enjoy trying out their abilities and having fun outside. 

On slacklines, both my kids walked, balanced, and even performed tricks. 

Make Watermelon Pops

This chilled, delicious food will be a hit with kids.

Insert sticks, popsicle-shape the watermelon, and freeze. To escape the heat and appreciate nature’s sweetness, my kids loved making these cool, healthy treats. 

Create A Map

This is a very thrilling activity. Take your kids on a tour of the entire campsite with you. Let them take in every detail of the surroundings.🗺️

They can create a map once they have explored the entire site. Additionally, this will improve their memory.

Alphabet Games

Kids can pass the time while camping by playing engaging games that teach them the alphabet. You can play a wide range of different alphabet games.

Children can learn their ABCs, sharpen their memory, and develop their problem-solving abilities by playing alphabet games.

Bonfire

For children, the best part of camping is the bonfires. Around the relaxing flames, they’ll gather, toast marshmallows for s’mores, sing campfire songs, and exchange scary tales under the starry night sky. 🔥

Toasted marshmallows in hot chocolate were one of my son’s favorite treats to have while enjoying the bonfire.

Skipping Stones

Kids enjoy the fun activity of skipping stones at the campsite. By the water, they will improve their skills while competing to make the most skips.

It’s an easy but enjoyable way to get in touch with nature and make enduring memories by the lake.

Campfire Stories

Children can be entertained while camping with campfire stories, a tried-and-true method. You can tell a variety of campfire tales, including The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Tortoise and the Hare, and The Little Red Hen. 

My daughter would love these storytelling sessions.

Campfire Songs

Kids can have fun and be entertained while camping by singing along to campfire songs. 🎶🎵

My children enthusiastically hummed old campfire tunes like “Kumbaya,” “The Ants Go Marching,” and “Baby Shark.” This is the ideal way to connect, have fun, and create priceless memories.

Camping Tic Tac Toe

Kids can play Tic Tac Toe while camping in a simple and fun way. A piece of paper, a pencil, and a few tiny pebbles or sticks are all you need.

The 3×3 grid can be drawn on paper by children, who can then indicate their spots with pebbles or sticks. 

Baking Soda And Vinegar Volcano

With the help of this Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano, my kids were buzzing with excitement. Combining the two ingredients will make a natural eruption that kids will enjoy.

It’s a fantastic outdoor science activity that adds excitement to camping trips and is safe, educational, and a tonne of fun.

Pro Tip😁

Place a small plastic bottle on a tray and fill it with 2 tbsp of baking soda to create a baking soda and vinegar volcano. After that, add vinegar to the bottle to watch the volcano bubble and fizz to life.

Board Games

Camping is more enjoyable with board games. Children can play classic games like Connect Four, Uno, and Snakes and Ladders. These enjoyable games promote camaraderie and laughter, enhancing the enjoyment of outdoor adventure.

My son preferred Snakes and Ladders, while my daughter loved playing Ludo.

Campsite Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses at campgrounds are a great way to get active, enhance balance, and have fun while camping.

Rocks, logs, and branches are examples of natural items that can be used to make an obstacle course. Children can jump through, climb over, and crawl under the barriers.  

Sponge Ball War

Kids can keep cool and have a blast at the campsite by soaking sponge balls in water and throwing them at one another. This is an exhilarating and secure outdoor game that ensures plenty of fun and laughter.

Both of my kids liked doing this. 🥰😍

Car And Truck Tents

Kids have a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and get excited about camping through this activity. 

They can convert cars into comfortable forts for camping. It’s a special, action-packed experience that sparks their creativity and forges timeless recollections.

Look For Animal Tracks

One of the many things that will keep your kid interested is this. Encourage the children to search for tracks in snow, mud, or soft ground. You can assist them in classifying the various track types.

This will undoubtedly pique your child’s curiosity.

Cloud Watching

A calm camping activity for kids is cloud watching. They’ll recline and look for patterns in the fluffy clouds, fostering imagination and a love of the beauty of the natural world. This relaxing and creative way of taking pleasure in nature was very loved by my kids.☁️🌥️

Collect Firewood

Kids can learn about fire safety and lend a hand around the campsite by gathering firewood. Children can gather thin, dry objects that are no thicker than their wrists, such as sticks and branches. Explain to them not to collect anything that has needles, is green, or is wet. 

Go For A Walk

While camping, take the kids for a stroll. Discover the wonders of nature, observe wildlife, and gather treasures. This is a simple, healthful, and instructive activity that engages them in the outdoors and stirs their interest.🚶‍♂️🚶

As we walked around the campsite with my kids, I loved responding to all of their questions.

Nature Painting

Children can express themselves interestingly and creatively while camping by painting in nature. Children can make their unique artwork by using organic materials like leaves, flowers, and pinecones.

They can also use crayons, paints, or markers to depict the beauty of the surrounding environment. 

Find That Tree

Kids can have fun playing “Find That Tree” while camping. They will go in search of a particular tree while learning about various species and the environment. It is a fun activity that promotes exploration and appreciation of nature.

Tug Of War

Children camping enjoy the exhilarating team game of tug of war. They’ll engage in friendly strength competitions that promote camaraderie and laughter. 

This is a genuinely thrilling outdoor activity that strengthens the community at the campsite.

Keynote🤗

To pull the rope in the same direction, the children have to work together. They learn the value of cooperating and helping one another as a result of this. 

A great exercise to develop upper body strength is the tug of war. To pull on the rope, children must use their arms and shoulders, which can make them stronger.

Grilled Marshmallow

Kids love the traditional camping treat of grilled marshmallows. A campfire, some marshmallows, and some skewers are all you need. The marshmallows can be roasted over the fire by kids until they are gooey and golden brown.

Pro Tip 😁

To ensure their safety while grilling marshmallows, children must be under adult supervision. To prevent unintentional burns, children should maintain a safe distance from the grill. To prevent hands from touching the flames, use long skewers for roasting.

Dig Site

My children enjoyed getting their hands dirty and digging.⛏️🕳️

Kids can search for fossils, artifacts, or other buried treasures by using a shovel. To carefully uncover their discoveries, they can use brushes and trowels. Kids can learn a lot about history, geology, and the value of preservation by visiting dig sites.

Would You Rather Game

Play “Would You Rather” to have fun while camping. Children choose between two amusing options in a game that promotes creativity and laughter. A great activity to pass the time while developing relationships around the campfire.

My kids would create rather interesting and funny play scenarios.

Musical Chair

While the music is playing, children will dance around the chairs. Kids need to find a seat when the music stops.

The last person standing is out. Exercise, entertainment, and coordination can all be improved by playing musical chairs. 

Shadow Puppet Show

Kids can tell stories and have a magical time while camping by using their hands to create shadow figures on the tent walls.

We would enjoy watching my kids’ puppet shows, where they would tell us the most amazing stories.

Trivia Quiz

A fun way to test children’s knowledge is to give them trivia quizzes.

You can create your trivia questions or search online for a list. Children can compete individually or in teams. 

Pro Tip😁

Make sure the questions are challenging but not impossible for the kids’ age group.

Whether they get the questions right or wrong, you should still encourage them and recognize their efforts. If the kids become enthusiastic about a certain subject, be willing to add new questions or accommodate spontaneous moments.

Pebble Mandala Art

A peaceful activity for children camping is making pebble mandalas. Intricate patterns made of colorful pebbles will be structured by them, encouraging creativity and awareness amidst the splendor of nature.

This struck me as a particularly wonderful way for my kids to engage with nature and showcase their creativity.

Chalk Drawing

It’s a lot of fun to do chalk painting at the campsite. Every time we went camping, my son used to bring different colored chalk. Then he would sketch on the ground or even the bark of trees.

It truly is a simple yet fascinating outdoor activity that creates lovely memories of camping fun.

Keynote🤗

Encourage kids to try out various color combinations since there are many different colors of chalk. Additionally, they can use various colors to add highlights and shadows to their drawings. 

I Spy

Kids who go camping will love playing “I Spy”! They will locate items around the campsite and take turns describing them while others make guesses. A delightful way to develop observational skills while having fun with others.☺️😊

Paper Plane Flying

Kids can have fun and easily pass the time while camping by flying paper aircraft. 

They can experiment and find the paper plane design that works best for them because there are many different ways to fold a paper plane. They can each take turns flying it outside. 

Conclusion

Children can enjoy the outdoors by going camping. They may participate in a wide range of activities while camping, including hiking, fishing, playing games, and telling stories. 😎🤓

I engaged in some enjoyable activities with my kids. Which activity did you do with your children? Please share in the comments section.