Thinking up engaging activities for kids to do while camping is part of the adventure! As a seasoned parent, I’ve come up with exciting ideas that you can do with your kiddos to have an epic experience. The great outdoors is one giant playground just waiting for youthful energy and a dash of parental magic to bring it to life!
Outdoors Adventures
Camping is not only about sleeping in a tent! The following activities will help you introduce the wonderful natural beauty to your little ones!
1. Hiking: Exploring trails and enjoying the natural scenery
I regularly take my kids out into the wild, so I’ve learned a trick or two to turn hiking into an epic adventure! For instance, a game of nature I Spy can add a splash of excitement. Your little ones will love pretending they’re on a treasure hunt. See if your kids can spot the prettiest wild bird!
2. Stargazing: Observing stars and constellations in the night sky
When I take my kids camping, we become night sky explorers! With nothing but a clear sky, you don’t need to be Galileo to introduce your young ones to astronomy. Start with finding the iconic North Star, Orion Belt, or the Big Dipper! Also, be creative with constellations! If your kids are lucky, they may spot a shooting star!
3. Fishing: Spending time by the water trying to catch fish
You can’t beat camping by the water with a fishing rod in hand, teaching the little ones the art of patience. Let your kids reel in the fish but mind the sharp hooks! Remember, it’s not about the size; it’s about the tales you’ll tell. Catch and cook is also a lovely way to introduce your kids to survival skills.
4. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Searching for specific nature items on a list
If I’ve learned one thing from my parenting experiences, it’s that a Nature Scavenger Hunt is pure fun! Equip your little ones with a list of nature items to search for while camping. Let them hunt for acorns, feathers, or the elusive four-leaf clover. It’s a blast seeing them scurry around. Toss in some riddles to spice up the quest!
5. Camping Olympics: Competing in various outdoor physical activities
I’ve witnessed firsthand the excitement that comes with organizing a Camping Olympics for kids. It’s all about good-natured competition! Turn your campsite into an arena for youthful energy. Let your kids partake in classic events like sack races or tug-of-war. Don’t forget about activities like frisbee throwing. And for a truly amusing sight, throw in a three-legged race!
Creative Arts and Crafts
Camping is also a lovely time for kids to learn arts and crafts! As they enjoy the lush greenery, their creativity will run wild! Use nature as the inspiration!
6. Nature Mandalas: Creating beautiful patterns using natural materials
There’s nothing quite like the magic of making Nature Mandalas together while camping. Scan the campground for vibrant leaves, smooth pebbles, and quirky pinecones! Guide your kids to arrange their finds in circles around a bright flower or an unusually shaped twig! It’s not just pretty patterns: they’re a mosaic of Mother Nature’s finest work!
7. Rock Painting: Decorating rocks with colorful designs
When I’m out camping with the kids, I love to shake things up with a bit of rock painting. It’s like giving a mini-makeover to those plain-looking campground stones! Flat, smooth rocks work best. Then leap into designs: swirls, stars, ladybugs, or even the Minions! It’s all about letting their creativity flow! The painted rocks double up as take-home souvenirs.
8. Leaf Rubbing: Making Art by Rubbing Leaves onto Paper
When I go camping with kids, the classic leaf rubbing is a must-do activity! I recommend gathering a bunch of leaves, varying in shape, size, and texture. Place a leaf vein-side up on a flat surface and lay your paper gently over the leaf. And then let your child rub a crayon over the top. Voilà, instant masterpiece!
9. Crafts: Engaging in various creative craft projects
Camping is the perfect time to let your kids’ artistic spirit soar! Got some popsicle sticks from last night’s campfire treats? Turn them into camp-inspired picture frames! Glue sticks in a square, add a photo from the trip, and there’s a sweet keepsake. Sticks can also become characters in a puppet show with just yarn and fabric.
Games and Sports
Camping gives your kids the perfect opportunity to move around and get some exercise! Here are some of the most fun games and sports that they can do while camping!
10. Camping Tool Hunt: Looking for items or completing tasks from a list
It’s a Camping Tool Hunt time! I create a list of tools and tasks that are both fun to find and can educate the kiddos on the usefulness of each item. Challenge them to locate a compass, a knife, a water bottle, or a flashlight! I also throw in funny tasks, like assembling a mini tent from sticks and leaves.
11. Flashlight Tag: Playing tag in the dark using flashlights
When I’m camping with little ones, it’s always fun to play flashlight tag, turning spooky nighttime into a heap of fun. Here’s the rundown: grab a sturdy flashlight, set some safe boundaries, and designate a ‘base’. The ‘It’ player tries to tag others by catching them in the flashlight’s beam while everyone else stealthily navigates the darkness!
12. Camping Bingo: Playing Bingo with Camping-Themed Squares
I always tell parents to bring a deck of Camping Bingo cards. It’s a twist on the classic game where instead of numbers, each square features a camping-themed item. It can include a s’more, a pinecone, or a friendly squirrel. You’ll hear your kids shouting “Bingo!” in no time. Does someone get five in a row? Victory dance time!
13. Balloon Games/Balloon Tennis: Playing games using balloons for fun and exercise.
As a parenting expert, I’ve found that one of the simplest pleasures on a camping trip can come from a pack of balloons! Consider the classic Balloon Tennis. Swap out the tennis balls for balloons and use makeshift paddles. There’s also the Balloon Race. Kids clamp a balloon between their knees and scuttle like a crab to the finish line!
14. Treasure Hunt: Searching for hidden treasures based on clues
When I’m out camping with the kiddos, there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. The forest becomes a natural playground for your kids. Here’s my top tip: start by hiding some treasures like shiny pebbles and small toys. Then, I create a series of witty, nature-inspired clues that lead the kids from one hidden spot to another!
Campfire Activities
It’s not camping until you build a bonfire! Gather around with your kids around the fires and do these fun challenges while you warm up and enjoy roasted marshmallows!
15. Campfire Stories: Sharing scary or funny stories around the fire
When I’m out camping with kids, storytelling around the campfire becomes the star of the show. The flickering flames set the perfect mood. Let me tell you, a mix of scary and funny stories does wonders. Once the kids huddle up, I launch into thrilling tales. From giggles to gasps, these stories spark a special kind of campfire magic!
16. Campfire Songs: Singing songs together by the campfire
Gathering around a campfire isn’t complete without breaking into song! I’ve found it’s an absolute must for any successful camping trip with kids. There’s nothing quite like singing together Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars to lift the spirits and stave off any lingering bedtime blues. Pack a few song sheets, and you’ll turn those campfires into a glowing stage!
17. Camping Charades: Acting out camping-themed words or phrases for others to guess
I like watching my kids turn into twinkling little stars around a campfire when they play Camping Charades. It’s a hoot watching them act out words and phrases, turning the campsite into a stage for their performances. Watch your little ones flapping their arms hysterically, trying to mimic a bat! Everyone can take turns and compete to guess.
Quiet Time and Relaxation
As you huddle inside a cozy tent with your kids, you can do these campsite activities before sleeping! It’s relaxing, just what you need after a long day of outdoor adventuring.
18. Card Games: Playing various card games for entertainment
Nothing beats the simplicity of whipping out a deck of cards inside the tent. Between roasting marshmallows and stargazing, card games are a surefire way to keep the family engaged. My top picks? There is the good old Go Fish. Then, there’s also UNO. The winner gets to pick the next day’s trek and the loser carries the picnic basket!
19. Storytelling with DIY props: Telling stories, either personal or fictional, with props for group enjoyment
The magic of a campfire can turn a simple story into an unforgettable adventure! Armed with my trusty bag of DIY props, kids become spellbound as a stick transforms into a wizard’s wand. Old socks can find a new calling as woodland creature puppets. And a hand-drawn map on an old napkin can set the quest for hidden treasure!
20. Charades (Indoor Version): A quieter version of charades that can be played inside the tent or camper
When your kids just want to chill inside the tent, I’ve got the perfect camping game up my sleeve! It’s the Indoor Version of Charades. This one doesn’t involve arm-flailing that could potentially knock over the camping gear. Instead, keep it low-key, with exaggerated facial expressions and the tiniest of gestures. I also teach the kids to mime!
Final Thoughts
I can confidently say that the key to a successful camping trip with kids is to keep them entertained. These activities for kids to do while camping will keep them entertained for the whole trip! Remember, you’re not just keeping them busy; you’re building memories that’ll stick longer than marshmallow goo on a camp chair. Enjoy the outdoors with your kiddos: it’s the wildest ride there is!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is camping good for kids?
Yes, camping is beneficial for kids as it fosters a connection with nature, promotes problem-solving skills, encourages physical activity, and trains their resilience as well as independence. Through outdoor experiences, children can create lasting memories with family and friends!
How do you teach kids camping?
Teaching kids camping involves hands-on instruction in basic outdoor skills such as setting up tents, building fires safely, identifying wildlife and plants, cooking simple meals, and navigating trails. Encourage exploration and curiosity. Also, teach them about safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles.
What is the best age for kids to camp?
Generally, children around 5 to 12 years old are often most receptive to the camping experience. You can take younger toddlers too, but make sure you have thorough preparation!
Can toddlers go camping?
Yes, toddlers can go camping with careful planning. Mind the safety aspect and choose campgrounds that have public facilities. It’s best to avoid extreme camping sites like the wilderness.