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45+ DIY Camping Activities for Kids

By: Author Jessica Ashcroft

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Check out this ultimate list of easy and fun DIY camping activities for kids. Perfect for all your spring, summer, and fall adventures!

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We’re sharing the best DIY camping activities for kids!

Use these simple and fun ideas to keep kids entertained during your outdoor adventures this year.

Find inspiration for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school-aged kids, and beyond.

From nature scavenger hunts and camping bingo to sensory play ideas and rainy day activities, there’s something for everyone on this list!

Table Of Contents
  1. The Best DIY Camping Activities for Kids
  2. More Fun Ideas
  3. Want More?
  4. Your Turn

The Best DIY Camping Activities for Kids

Camping Activities for Kids

Camping Scavenger Hunt

Animal Tracks Printable Cards

Pizza Box Solar Oven S'mores

Fun Camping Activities

Nature Play Ideas

How To Make Giant Bubbles Solution

I Spy Outdoor Adventure Find and Colour Activity Page

Free Camping Word Search Printables

24 Camping Activities for Kids (Printable Activity Bingo)

Wrapped Walking Stick Craft

Camping Word Scramble Game

How to Polish Rocks

Camping Taboo Game Cards

DIY Peanut Butter Bird Feeder

How To Make A Rain Gauge

Camping Matching Game Printable

Foraging With Kids: 5 Easy-to-Find Wild Edibles

Easy Paper S’mores Craft

DIY Foil Stream With Kids

Camping Worksheets for Summer Fun!

Nature Mandala

Cyanotype STEAM Project

More Fun Ideas

Here are some additional camping activities the whole family will love!

Nature Exploration

A mom watches as her children explore a hiking trail with walking sticks.
A young boy holds a glass jar filled with lightening bugs.
A young boy uses binoculars to gaze at the stars in a large open space at night.
  1. Nature Walks: Take a walk and explore the flora and fauna. Bring a field guide to identify plants and animals.
  2. Bug Catching: Provide jars and magnifying glasses for kids to catch and observe insects
  3. Tree and Plant Identification: Teach kids how to identify different types of trees and plants by their leaves, bark, and shape.
  4. Bird Calls: Use a bird call app or guide to identify and mimic bird sounds.
  5. Cloud Watching: Lie on a blanket and identify different shapes and types of clouds.
  6. Star Gazing: Use a telescope or just lie on blankets and identify constellations.

Creative Activities

Leaf art with paint hanging from a cloths line with clothespins.
  1. Rock Painting: Collect rocks and use paint to create colorful designs.
  2. Leaf Rubbing: Place a leaf under a piece of paper and rub a crayon over it to create a leaf impression.
  3. Nature Crafts: Use items found in nature like sticks, leaves, and pinecones to create art.

Campfire Fun

Several children roasted marshmallows over a campfire pit on the beach.
  1. Storytelling: Share spooky or funny stories around the campfire.
  2. S’mores Making: Toast marshmallows and assemble s’mores.
  3. Sing-Alongs: Sing campfire songs together.

Games and Activities

A young boy and girl play hide and seek behind a large tree trunk.
  1. Capture the Flag: Play a game of capture the flag in a safe, designated area.
  2. Hide and Seek: Use the natural surroundings to play hide and seek.
  3. Treasure Hunt: Bury or hide a “treasure” and provide clues for kids to find it.

Water Activities

A young boy in a bright yellow swim shirt and trunks fishing off a wooden dock.
  1. Fishing: If the campsite has a lake or river, teach kids how to fish.
  2. Skipping Stones: Find flat stones and teach kids how to skip them across the water.
  3. Swimming: Supervised swimming if there’s a safe area.

Physical Activities

A family hikes through the woods on a trail with a log fence.
  1. Hiking: Explore trails suitable for kids.
  2. Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course with natural and safe elements.
  3. Bike Riding: Bring bikes if the campsite has suitable trails.

Quiet Time

A young boy writes in his journal while sitting against a tree outside.
  1. Reading: Bring books related to nature and camping.
  2. Drawing: Encourage kids to draw what they see around them.
  3. Journaling: Provide notebooks for kids to write about their camping experiences.

These activities can help make the camping trip enjoyable and educational for kids.

Want More?

If you liked these camping ideas for kids, be sure to check out these other easy, fun, and kid-approved activities!

Pinterest graphic with text that reads "DIY Beach Activities for kids" and a collage of beach activities.
Pinterest graphic with text that reads "Summer Sensory Activities for Kids" and a collage of sensory bins and sensory play ideas.
Pinterest graphic with text that reads "90+ Kids' Summer Activities" and a collage of summer activities for kids.
Pinterest graphic with text that reads "25 Simple Nature Activities for Kids" and a collage of nature activity ideas.
Pinterest graphic with text that reads "At-Home Summer Camp Activities" and a collage of summer activities for kids.
Pinterest graphic with text that reads "Simple and Fun Spring Activities for Kids" and a collage of activity ideas.
Pinterest graphic with text that reads "Cute & Fun Summer Crafts for Kids" and a collage of summer crafts for kids.
Pinterest graphic with text that reads outdoor scavenger hunt ideas for kids" and a collage of printable scavenger hunt ideas.

Your Turn

What did you think of these camping activities for kids? Are there any ideas you think we should add? Let us know in the comments!