One of the challenges when camping with littles is filling their day with activities to keep them busy. Leave the screen time at home and use our list of 10 camping activities for kids to keep them occupied. Many of the suggestions on our list can be used for kids of any age. Let’s face it, with things like LED ring toss on the list, even adults will be having a blast.
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is great because it can be customized per age group it’s for and what location you’re adventuring in. It also required very little materials and minimal prep. We advise researching your destination ahead of time and building out your scavenger hunt list. For a younger group of kids you could incorporate simple things found in nature: a stick, a rock, a flower, a squirrel, a bird, etc. Add “a piece of litter” to the list and have them throw it away for a quick lesson about caring for nature.
For the older kids you can get a bit more detailed. Add a particular species of bird or plant or particular destinations throughout the campground/campsite area. Bonus items like shooting stars or bats are fun to add and keep the game going into the evening.
If your group requires more incentive than bragging rights – think about bringing along a prize for the winner.
Go Fish
Real fish during day – cards at night. If your kids are old enough to fish – it’s a great way to spend a few hours. Prep some snacks and beverages along with your gear and try your luck at any nearby lake, river, or stream that allows for fishing (always check local regulations and permit requirements beforehand). Even if you have no luck with the fish and end up skipping rocks – the kids will enjoy the time on (or maybe even in) the water.
Go fish is a great game to play with the kiddos in the tent. It serves as a good way to unwind before bed.
Cornhole / Ring Toss
Bringing a simple game of corn hole or ring toss can lead to hours of entertaining at the campsite for adults and kids alike. You can even play into the evening with this GlowCity Light Ring Toss Game powered by LEDs.
Stargazing
Camping is a great opportunity for stargazing since you get out from the light pollution of the city. If your kids are old enough to appreciate astronomy, bringing along a beginner telescope like this Gskyer is a great way to take full advantage of the starry nights at camp.
Binoculars can also work to enhance your star gazing and are easier to use than telescopes which make them a great option for younger kids. We like the Nikon Trailblazer binoculars that are compact and waterproof.
All Things Glow
Kids go crazy for glowsticks! They are a cheap and easy way to keep the kids occupied in the evenings and as a bonus they can use them to keep the boogie man away at night. Glow anything is fun.
If normal glow sticks aren’t enough – pick up a LED football like this GlowCity LED ball.
Hiking!
Hiking! Hiking is a great way to get kids more into nature. Plan ahead using an app like AllTrails to pick a hike that fits your group’s ability. They designate easy/moderate/hard ratings and will give detail on each hike’s distance and elevation gain. Be sure to check out our guide on what to bring on a day hike.
Shadow Puppets
Good ol’ fashion shadow puppets is still a crowd pleaser with the littles. All you need is a flashlight and an imagination for this one.
Use your hands or create paper cutouts in advance for an upgraded show. Direction on how to create paper cutouts can be found here: https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-campfire-story-shadow-puppets/
S’mores
No camping activity list for young or old would be complete without s’mores. Bring along the classic ingredients or shake things up with peanut butter cups in place of chocolate and chocolate chip cookies in place of graham crackers. You really can’t go wrong – just try not to catch your marshmallow on fire.
Tie Dye
Tie dye shirts are a groovy craft for camp. You’re already outside and messy, so what’s a little dye stains on your hands? Kits can be purchased in advance (https://www.amazon.com/Tulip-One-step-Tie-Dye-Party-Kit/dp/B01FV60TAS/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=tie+dye+kit&qid=1600398938&sr=8-5_) just don’t forget to bring along the right size shirt for everyone wanting to participate. As a bonus – the bright colors make kids easier to spot once the shirt are ready.
