Get kids excited about exploring the great outdoors and create long-lasting memories with these camping crafts and games that be used at the campsite or while camping in your own backyard, too.
Make a Nature Bracelet
Have kids pick up treasures as they explore the outdoors to create a cool nature bracelet. First, tear off a piece of wide tape and loosely wrap it around a child's wrist. The tape should be sticky-side out. Then go explore, attaching all the trinkets you find to the bracelet.
Group Storytelling
Turn storytelling into a group activity by taking turns adding a few lines to the plot. One person begins the story with one line to set the scene. Then, the next person adds a line, and so on.
Camp Like an Animal Game
In this version of charades, imitate the movement of any animal and have people guess what you are. It’s great for breaks during hikes, campfire skits, or long car rides. Need some ideas to start the amusement? Try an alligator, chimpanzee, owl, shark, monkey, or giraffe.
Create Leaf Rubbings
This is a wonderful way to spend family time together and teach kids about the changing seasons. Place leaves found from hiking vein-side up on a flat surface. Then lay paper on top of the leaves and rub them with a crayon to create beautiful impressions.
Art with Rocks
Everyone loves a good rock. Why not paint them to create a mystical critter garden around your tent? Hot glue rocks to one another to create items like eyes for frogs or build a snowman! If you make matching wildlife rocks, you can even use them as markers to play a nature version of tic-tac-toe.
Alphabet Game
For a fun way to get your little detectives up and running around, have them search the campground or trail for things that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. When the game is over, treat yourself to some s'mores and a bonfire.
Squirt Gun Tie-Dye
Create tie-dye T-shirts outdoors! Purchase tie-dye kits and fill each squirt gun with a different color according to directions. Spread a tarp out on the grass and lay the T-shirt on the ground or hang it vertically. Pass out the squirt guns and fire away! When done, wrap shirts in individual plastic bags and let sit overnight before washing. Don’t forget to wear clothing that you won’t mind getting dyed.
Blow Bubble Snakes
To create this sudsy serpent, pour 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap into a bowl, add 9 ounces of water, and stir. Cut off the bottom of a clean, empty bottle (a 16-ounce bottle works best). Cover the freshly cut hole with a sock or washcloth and use a rubber band to keep the fabric in place. Dip the fabric end into the sudsy solution and blow!
Have a Glow-in-the-Dark Party
Brighten up your night by adding glow sticks to games. You can also create a homemade glow stick ring toss. For a fun glow-in-the-dark party, grab a badminton net and hit LED balloons instead of a birdie!
Adapted from "Camping Games for Kids" by Courtney Ferrarese
