Kids love to explore the great outdoors, and camping is an excellent way to make this happen. Camping with kids is not only a great way to keep them active but to also teach them about nature and the environment. If you are looking for cool ideas for keeping your kiddos busy on your next camp out, look at these 7 fun kids camping activities – from rainbow fire to rainbow rocks, there’s something for everyone!
RELATED: First time camping as a family? Check out our printable Family Camping Checklist.
7 Fun Camping Activities for Kids
1. Bug catching kits
An inexpensive bug catching kits is perfect for kids when they’re camping. Let them hunt for and examine the bugs around where you are camping, before setting them free again.
2. Fireside journaling
Give kids a notebook and some markers and invite them to journal each night around the fire. Have them write about their adventures, draw pictures of things they saw and share their thoughts on camping in general. The end result makes a great camping keepsake.
3. Host a paper plane challenge
Have fun folding paper planes and then host a family tournament to judge longest time in air, furthest distance flown, most creative plane and most dramatic nose dive!
4. Try rock painting
Gather some pebbles or stones and paint them with colorful designs. When you are done, you can hide them in the woods for other hikers to find. Not only are they fun to make, they are fun to hide and find and well! Head to the dollar store for some craft paint and paint brushes to make this an inexpensive activity everyone can enjoy.
5. Decorate your own marshmallow toasting or s’more stick
Take a hike and find the perfect marshmallow/s’mores roasting sticks. Use craft paint, washi tape and ribbon to decorate the sticks with all sorts of color and designs. This way each child will know which stick is theirs when it’s time to roast your camping treats.
6. Add a little color to your campfire
Add color changing dust to your campfire and watch how beautiful the flames burn! You can find color changing dust at most camp stores and even on Amazon. The dust is easy to use and can just be tossed in the fire, where it will turn the flames a rainbow of colors!
7. Pack some glow sticks
Head to the dollar store before you leave on your camping trip to grab some glow sticks that will light up the night with color. Glow sticks are so fun to use on evening hikes, around the campfire, or even for nighttime reading and relaxation. You can even fill a gallon jug with water and drop a few activated sticks in to create a gorgeous glow!
Before you head out on your next camping adventure, try these 7 fun camping ideas for kids. They are a great way to pass the time while enjoying the great outdoors as a family!
Don’t leave home without….check out our list of 8 family camping essentials.
More family camping fun:
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
