Family camping trips are some of the most memorable experiences of childhood. The smell of fresh pine trees, the sound of crackling campfires, and the excitement of sleeping under the stars create a magical escape from everyday life. But as any parent knows, keeping kids entertained while camping can be a bit of a challenge—especially when you’re away from the usual tablets and Wi-Fi.
The solution? Fun, interactive, and outdoor-friendly camping games! Not only do these games keep kids engaged, but they also encourage creativity, teamwork, and physical activity—all while creating unforgettable memories.
In this guide, we’ll share 10 camping games for kids that are easy to set up, fun for all ages, and perfect for your next family camping adventure. Whether you’re camping in the backyard, a state park, or deep in the wilderness, these games will make your trip even more exciting.
1. Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Why Kids Love It
A scavenger hunt turns any campsite into a world of adventure and discovery. Kids naturally love exploring, and when you give them a mission, it makes it even more exciting. It’s a perfect way to help them connect with nature, observe their surroundings, and burn off some extra energy—all while having fun.
How to Play
- Create a list of items to find: Think pinecones, smooth rocks, acorns, feathers, wildflowers, or even something shaped like a heart.
- Hand out collecting bags or buckets: Each child can have their own container to hold what they find.
- Set a timer: Give kids 15–20 minutes to find as many items as they can. The player who finds the most (or finds them fastest) wins.
Pro Tips
- For older kids, make it a bit challenging by adding clues like “find something that crawls but doesn’t have legs” or “a leaf bigger than your hand.”
- You can also turn it into a photo scavenger hunt by giving them a phone or camera to take pictures instead of collecting items, which is great for practicing respect for nature.
Why It’s Great for Camping
A scavenger hunt doesn’t require any special tools (except maybe paper and pens) and keeps kids busy while giving them a chance to observe nature closely. It’s one of those games where everyone wins because it’s fun, engaging, and educational at the same time.
2. Glow Stick Hide and Seek
Why Kids Love It
Hide and seek is already a childhood favorite, but playing it at night with glowing bracelets, necklaces, and wands takes it to the next level. It feels magical, a little mysterious, and way more exciting when the dark forest or campsite becomes the play zone. Kids love the thrill of hiding while glowing in the dark, and parents love it because the glow sticks keep everyone visible and safe.
How to Play
- Gear up with glow sticks: Hand out glow stick bracelets or necklaces to each child so they’re easy to spot in the dark. You can find cheap packs of glow sticks at most dollar stores.
- Pick one seeker: This person counts to 20 (or more if your campsite is big) while everyone else hides.
- Start the hunt: The seeker uses a flashlight to search for glowing players. Once tagged, a player either becomes the next seeker or sits out until the round ends, depending on how you want to play.
Safety Tips
- Set boundaries: Decide ahead of time where kids can hide. Mark areas that are off-limits, like near a firepit or beyond the campsite.
- Use whistles or a call-back rule: This ensures kids can easily come back if they get confused about directions.
- Keep it fun, not scary: Some kids may not like the dark, so let them choose hiding spots near the group or play with lanterns around.
Why It’s Great for Camping
The glow sticks create an enchanting atmosphere that makes nighttime play feel like an adventure without being unsafe. It’s also inexpensive, requires little setup, and works for kids of all ages (even adults usually want to jump in for a round or two!).
3. Nature Bingo
Why Kids Love It
Bingo is a simple and familiar game, but when you bring it outdoors, it turns into an exciting nature adventure. Kids love spotting plants, animals, and objects in the wild, and turning it into a bingo challenge adds a fun layer of competition. It’s a great way to keep kids curious about their surroundings while sneaking in a little education about local wildlife.
How to Play
- Prepare your bingo cards: Before the camping trip, create bingo cards with images or names of things kids might see outdoors—like a pinecone, squirrel, bird nest, red flower, cloud shapes, or even footprints.
- Hand out markers: You can use small stones, acorns, or even washable markers to mark the items on their cards.
- Start exploring: As kids find each item, they mark it off on their bingo card. The first one to get a row, column, or diagonal wins!
Variations
- Color Bingo: Instead of items, create cards based on colors they might find in nature (like something red, something yellow, something green).
- Sound Bingo: For older kids, include sounds like a bird chirping, wind blowing through trees, or a distant frog croak.
- Team Play: Pair up kids in teams so they can work together to complete their bingo cards faster.
Why It’s Great for Camping
Nature Bingo encourages kids to slow down and observe their environment. They’ll notice small things—like unique leaves, different bird calls, or insect trails—that they might otherwise ignore. It’s an easy game that works whether you’re at a forest campsite, a lakeside, or even in a backyard. Plus, it’s low-cost, requires minimal prep, and is fun for both small and large groups.
4. Capture the Flag
Why Kids Love It
Capture the Flag is a camping classic for a reason—it combines teamwork, strategy, and adrenaline-pumping excitement. Kids love the thrill of sneaking into “enemy territory” and dashing back to safety with the flag while avoiding being tagged. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and a great way to burn off energy after a day of exploring.
How to Play
- Divide into two teams: Split the group evenly and choose team captains if you want to add a little extra fun.
- Create territories: Use natural landmarks or ropes to define boundaries for each team’s area.
- Hide the flags: Each team hides their flag (a bright bandana, scarf, or piece of cloth) within their territory.
- Set the rules: Players try to cross into the opponent’s territory, grab their flag, and bring it back without being tagged. If tagged, they either go to a “jail” area or return to their own side before trying again.
- Winning the game: The first team to capture the opponent’s flag and return it to their territory wins.
Variations for More Fun
- Glow-in-the-Dark Edition: Use glow sticks or LED wristbands for night play—it adds a magical twist while keeping everyone visible.
- Multi-Flag Challenge: Instead of one flag, each team hides several smaller flags, making it harder and more strategic.
- Capture the Water Bottle: Forgot a flag? A plastic bottle or small camping gear item works just as well!
Why It’s Great for Camping
This game encourages teamwork and gets kids moving. It also makes good use of wide-open campsite spaces and natural terrain, turning the outdoors into an epic battlefield. Plus, it works for a mix of ages since younger kids can help guard or cheer while older ones do the “sneaky missions.”
Pro Tip: Choose a playing area free of tripping hazards like big rocks or fallen branches, and clearly define boundaries to keep everyone safe.
5. Campfire Story Chain
Why Kids Love It
When the day winds down and the campfire crackles under the stars, there’s something magical about telling stories. Kids love being creative, especially when they can make up funny, spooky, or adventurous tales on the spot. A story chain adds a twist—it turns storytelling into a group game where every person gets to contribute, leading to hilarious or sometimes surprisingly epic endings.
How to Play
- Gather around the campfire: Everyone sits in a circle where everyone can hear each other clearly.
- Start the story: One person begins with a simple sentence like, “Deep in these woods, there was a little fox who loved marshmallows…”
- Pass it along: Each player takes turns adding one or two sentences to continue the story. Encourage creativity—kids can add unexpected twists like “suddenly, the fox found a talking flashlight” or “a spaceship landed next to the tent!”
- End when everyone has contributed: The final player gives the story an ending, which is often funny or unexpected.
Variations
- Spooky Edition: Perfect for older kids who love a good scare. Just keep it age-appropriate—think friendly ghosts, not nightmares!
- Funny Twist: Make it a rule that every person must add something silly (like an animal wearing sunglasses or a flying marshmallow).
- Props Game: Pass around an object (like a stick or marshmallow) as a “story wand.” Only the person holding it can speak.
Why It’s Great for Camping
It’s relaxing, requires no physical activity, and works well when kids are winding down for the night. It encourages creativity, listening skills, and teamwork as everyone builds off each other’s ideas. Best of all, no equipment is needed—just imagination and maybe some hot cocoa.
Pro Tip: Record the stories on your phone (if you’re okay using tech) so you can play them back later or write them down as a keepsake for the kids.
6. Nature Art Contest
Why Kids Love It
Kids have an incredible imagination, and when you pair that creativity with the beauty of nature, you get pure magic. A Nature Art Contest gives children the chance to explore their surroundings and use what they find—like leaves, flowers, rocks, and twigs—to create beautiful works of art. It’s calm, creative, and a perfect break from energetic running games.
How to Play
- Collect materials: Give kids a small bag or basket to gather safe natural items such as pinecones, fallen leaves, flowers, pebbles, and sticks. Remind them not to pick anything that’s alive or protected (like flowers in national parks).
- Create a workspace: Set up a table, flat rock, or picnic blanket as the crafting station.
- Design their art: Kids can make leaf collages, stick sculptures, rock paintings, or even nature-inspired jewelry.
- Judge and award: After everyone is done, display the artwork for everyone to see and give fun awards like Most Creative, Most Colorful, or Best Use of Nature Materials.
Variations
- Team Challenge: Pair kids into groups to make a collaborative art piece, like a giant leaf mosaic or mini “nature village.”
- No-Tools Challenge: Encourage kids to create art using only what they find—no glue, no tape—just pure creativity.
- Nature Mandalas: Have kids make circular patterns using leaves, stones, and flowers for a beautiful and relaxing activity.
Why It’s Great for Camping
This game slows the pace and lets kids appreciate the beauty of nature. It’s especially good when kids need a quieter activity or when adults are cooking or setting up camp. Plus, it’s educational—kids learn to see beauty in everyday natural objects while respecting their environment.
Pro Tip: Bring along washable paints, glue, or markers if you want to mix nature with craft supplies. If you prefer eco-friendly play, make it a “no waste” challenge using only natural materials that will return safely to the environment.
7. Camp Olympics
Why Kids Love It
Kids naturally love to compete, and the Camp Olympics turn a simple camping trip into an unforgettable event full of laughter, teamwork, and friendly rivalry. It gives them the chance to try new activities, test their skills, and cheer each other on—just like in a real Olympic event but with a fun, outdoor twist.
How to Play
- Plan your events: Choose 4–6 simple games that work well outdoors. Examples include a sack race, frisbee throw, long jump, relay race, water balloon toss, or even a “who can pitch a tent the fastest” challenge.
- Create teams: Divide the kids into equal teams and encourage them to come up with fun team names and cheers.
- Keep score: Use a notepad or whiteboard to track points for each event.
- Declare winners: After all events are completed, tally up the scores and celebrate the winning team with small medals, stickers, or even a round of applause around the campfire.
Variations
- Mini-Olympics for Young Kids: Use low-effort games like hopping on one foot, rolling a ball, or a simple scavenger race.
- Family Olympics: Include adults too! Events like parent–child sack races or tug-of-war make it more inclusive and fun.
- Theme Olympics: Give it a silly twist—like a “Nature Olympics” where every event has to include a stick, rock, or leaf in some way.
Why It’s Great for Camping
Camp Olympics combine physical activity with teamwork, making it perfect for a group camping trip. It’s also flexible—you can adapt it for any group size, age range, or available space. Kids learn sportsmanship and cooperation while burning off plenty of energy before bedtime (hello, peaceful night’s sleep for parents!).
Pro Tip: Bring along inexpensive medals, wristbands, or even printable certificates to make kids feel like true Olympic champions.
8. Shadow Puppet Show
Why Kids Love It
When the sun goes down and the campfire dies down to glowing embers, kids need calm activities to wind down. A Shadow Puppet Show is perfect because it’s creative, quiet, and magical. Watching shapes dance on a tent wall or sheet under the glow of a flashlight feels like their very own backyard theater.
How to Play
- Set up your “stage”: Hang a white sheet between two trees or use the wall of a tent as the backdrop.
- Get a light source: A flashlight, lantern, or phone light works perfectly. Position it behind the sheet, so it shines forward to create shadows.
- Create characters: Kids use their hands to make animals, people, or objects. Simple shapes like birds, dogs, and rabbits are easy to start with. For an advanced version, cut shapes out of cardboard and tape them to sticks to create full shadow characters.
- Perform the show: Kids can take turns putting on small skits or work together to create one long story. Add music from a portable speaker to make it even more entertaining.
Variations
- Silly Story Challenge: Instead of random puppets, each kid adds to a single funny story while using their puppets.
- Guess the Shadow: One child makes a shape, and the others guess what it is.
- Talent Show Format: Let each child prepare their own mini act and present it to the group.
Why It’s Great for Camping
This activity is perfect for the evening when kids need a calmer game before bedtime. It sparks creativity and imagination, keeps everyone close to camp, and requires almost no setup or cost. Plus, it’s safe because it keeps kids in a designated area and away from nighttime hazards.
Pro Tip: Pack a lightweight white sheet and a couple of extra flashlights just for this activity—it’s worth it for the giggles and memories it creates.
9. Marshmallow Tower Challenge
Why Kids Love It
Who doesn’t love marshmallows while camping? But instead of just roasting them over the fire, turn them into a fun and creative game! The Marshmallow Tower Challenge lets kids build, compete, and snack all in one activity. It’s a mix of art, engineering, and pure silliness—perfect for both younger kids and teens.
How to Play
- Gather supplies: All you need are marshmallows and toothpicks. If you want to keep things safe for younger kids, use uncooked spaghetti instead of toothpicks.
- Set the challenge: Give each child (or team) the same amount of marshmallows and sticks. The goal? Build the tallest or most creative structure possible within a set time limit—usually 10–15 minutes.
- Judge the towers: Once time’s up, measure the tallest tower and also give fun awards like Most Creative or Most Likely to Survive a Windstorm.
- Snack time: After judging, let kids munch on the leftover marshmallows (and maybe dismantle their creations for a sweet treat).
Variations
- Themed Challenge: Make it “build a marshmallow bridge” or “design a mini campsite.”
- Team Play: Pair up kids into small teams to encourage teamwork and collaboration.
- Timed Rounds: Do several rounds with shorter time limits to keep the energy high.
Why It’s Great for Camping
This game is calm and perfect for evenings when you don’t want kids running around. It’s also educational—teaching them basic engineering concepts and encouraging creativity. Best of all, it uses materials you probably already packed for s’mores night!
Pro Tip: Bring different marshmallow sizes (regular and mini) for more creative building options. If you have kids of different ages, let the younger ones focus on fun shapes while older kids tackle taller, more complex structures.
10. Stargazing Game: Constellation Quest
Why Kids Love It
There’s something magical about lying under a clear night sky, looking up at countless twinkling stars. For kids, it feels like stepping into a different world—one filled with mystery and wonder. The Stargazing Game: Constellation Quest makes this experience even more exciting by turning stargazing into a fun and educational challenge.
How to Play
- Get a constellation guide: Use a stargazing app on your phone or print out a constellation map before your trip.
- Choose a safe viewing spot: Pick an open area away from trees and artificial light for the best star visibility.
- Set the challenge: Give kids a list of constellations to find, like the Big Dipper, Orion, or Cassiopeia.
- Add competition: Whoever finds the most constellations within a set time wins. For younger kids, you can simply ask them to find shapes in the stars, like animals or objects.
- End with a wish: Have everyone make a wish on a shooting star if they spot one—it’s a fun way to wrap up the game.
Variations
- Constellation Drawing: Have kids sketch the constellations they see in a notebook.
- Storytelling Twist: After spotting a constellation, tell its mythological story or let the kids make up their own.
- Team Play: Pair kids with adults so everyone can learn and bond together.
Why It’s Great for Camping
Stargazing helps kids slow down, relax, and connect with nature in a peaceful way. It’s perfect for winding down before bedtime and gives parents a chance to share science and legends in a fun, engaging way. Plus, it doesn’t require any gear except for your eyes (and maybe a blanket to lie on).
Pro Tip: Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and some cozy blankets to make it a warm and memorable family moment.
FAQs About Camping Games for Kids
1. How do I keep kids entertained on a rainy camping day?
Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom. Play card games, tell campfire stories inside the tent, create nature-inspired crafts, or try scavenger hunts that can be done under a canopy.
2. Are camping games safe for toddlers?
Yes, but choose age-appropriate activities. Simple games like Nature Bingo, shadow puppets, or marshmallow stacking work well for toddlers, while physical games like Capture the Flag are better for older kids.
3. What are safe night games for kids?
Glow Stick Hide and Seek, shadow puppet shows, and stargazing games are safe options. Just make sure to set clear boundaries and use flashlights or glow sticks to keep kids visible.
4. How many camping games should I plan for a weekend trip?
Having 4–5 different games planned is enough. Kids will likely want to replay their favorites, so you don’t need to plan something new for every hour.
5. Can camping games also be educational?
Absolutely! Nature Bingo, scavenger hunts, and stargazing games all combine fun with learning about the environment, wildlife, and astronomy.
Final Thoughts
Camping is about more than just roasting marshmallows and sleeping in tents—it’s about connecting with nature and each other. These 10 camping games for kids will keep little ones laughing, learning, and making memories they’ll cherish for years. Whether you choose action-packed games like Capture the Flag or calmer activities like Campfire Story Chain, the key is to have fun and embrace the outdoors.
So, pack up your camping gear, grab these game ideas, and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure with your kids.
