Activities to Do While Camping with Kids

June 8, 2024 by Sarah White Leave a Comment

I am not much of a camper, and the only camping I’ve done with my daughter is going to the lodge at the Girl Scout camp (which is indoors and climate controlled).

But I know a lot of people like camping with their kids, and while I like to idea of it, I don’t think it’s for us.

If your family likes to get outdoors and you need some ideas for things to do while you’re hanging out at camp, read on.

This camping lapbook from Homeschool Share would be a great one to set up before your trip and use while you are camping. It has some informational sections like different kinds of poisonous plants and things to keep in a first aid kit, but a lot of it is set up for kids to record their observations of trees, birds and other things they want to remember from the trip.

Adventure in a Box has a printable nature journal with tasks and questions for kids to think about that includes things like finding different flowers and leaves, which they can collect on their pages or draw in (some like rocks and insects would need to be drawn, so make sure you pack your tools!). If you like bird watching, make sure to grab the printable bird book for kids to track their observations form Buggy and Buddy.

Park Ranger John has some great ideas for games you can play while camping, and Thrifty Jinxy has more ideas for games you can bring along when you go camping. I love the National Parks edition of Yahtzee, which includes facts about the national parks you can discuss while you play.

If your campsite has a lot of space (and a lot of sticks) kids can build a maze or a labyrinth that everyone can walk through. Mother Natured has all the details.

And in case you need some camping crafts, check out how to make a camping lantern from head lamps and plastic bottles (get the DIY from Home Cleaning Family) and the classic camp craft — a sit upon! This brings back memories of my own Girl Scout camp adventures, and you can make your own with instructions from There’s Just One Mommy.

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Beach Crafts Kids Can Make — No Vacation Required

Last month I shared a collection of beach crafts that used items from the beach like seashells and sand. This month’s collection is all about beach animals and things you might see at the beach that don’t require beachy materials to make. In fact you’ve probably got what you need to make most of these beach crafts in your house already.

How about paper plates? With a paper plate you can make this cute watercolor seashell from The Educator’s Spin on It, or an adorable seagull like this one from Glued to My Crafts.

Add some white beans and you can make paper plate sand dollars like Crafts by Amanda. Or use a paper plate as a frame for a sweet beach scene like this crab and turtle one from Artsy Craftsy Mom, which includes a downloadable template and instructions to make it super easy.

Or grab a paper plate and some bubble wrap to make a jellyfish like this one from Happy Toddler Playtime. If you have paper bowls instead of plates, you can also make a jellyfish from one of those, like Natural Beach Living did.

Use your stash of craft sticks and googly eyes to make crabs, fish, sharks and more with this craft idea from The Keeper of the Cheerios.

I love this little crab made with a cardboard tube from Hunny I’m Home. With this same idea I’ll bet you could make lots of different creatures.

Grab some construction paper to make the loopy tentacles on this watercolor jellyfish from Craftsy Hacks. Or make a stained glass jellyfish like this one from Life Anchored.

Make easy puffy paint to make these fun fluffy starfish from I Heart Crafty Things, or use cupcake liners to make cute little crabs (also from I Heart Crafty Things).

Turn an old pool noodle into some super cute fish with this tutorial from Happy Toddler Playtime.

And if you’ve got some leftover yarn lying around, make pompoms and turn them into turtles like these from Craftsy Hacks. (And check out my post on different ways to make pompoms if you need a refresher!)

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