35 Camping Activities for Families: your kids will love them

This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting me and my family.

In our family we LOVE camping. Camping with the family is a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying the great outdoors. It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug from technology and reconnect with each other. Whether it’s your first time camping or you’re a seasoned pro, this list of camping activities for families is sure to make your next camping adventure a success.

Camping is also a great option for families with kids of all ages. I will be honest, sometimes there are struggles. Kids have trouble falling asleep or somebody gets a small burn making their s’more (yep, we’ve been there). I want you to have the best trip possible and to do that you need the right expectations. So, everything won’t be perfect, but it will be worth it! Check out my article on why camping is so fun (and perfect for families!).

One of the best things about camping is the chance to try out new activities and experiences. From hiking and fishing to roasting marshmallows over a campfire, there are endless opportunities for fun. On your next trip try out some of these activities to make it even more fun!

Essential Camping Activities for Families

When it comes to camping with the family, there are a few essential activities that are sure to keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories. Here are some of my favorite camping activities for families:

Outdoor Games

One of the best parts of camping is being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. That’s why outdoor games are a must for any camping trip. Bring along some classic games like frisbee, catch, or horseshoes, or try out some new ones like Kan Jam or Spikeball. A playing field can be set up using rocks or other natural materials found around the camping spot. Many campgrounds have open fields that you can use to play in. We love bringing bocce ball, my son who is 5 years old, is starting to learn to play now and loving it.

6. Nature Scavenger Hunt

A nature scavenger hunt is a fun idea that gets everyone exploring the great outdoors. Make a list of different colors, textures, and objects that can be found in nature, like a smooth rock, a pinecone, or a feather. Give each person a list and have them search for the items on it. The first one to find everything on the list wins! If you have younger kids you can all work together to find all the items on the list. We tend to play as a group, it’s one of my kid’s favorites!

7. Obstacle Course

Ok, this. is a fun one and a great way to get everybody moving. Use picnic tables, sleeping bags, and other camping gear to create a challenging course. Time each person as they complete the course, and see who can do it the fastest. It usually ends with everybody laughing at our campsite! We take turns setting up the “course” and seeing what silly things we can get the group to do!

8. Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt is another fun camping activity that can be tailored to fit any age group. Hide small items around the campsite, like glow sticks or water bottles, and give each person clues to help them find the items. The first one to find everything on the list wins a prize! It’s extra fun if you bury some of the objects!

9. Sleeping Bag Race

A sleeping bag race is a hilarious activity that everyone will enjoy. Have each person get into a sleeping bag and race to the finish line. It’s harder than it looks, but it’s sure to create some laughs and memories.

Camping is all about quality time with family and friends, and these fun camping activities are sure to make everybody laugh and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Fun Camping Activities for Rest Time

Craft Activities

Craft activities are a great way to wind down after a long day of outdoor activities.

13. Screen Time or Video Games

Hear me out! While camping is all about getting outdoors and enjoying nature, there’s nothing wrong with bringing along a video game or watching a show for some downtime. Whether you’re playing on a handheld device or a console, video games can be a fun way to relax and unwind after a long day of hiking and exploring.

I would just make sure it doesn’t take over any family time. But, we definitely use a little screen time some afternoons when the kids are tired after a long and active day. It helps their bodies rest up without taking a nap (which will ruin bedtime…yikes!). Check out my post on how to watch tv while camping for some ideas on how to figure out the logistics.

Card Games

Card games are another great option for camping. They’re easy to pack and can be played by younger kids and older children alike. Some of my favorite camping card games include Go Fish, Uno, and Old Maid. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, try playing a game of poker or rummy.

Fun Camping Activities for All Ages

When it comes to camping, there is no shortage of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for classic camping games, card games, or even video games, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of my favorite fun camping activities that are perfect for the whole family.

18. Hide and Seek

This one can be great for all ages! This simple game can be played right around the campsite. If you are playing with older kids make it harder, climb a tree and get creative! Make it a family game of who can find the hardest hiding spot.

19. Classic Field Games

Classic field games are a great way to get everyone involved and having fun. Games like kickball, and capture the flag are perfect for large groups and kids of all ages. These games are not only fun, but they also help to build teamwork and problem-solving skills.

20. Survival Skills

Camping is also a great opportunity to learn some new things and develop some survival skills. Teach your kids how to set up a tent, use a compass, or follow a map. You can also add skills like identifying animal tracks. This is one of our favorite things to do while camping. We interweave these skills like cooking over a fire throughout the entire trip.

21. Tic Tac Toe

This one is always so fun! Take sticks and draw the outline in the dirt. You can play it anywhere and anytime. Then just erase and replay!

Overall, there are plenty of fun camping activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re playing classic games, card games, or even video games, there’s always a fun idea waiting to be discovered. So pack up your gear, head to the great outdoors, and start making some memories!

Rainy Day Camping Activities

When it’s raining outside, camping can be a little less exciting. But don’t worry, there are plenty of fun activities to keep you and your family busy inside the tent or camper. Keep in mind all these can just as easily be played out on the picnic table if the weather is nice!

Board Games

One of my favorite rainy day activities is playing board games. Either Monopoly or Risk is a great choice because they are long games that will pass the time for families with older kids. If you have younger kids we love the Peacable Kindom community-style board games! Check out all my favorites below.

26. Bingo

Bingo is a fun game that can be played by the whole family. It’s easy to set up and can be played with just a few people or a large group. You can even make your own bingo cards with camping-themed images like tents, campfires, and park rangers.

27. Simple Games

If you’re looking for a simple game to play try hangman or the dot and line game. All you need is a piece of paper and pen and you are good to go!

28. Puzzles

Puzzles are a great rainy day activity and you can get ones that satisfy all age groups!

29. Reading

If you’re looking for a quiet activity, bring along some good books. For younger kids, bring their favorite books and you can read them or they can do picture walks.

Rainy days don’t have to ruin your camping trip. With a little creativity, you can have just as much fun inside as you would outside. So grab some games, craft supplies, and a good book, and enjoy a cozy day inside your tent or camper. Plus, you can always bring your rain gear and head out on a walk! check out my post on how to dress for camping for some rain gear tips!

Nighttime Camping Activities

Nighttime camping activities can be a fun way to bond with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime right into the night. Something magical happens when it gets darker and the stars start to come out. In this section, I will share some of my favorite nighttime camping activities that the entire family can enjoy.

30. Stargazing

One of my favorite nighttime camping activities is stargazing. The night sky can be incredibly beautiful and awe-inspiring, especially when you’re away from the city lights. You can use a stargazing app on your phone to identify constellations and planets, or simply lay on a blanket and enjoy the peacefulness of the night sky. We also like to look for satellites traveling across the night sky (we often turn it into a game).

31. Campfire Activities

Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids how to make a campfire! Talk about different formations, how to stack the wood ect.

Also, teach about fire safety and how to put out the fire and spread the coals when you are done. My little ones always love putting out the fire. On one trip we brought water squirters and they spent so much time putting out the fire and watching the colors change and the steam and smoke. Very entertaining!

32. Glow-in-the-Dark Games

Glow-in-the-dark games are a fun way to add some excitement to your nighttime camping activities. You can use glow sticks to play games like glow stick tag or glow stick ring toss. You can also bring along glow-in-the-dark paint and decorate rocks or sticks to create your own glowing art.

Easy Camping Meals

When it comes to camping, one of the most important things to consider is food. After all, you need to keep your energy up for all the fun activities you’ll be doing! Making meals together is a perfect camping activity. Learning to cook over a fire is a whole new way to cook and it is a fun skill to have! You can learn it together if you are new to it too!

Here are some fun camping meals you can make as a family!

33. Salmon Cakes

Try these delicious Salmon Cakes for a very simple and easy meal made right over the fire with your cast iron pan! This recipe by Anja from Our Gabled Home is sure to be a winner.

34. Camp Dutch Oven

I LOVE our camp Dutch oven and use it almost every night while camping; Check out this article by Barbra-Sue from Kowalski Mountian for all the tips (and recipes) on how to cook with your Dutch oven.

35. S’mores

I saved the best for last! No campout is complete without smores over the fire! Now, there is always the debate if the marshmallows should be burnt or lightly toasted, but as long as you got marshmallows, chocolate, and that gram cracker you will have had a successful camping experience!

ok, my friends, that’s the list! What activities will you be trying?

Check out my article on what to pack if you want some more ideas and tips for your camping adventure!!

Now get camping!