15+ Fun Camping Games to Keep Kids Engaged in Nature

Tech-Free Adventures

15+ DIY Camping Games for Family Fun in the Great Outdoors

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Even the most reluctant camper or grumpy tween will find it hard to resist these activities. As the weather warms up, it’s time to shake off the dust from the family tent and enjoy the great outdoors. The laughter around the campfire, the chance to simplify life (especially when you forget to pack essentials), and the opportunity to unplug from everyday life are all part of the joy of camping. It’s a wonderful way to strengthen bonds with family and friends. However, not every child is thrilled about leaving behind their devices, friends, and comforts like air conditioning. To show them how enjoyable camping can be (and to keep them from constantly asking about Wi-Fi), having some camping games on hand can be a game-changer.

You might even have a skeptical partner at home who thinks a backyard camping experience could suffice. Sure, that’s technically possible, but let’s be real—it’s much more exciting to venture out. Even a camping trip filled with mishaps creates memorable stories that last a lifetime. The tent collapsing during a rainstorm may not seem amusing at the moment, but in the years to come, it could become a hilarious tale your now-adult child shares with their own kids.

To make this camping trip enjoyable for everyone, here are some entertaining games that can help engage even the most indoor-oriented kids:

  1. Cup Balance
    Sit on the ground, place a cup on your head, and stand up without letting it fall. The winner is the one who successfully stands first. It’s a simple distraction while adults are busy setting up camp.
  2. Camping Bingo
    Print bingo cards featuring items your family might encounter during the trip. Players can check off items as they find them while hiking or exploring, making it a fun game for all ages.
  3. Flashlight Tag
    If it’s safe to do so, use flashlights to play tag after dark. Set boundaries and let the kids run wild as they try to avoid being tagged.
  4. I Spy
    This classic game is perfect for long hikes. If the kids start missing their screens, engage them with “I Spy” to keep their minds occupied.
  5. Velcro Darts
    Bring along a Velcro dartboard to entertain the kids with a little competition while you set up camp.
  6. Glowing Ring Toss
    Create a fun ring toss game using a party cup and glow sticks. Kids will love trying to toss necklaces around the glowing target.
  7. Tug-of-War
    A simple rope can lead to a fun tug-of-war match—whether between kids, parents, or mixed teams, laughter is guaranteed.
  8. Painted Rock Tic-Tac-Toe
    Have kids collect and paint rocks on the first day, then enjoy playing a game of tic-tac-toe with their creations the next day.
  9. Rainbow Camping Scavenger Hunt
    Challenge kids to find items representing each color of the rainbow within a designated area. This can be done with natural objects or litter for a more challenging twist.
  10. Teamwork Water Tower
    Work together to hold a water-filled container using only your feet. This collaborative challenge is sure to produce laughs and maybe a little water splashing!
  11. Cornhole
    If you have cornhole bags, set up a game for a bit of friendly competition that’s fun for kids and adults alike.
  12. Square Game
    Using just paper and a pen, draw a grid of dots and take turns connecting them to form squares. The player with the most squares wins!
  13. Water Bottle Bowling
    Set up a bowling game with half-filled water bottles and a ball. Add glow sticks for nighttime fun.
  14. The Naturalist’s Tic-Tac-Toe
    Let kids gather natural materials to create a tic-tac-toe board and pieces, keeping them entertained while you prep for the evening.
  15. Silent Disco
    Load your kids up with glow accessories and let them dance to their favorite tunes using wireless headphones—this is a great way to enjoy the night.
  16. Yard Twister
    Create a Twister game using nature-safe spray paint and paper plates for a fun twist on a classic game.
  17. Water Balloon Fight
    On a hot day, fill balloons with water and divide into teams for a competitive splash battle that keeps everyone cool.
  18. Bird-Watching
    Make a list of local birds to spot while exploring, turning a leisurely activity into an exciting treasure hunt.
  19. Sleeping Bag Race
    Turn your sleeping bags into racing sacks and set a finish line for some fun competition as kids race to the end.

With these games, your camping experience will be filled with joy and laughter, making it more enjoyable for everyone involved. And when you’re ready to explore more about parenting and family bonding, check out our other blog posts on home insemination kits at this link or learn more about fertility journeys at Make a Mom. Additionally, for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this great resource.

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In summary, these 15+ camping games will not only keep the kids entertained but also create lasting memories for your family. The joy of outdoor adventures can strengthen bonds and offer a break from technology, making camping a cherished family tradition.