10 Great Camping Activities for Kids

In this blog, we will showcase 10 camping activities for kids that offer a unique opportunity for children to immerse themselves in nature, learn essential life skills, and bond with family and friends. From the practical and adventurous to the educational and tranquil, camping activities cater to a wide range of interests and developmental benefits. Engaging kids in activities like fire starting, bushcraft, fishing, bird watching, animal tracking, plant identification, navigation, shelter building, bug hunting, and stargazing not only entertains them but also instils valuable lessons and creates lasting memories. These activities encourage patience, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Here Are Some Clubs Near You:

• Muddy Totz Forest School HighWoods
• Wilderness Foundation UK
• Forest School with Tree House Learning

1. Campfire Starting:

Learning how to start a fire is not only fun but a great life skill to know. There are many types of fire starting and all can be used at different times or in various weather conditions, these include friction starting, Flint and Steal, Ferro Rods, Matches and Lighters. Learning this skill can also help teach your kids to be resourceful and starting your first fire is a great experience. When teaching your children how to start a fire ensure that you teach them the correct methods to stop the fire from spreading and harming anyone. Having a campfire opens up the amount of activities that you can do by a lot, these include Campfire cooking, marshmallow roasting, campfire songs, spooky stories, Fire safety, Fire Science (teaching your kids why certain things burn and what they produce etc). The possibilities are limited to your imagination.

2. Bushcraft:

Learning bushcraft skills is a great way to learn how to use the natural world around us to create all sorts of things. Your kids can experiment with leaves, sticks, stones, and mud and see just what amazing things they can make with natural resources. You could even teach your children how to create feather sticks for an easier fire-starting solution.

3. Fishing:

Fishing is a wonderful activity to engage in with your kids, offering much more than just the skill of catching fish. It’s an excellent way to teach them the virtues of patience and perseverance, as waiting for a bite requires calmness and dedication. Moreover, fishing is a valuable life skill that can provide sustenance and a deeper appreciation for nature. Beyond the practical skills, fishing offers numerous opportunities for socialization. It creates a relaxed environment where meaningful conversations can flow naturally, allowing for bonding and the sharing of experiences. Whether fishing with family, friends, or fellow anglers, it fosters a sense of community and teamwork.

4. Bird Watching:

Bird watching is a delightful activity to share with your children, offering far more than just the ability to identify different bird species. It’s an excellent way to teach them patience and attentiveness, as observing birds requires quietness and focus. Additionally, bird watching nurtures a lifelong appreciation for nature and wildlife conservation. This activity also provides numerous opportunities for socialisation. It creates a serene environment where meaningful conversations can naturally unfold, allowing for bonding and shared experiences. Whether bird watching with family, friends, or fellow enthusiasts, it fosters a sense of community and collaboration as you work together to spot and identify various birds.

5. Animal Tracking:

Animal tracking is an exceptional camping activity for kids, blending adventure, education, and a profound connection to nature. This engaging pursuit teaches children how to identify and follow animal tracks, honing their observational skills and encouraging patience and persistence. As they discover footprints, scat, and other signs of wildlife, they learn about different animal behaviours and habitats, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Tracking animals also stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving as kids interpret the clues left behind by creatures. Beyond the educational aspects, animal tracking provides an exciting treasure hunt experience, making it a memorable and enjoyable way for kids to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

6. Plant Identification:

Plant identification is a fantastic camping activity for kids, combining exploration, education, and a deep appreciation for the environment. This engaging activity teaches children how to recognize various plants, trees, and flowers, enhancing their observational skills and encouraging curiosity about the natural world. As they learn to identify different species, they gain knowledge about plant characteristics, habitats, and the roles these plants play in the ecosystem. This understanding fosters a sense of stewardship and respect for nature. Plant identification also stimulates critical thinking and scientific inquiry, as kids compare and contrast leaves, stems, and other plant parts. Beyond the educational benefits, it transforms a simple walk in the woods into an exciting adventure, making it a memorable and enjoyable way for kids to connect with nature during their camping experience.

7. Navigational Skills:

Teaching navigational skills is an excellent camping activity for kids, merging adventure, learning, and self-reliance. This hands-on pursuit instructs children on how to use a map and compass, enhancing their spatial awareness and boosting their confidence in the outdoors. As they learn to read topographic maps, identify landmarks, and plot courses, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Navigational training fosters a sense of independence and responsibility, equipping kids with the ability to find their way in unfamiliar terrain. Moreover, it instils a deeper appreciation for geography and the natural landscape. Beyond the practical benefits, mastering navigation transforms a camping trip into an exciting exploration, making it a memorable and empowering way for kids to engage with the great outdoors and build lifelong skills.

8. Shelter building competition or Speedrun:

A shelter-building competition or speedrun challenge is an outstanding camping activity for kids, combining teamwork, creativity, and practical skills excitingly and dynamically. This activity teaches children the fundamentals of constructing a sturdy shelter using natural materials, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and encouraging resourcefulness. As they work together to design and build, they develop critical thinking and collaboration skills, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective achievement. The competitive element adds an extra layer of excitement, motivating kids to think quickly and efficiently. Beyond the educational aspects, this challenge provides a thrilling and hands-on experience, making it a memorable and enjoyable way for kids to connect with nature, test their ingenuity, and gain valuable survival skills in a fun and engaging manner.

9. Bug Hunting:

Bug hunting is a fantastic camping activity for kids, blending discovery, education, and a deep connection to the natural world. This engaging pursuit involves searching for and identifying various insects, fostering keen observational skills and sparking curiosity about the environment. As kids explore different habitats and uncover the fascinating lives of bugs, they gain knowledge about insect behaviour, ecology, and the roles these tiny creatures play in the ecosystem. Bug hunting also stimulates critical thinking and scientific inquiry, as children compare different species and learn to identify unique characteristics. Beyond the educational benefits, this activity transforms a simple walk in the woods into an exciting treasure hunt, making it a memorable and enjoyable way for kids to engage with nature, develop a sense of wonder, and appreciate the diverse and intricate world of insects.

10. Stargazing:

Stargazing is a magical camping activity for kids, offering a serene and awe-inspiring conclusion to a day of adventure. Now that the kids are all tired and the adults have their cup of coffee, it’s time to enjoy the night under the blanket of stars. This tranquil activity teaches children about the constellations, planets, and the vastness of the universe, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos. As they identify different stars and learn about their stories and science, they develop an appreciation for astronomy and the natural world. Stargazing also encourages patience and mindfulness, as children sit quietly and observe the night sky. Beyond the educational aspects, it provides a calming and contemplative experience, making it a memorable and peaceful way for kids to connect with nature, share quiet moments with family, and dream about the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our world.

Incorporating a variety of activities into your camping trip ensures that kids remain engaged, learn new skills, and foster a love for the outdoors. Whether it’s the thrill of starting their first campfire, the serenity of bird watching, the adventure of animal tracking, or the wonder of stargazing, each activity offers unique experiences and learning opportunities. These activities not only entertain but also educate, helping children develop a range of skills and a deeper connection to nature. By making the most of these camping activities, you can create a rich, rewarding, and memorable outdoor experience for kids that they will cherish for years to come.