7 Fun Camping Games To Play With Kids

Camping has always been a great way to spend special time with our kids.

When we are at home on the weekends, it’s easy to get lost in all the to-do lists that run a mile long, but stepping away from the chores can be the best thing you can do for your family.

We have come up with some fun camping games to play with kids to help make the memories from your trip last and hopefully even be carried down to your grandkids!

• Check Out Our Top 11 Rainy Day Camp Activities for Kids for More Fun Camp Games!

1. Kick The Can

This camping game was my grandma’s favorite from her childhood, so it’s no surprise to me that my kids enjoy playing kick the can, too.

It’s a very simple game for three or more players. It’s best to have a large space for running.

First, you want to use an empty can and place it on the ground next to whom you have chosen to be “it”. The “it” person closes their eyes and starts counting to an agreed amount of time.

During the counting period the other children or adults will scatter and hide out of sight from the “it” person. Once the counting has finished the “it” person starts looking for those who are hiding.

The hiding players try their best to stay out of sight and sneak up to the can in hopes to kick it. However, if seen by the “it” player and tagged the other player is placed in a time out zone until the can is kicked by another teammate.

Once the can is kicked over a new game can begin!

2. Cobbler, Cobbler Mend My Shoe

Everyone must sit in a circle with one player in the middle. The person in the middle will be blindfolded.

Someone must fork over their shoe for the Cobbler Cobbler game, you might want to smell test it first, because part of the game is passing a shoe around the circle behind the players backs while singing a short tune:

“Cobbler, cobbler where’s my shoe
Have it ready by half past two
If by half past two it can’t be done
Have it ready by half past one“

After the song is over everyone must keep their hands behind their backs and the person in the middle gets to guess who is holding the Cobbler’s shoe.

Our family loves this camping game because it can be played in a tent or outside – perfect no matter the weather!

3. I’m Going On A Picnic

I’m going on a picnic is another fun game for camping with kids!

You begin the game by having a person state, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m taking…” finishing the sentence with an item that begins with the letter “A”. 

The second person repeats the first part of the sentence, repeats what the first person is bringing and then adds something starting with the letter “B”.

This continues through the group with everyone repeating what the pervious players have brought on the picnic and adds their item that starts with the next letter in the alphabet.

4. When Pigs Fly

Similar to Simon Says, this camp game has the group of children standing facing the leader.

Make sure there is enough room between everyone, so the kids can make a flying motion with their arms.

The leader will call out different animals like “When Blue Birds Fly” or “When Pigs Fly”.

Whenever the leader calls out an animal that does fly the children will want to flap their “wings”, but when they hear an animal that doesn’t actually take flight they must stand still.

If caught flying when an animal is called out that doesn’t fly, that player is out.

5. Who’s In The Bag

Looking for something to do on a rainy day camping trip? This tent game will have the kiddos giggling!

Who’s in the bag is easy, just take all the sleeping bags out and lay them across the floor. Pick one person to be the detective.

Take the detective into another area, so they can’t see what is going on in the sleeping bag area. Or if you are all in a tent blind fold the detective until everyone is ready.

The players will pick a sleeping bag to hide inside of and the detective must guess who’s in each sleeping bag.

It’s pretty simple and the kids really do get a kick out of hiding in a different person’s sleeping bag!

6. How Long Is A Minute

Do you need your children to clam down and relax?

There are times when all I need is a few minutes of quiet time, so this camping game comes in handy it’s called How Long Is A Minute.

Tell the kids you are starting a stop watch timer for one minute. They must count in their heads a minute’s worth of time.

Whoever is closest wins!

7. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a great family camping game to play around the campsite or on a hike.

Make a list before you start to play. Included things you often find while hiking or camping. Certain animals, different types of plants, a river, another hiker wearing red, etc all work well.

Hiking is always fun, but this kids camping game can make it even more enjoyable – even for kids that normally don’t like hiking!

• Want Even More Fun Camp Ideas? Our List of 99 Fun Camping Games & Activities Is Sure to Help!

What Are Your Favorite Camping Games for Kids?

I hope these fun camping games will make your next camping trip even more enjoyable.

And, if have any other fun games to play while camping with your kids, please share your ideas with us.

We’re always looking for fun new outdoor games to play while camping!

Happy Camping!