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20 Camping Crafts for Kids: Easy Ideas for Fun Activities

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Camping crafts for kids are creative ways to get ready for outdoor adventures and learning fun.

If you’re planning a camping trip, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. You may want to get your children excited for all of it. Crafting with camping themes allows kids to express themselves, develop important motor skills, and spark curiosity. 

Whether you're prepping for a summer camp with a nature theme or incorporating the letter "C" into your letter of the week curriculum, these 20 camping crafts are the perfect way to get your little ones fired up for outdoor fun! I gathered ideas for all skill levels, so grab your crafting supplies, gather the kiddos around the (imaginary) campfire, and get ready to make some s'more-able memories!

RELATED: Enjoy more creative activities with kids using these rainbow craft ideas!

Four examples of camping crafts for kids.

Get Ready for Camp Fun with Crafts

Are you search for simple ways to enjoy camping activities with your kids? Maybe you need some cool ideas for DIY crafts that your students (or summer campers) will love?

Perhaps you're preparing for summer fun and would like some frugal crafts for kids?

Well, you're going to LOVE these easy camping crafts for kids!

One of my FAVORITE homeschool fun activities to enjoy with my boys is crafts! I've discovered that hand-on projects are super smart ways to spend time together and connect.

We can express ourselves in different ways during craft time. Some of my boys approach crafts in a more engineering and scientific way. They take their time and plan out everything before diving into it. Other boys are more like their mom and just wing it!

Over the years, we have enjoyed SO many cool crafts. As I get ready for using our Camping and Fire Safety Unit Study, I wanted to collect some activities to boost our learning fun. These crafts are some of the best that we've made in the past and look forward to completing now.

Smart Supplies for These Creative Camp Activities

⭐️ My #1 TIP for successful craft time with kids: Before you begin any project, I recommend that you gather the materials that you'll need to complete the activity.

Here are the supplies that I will be using for these crafts to enjoy with my boys and myself. Use materials that you have at home (or in your classroom) and fill in the gaps when your budget permits.

  • battery-operated votive candles
  • pipe cleaners
  • pony beads
  • paint
  • glue sticks
  • scissors
  • wood craft sticks
  • construction paper
  • googly eyes
  • crayons
  • plastic forks
  • empty toilet paper roll tubes
  • yarn or string
  • egg carton
  • paper plates
  • pine cones
  • rocks
  • tissue paper
  • small clay pots

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The Best Camping Crafts for Kids

When the weather warms up, many families consider taking a camping trip. Get amped up for some family time in the great outdoors with these 20 camping-themed crafts for kids.

Example of mini camping lantern Dollar Tree kids craft with recycled items.

Mini Camping Lantern Dollar Tree Kids Craft

Camping lanterns are lots of fun, but they can also be dangerous and expensive. You can make a more kid-friendly version with cheap, easily acquired supplies.

by Creatively Beth

S’mores Camping Craft

S’mores are an absolute must-have for any camping trip. Keep the fun while skipping the mess and tons of sugar with this fun s’mores camping craft.

by In The Playroom

Example of easy preschool squirrel craft with scissors and brown crayon.

Easy Preschool Squirrel Craft (So Cute!)

One great thing about camping is all the wildlife that you wouldn’t normally get exposed to. Use the template provided to bring a little wildlife into the house with this fun squirrel craft.

by Simply Full of Delight

Example of fork-painted campfire craft.

Fork-Painted Campfire Craft

Another fun thing about camping is the campfire. You can’t have s’mores without one, after all. Bring the fire into the home safely with this fork-painted campfire craft.

by Little Ladoo

Two Pete the Cat Goes Camping Craft for kids with free template.

Pete The Cat Goes Camping Craft For Kids [Free Template]

If this is a first camping trip, kids might be trepidatious. Help calm their nerves with this fun little camping-themed craft featuring a familiar face. The Pete the Cat Goes Camping template will definitely put smiles on their faces.

by Simple Everyday Mom

Example of campfire popsicle stick craft with googly eyes.

Campfire Popsicle Stick Craft for Kids

If the fork-painted campfire wasn’t quite the thing, here is another great option for making a campfire in the living room. This one uses popsicle sticks and comes with a template to help with things.

by Life with Darcy & Brian

Four examples of adventure toilet paper roll binoculars.

How To Make Adventure Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars

One key to planning a successful camping trip is bringing the right equipment. Kids can create play binoculars to help spot wildlife while on the trip.

by Fox Farm Home

Example of egg carton firefly craft.

Egg Carton Firefly Craft

Few things are more magical than fireflies on a warm evening. And a camping trip is a great way to see some. But just in case, this cute little egg carton firefly can be made ahead of time to guarantee at least one firefly makes a showing.

by Rainy Day Mum

Example of glowing paper campfire craft.

Glowing Paper Campfire Craft

If you feel ambitious, this campfire craft will surely blow the kids away. Some easy-to-obtain supplies make a play campfire that really lights up.

by The Crazy Outdoor Mama

Examples of 3D woodland animal coloring pages.

3D Woodland Animal Colouring Pages

These templates take cutting and coloring animals to a whole new level. The 3D-style coloring pages feature multiple animals that might appear on your next camping trip.

by Kids Craft Room

Example of paper plate camping craft for kids.

Camping Craft for Kids

Use the provided template to make this camping-themed craft project easy. Kids can explore the different things present on a camping trip, ask questions, and become familiar with the area ahead of time.

by Homeschool Preschool

Two examples of paper plate handprint raccoon crafts.

Paper Plate Handprint Raccoon Craft

Turn an ordinary paper plate into a cute little raccoon. The child’s handprints are perfect for making his mask. Use this chance to discuss what to do if you see a raccoon in the wild while camping.

by Our Kid Things

Two bear handprint crafts with googly eyes.

Bear Handprint Crafts

One thing that needs to be addressed before a camping trip is the proper precautions to take in bear country. Talk with kids about not leaving trash around while they work on this adorable bear handprint craft.

by The Best Ideas for Kids

Two examples of handprint campfire crafts.

Handprint Campfire Craft

This is yet another variation on the campfire theme, and it is too simple to make. Precut the paper “logs” and have littles use their handprints to create the fire.

by My Mommy Style

Example of pine cone fireflies craft.

How to Make Pine Cone Fireflies

This pine cone firefly craft is unique in that it can be made at the campground. Some glue, scissors, paper, and a single bottle of paint is all it takes. The campground can provide the pine cones.

by Fireflies & Mudpies

Ten examples of painted rocks with camping themes.

Painted Rocks Craft - Camping Theme

While this camping craft requires planning, kids will love the result. Follow the instructions to paint some rocks, then bring them along and use them to decorate the campsite.

Leave your painted rocks for future camping guests!

by Messy Little Monster

Cut and paste printable camping craft.

My Favorite Camping Activities for Kids

This cut-and-paste printable craft allows kids to explore various camping-related themes and ideas. It also has options for boys and girls.

by The Primary Parade

Example of DIY kids lantern craft made with recycled materials.

DIY Kids Lantern Craft

A big part of outdoor activities centers around taking care of the outdoors. Use recycled materials to make this fun lantern light. Your children will love it, and it’s the perfect opportunity to talk about how to take care of trash.

by Barley & Birch

Example of 3D S'mores craft for kids.

3D Smores Craft for Kids

A 3D s’mores craft might sound complicated, but it’s easier than you think. And since it’s imaginary, kids can “eat” as many as they want to.

by Mama of Minis

Example of DIY mini fire pit for s'mores.

DIY Mini Fire Pit For S'mores

Of course, making s’mores is the most crucial part of camping, so a little practice ahead of time is never a bad thing. Have kids paint a flower pot any way they like, then turn it into this mini fire pit to get enough practice in for the perfect s’more.

by Artsy Fartsy Mama

Great Ways to Extend the Fun with These Camp Themes

Easily keep your camping fun going with books, games, and other cool accessories. Your kids will have a blast with these camping resources:

Love You S'moreLove You S'moreCurious George Goes CampingCurious George Goes CampingHello, World! Let's Go CampingHello, World! Let's Go CampingGood Night Campsite (Good Night Our World)Good Night Campsite (Good Night Our World)Camping with Sasquatch by Big Discoveries - A 128-Count Family Card Game with a Roar! | Fun Rummy Meets Slapjack Card Games for Kids, Teens, Adults, and FamiliesCamping with Sasquatch by Big Discoveries - A 128-Count Family Card Game with a Roar! | Fun Rummy Meets Slapjack Card Games for Kids, Teens, Adults, and FamiliesCampfire Stories Deck--For Kids!: Storytelling Games to Ignite ImaginationCampfire Stories Deck--For Kids!: Storytelling Games to Ignite ImaginationHershey’S S’Mores Perfectly Toasted Game by Spin Master Games, Kids Toys & Kids Games & Camping Games, Board Games for Family Night, for Kids Ages 6+Hershey’S S’Mores Perfectly Toasted Game by Spin Master Games, Kids Toys & Kids Games & Camping Games, Board Games for Family Night, for Kids Ages 6+Coghlan's Fireside Story DiceCoghlan's Fireside Story Dice512 Pcs Travel Camping Stickers in 16 Sheets Outdoor Adventure Themed Self Adhesive Decals for Birthday Invitations Envelopes Decorations Party Goodie Gifts Bag Decor Game Class Rewards512 Pcs Travel Camping Stickers in 16 Sheets Outdoor Adventure Themed Self Adhesive Decals for Birthday Invitations Envelopes Decorations Party Goodie Gifts Bag Decor Game Class RewardsZomiboo 36 PCS Camping Party Favors Silicone Bracelets Wristbands Happy Camper Party Supplies Camping Birthday Decoration for Camping Adventure Birthday Party Camping Theme PartyZomiboo 36 PCS Camping Party Favors Silicone Bracelets Wristbands Happy Camper Party Supplies Camping Birthday Decoration for Camping Adventure Birthday Party Camping Theme Party

 

Enjoy Cool Camp Crafts with Kids

I just can't wait to make these camping crafts with my boys. Such simple and creative ways to enjoy camp themes!

These frugal DIY projects are wonderful opportunities to connect with your children as you help them build important skills and more. Hope you have tons of camping fun!

Which one of these camping crafts for kids will you try first?

I'd love to hear about your plans! Please share your ideas in the comments area at the bottom of this post.

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