50+ Fun Summer Camp Inspired Activities for Kids

Today we have a massive list of summer camp activities for kids of all ages that can give the summer camp experience at day camp, overnight camps, church camp or fun for home summer camp.

I am a summer camp fanatic.  I love summer camp!

Summer Camp Ideas for Kids of All Ages

As a child, I went to camp every summer after age 6.  As soon as I was old enough, I worked as a camp counselor and taught waterskiing, sailing and whatever water sports summer programs would keep me on the waterfront.

Because summer can’t come soon enough, we thought it would be great fun to do a little camp-dreaming by finding some fun activities, outdoor games, camp crafts, art projects and food inspired by those hot summer days at the best summer camps.

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Camp Games

Nearly everything is a game at camp!  My cabin had a tape four square and hop scotch in the middle of the floor inviting games at all hours of the day or night.  The lazy-susan on the dining table was used for a target launching game that would hopefully deliver food to the proper camper with just a spin.

1. Let’s Play Twister Camp Style

Chalk Twister – This version of the popular indoor game can be scaled as large as your surface and created with sidewalk chalk.

2. Camp Javelin Throw Game

Pool Noodle Javelin – This pool noodle creation from Parents is simply one of the best non-pool uses for pool noodles!

3. Outdoor Board Game Fun

Huge Board Game – Make a HUGE board game outside for hours of camp fun. This puts a giant spin on the traditional board games

4. Traditional Tug of War Game

Crate Tug-o-War – Even just two can play at tug of war when crates are used to up the coordination ante!

5. Camp Bicycle Games

Bicycle Games – If your camp has bicycles, then you might want to check out these fun ideas to introduce a little friendly competition.

6. Play Ultimate Frisbee at Camp

Ultimate Frisbee – You can create your own ultimate frisbee course using equipment you already have or make an investment in something that can last a long time!

7. Camp Field Day Games

Field Day at Camp – Host a field day with potato sack races, relay races, obstacle courses, water balloon tosses and three-legged races.

Camp Crafts

My suitcase home from camp was full of created treasures that would remind me of my camp time all year long.  One camp I attended had a ceramics studio and I still have one very lopsided vase painted in various shades of blue that has survived the years.

8. Make Camp Friendship Bracelets

Friendship Bracelet – One of the passages of camp life is to signify new and old bonds with a visible symbol like friendship bracelets!

9. Safety Pin Bracelet Craft

Safety Pin Bracelet – I remember making these as a kid — so fun!

10. Pet Rock Camp Craft

Pet Rocks & People – The Coffee Cups and Crayons kids created pet rocks and people then upcycled boxes for camp cabins. This is a really fun camp craft even for younger kids.

11. Found Nature Object Art Perfect for Camp

Tree People – This craft by Red Ted Art starts with an outdoor scavenger hunt for people parts…it really makes more sense when you see it.

12. Make a Compass

Make a Compass – If you are venturing off the trail, you might need one of these!  Or at least know how they work!

13. Make Camping Cushions

DIY Camping Cushions – Sitting on those camp benches can be hard.  This camp craft from Coffee Cups and Crayons solves that with a homemade sit upon!

14. Stick Crafts for Kids

Stick Men – These super cute people are the original stick people…from Red Ted Art.

15. Leaf Crafts for Kids

Leaf Crown – Create this lovely crown of leaves from Red Ted Art.

16. Make a Firefly Jar

Firefly Jars – Decorate Mason jars into pretty firefly jars just waiting for an evening catch from Coffee Cups and Crayons.

17. Craft a Hiking Bracelet for Camp

Nature Hike Bracelet – I adore this project from Kid World Citizen which takes found objects on a hike and creates a bracelet that changes as the trail goes on.

18. Build a Bird Feeder

Create a bird-feeder – This is a simple and fun way to create a bird feeder for wild birds from daisysnu.

19. Nature Made Building Set

Stick Construction Set  – Make a set of building blocks from sticks.  This is such a great way to spend even rainy days from Picklebums.

Camp Art

Camp was one of the first places where I took an art class.  I remember sitting out near the lake trying to copy it onto my paper with charcoal.  I think you just feel more artistic when close to nature!

20. Traditional Crayon Rubbing Technique

Crayon Rubbing Art – Nature is full of textures that can be turned into colorful art without disturbing the object with a single piece of paper. This traditional kids art idea is great for all ages, even younger children .

21. Create Big Land Art

Land Art – Sun Hats and Wellie Boots has one of my favorite art projects of all time.  I just adore this massive land art.

22. Combing Art & Nature in a Cool Way

Andy Goldsworthy-inspired project – This art project from the Red Ted Art kids is a wonderful way to combine art and nature!

23. Use the Sun for Art

Sun Prints – Rainy Day Mum has a lovely project that lets the sun turn objects into art. Love this idea to enjoy the sun in new ways.

24. Create Stick Art

Stick Art – So, I suspect no two sticks are alike {just like snowflakes} and that is certainly true after they are the canvas for this art project from Buggy and Buddy.

25. Create Big Fence Art Together

Giant Fence Art – Art goes BIG with this fun sidewalk chalk art project from J Daniel 4’s Mom.

26. Mandala Art Goes Big for Nature

Mandala Art – Creating Mandalas outdoors is a project without size limits and a bunch of different colors!  It can be fun to build them together like these from Playful Learning.

27. Build Art Structures from Nature

Art Structures – Make art functional with these found object art sculptures that double as a shelter.

Camp Activities

My favorite hot day activity ideas centered around the water, but horseback riding for the first time or sitting by the campfire with campers and other camp counselors was a close second.  There just always seemed like there was so much to do and the time would go so quickly!

28. Hike a Trail with an Eye for Nature

Hike an Unnatural Trail – This is a fun activity for not only the scavenger hunt of it all, but the learning behind it about conservation. Camp is the perfect time to chat about conversation.

29. Bird Watch with Knowledge

Make a bird-watching book – This free printable to create a bird book is perfect for your backyard, a hike, a vacation, or a trip to camp.  It is from Buggy and Buddy.

30. Host a Camp Style Movie

Host a “Drive-In Movie” – I love this idea!  Create an outdoor drive-in for all sorts of vehicles to hold watching participants.

31. Create Your Own Tree Guide

Make a Tree Guide – Chart the trees around you with this simple DIY book from Kid World Citizen.

32. Build Team Spirit with these Fun Activities

Team-building Activities – No matter what the team might be or what skill levels are represented – a family, a cabin of campers, or a sports team these team activities can help kids {and adults} work together.

33. Observe the Patterns of Nature

Finding symmetry in nature – This simple activity from Buggy and Buddy takes observation along a nature hike to a whole new level.

34. Blow Bubbles and More Bubbles!

Bubble Bar – Being outside just inspires bubbles!  This activity from Nate and Rachel brings out the creativity in bubbles – with so many choices, how would you blow one?

35. Calculate the Height of that Tree

How Tall is a Tree? – This creative math assignment from Science Sparks is something I need to run out to my backyard and test right now!

36. Make Your Own Fire Starters

Egg Carton Fire Starters – You can make fire starters for the most amazing campfire from things you already have at home and around you.  This smart idea comes from Allternative Learning.

Related: More DIY Fire Starters for Your Campfire

37. Camp Activities by the Alphabet

Alphabet Camp Activities – Small Types has the cutest idea to come up with different activities each day based on a letter of the day.  That is 26 days of camp fun!  Be inspired by one of their camp schedules.

38. I Spy Nature Hunt

Eye Spy Nature Hunt – This free printable from The Joys of Boys will get your nature hike off to a competitive start!

39. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Check out this printable outdoor scavenger hunt for kids that is full of fun and nature items to find!

40. Bows & Arrow for Camp Fun

Archery Practice – This bow and arrow is safe for even indoor target practice because it is miniature!  What a fun project from I Can Teach My Child.

41. Use the Sun to Melt

Use the Sun – This melting project from Mama Smiles uses sun power to transform.

42. Investigate the Amazingness of Camouflage

Camouflage Science – Get kids seeking for more than they can see with this fun outdoor activity from Mama Smiles.

42. DIY Camp Beach

Camp Beach – Every camp needs a “beach” and your backyard can have one too with this amazing sand project from Better Together with the Wray Sist3rs.

43. Create a Camp Map

Map the Trail – Creating a map from a trail or backyard.  It can become a secret treasure map!  What a fun project from Kid World Citizen.

44. Camp in Your Backyard

Host a backyard camp sleepover – This cute girls night campout from Caution Twins at Play has some fun ideas for backyard camping including making traditional s’mores.

45. Camp Themes You Will Want to Try

DIY Camp Ideas – This inspired list from Imagination Soup will get you thinking up your own themed camp to entertain kids while hosting camp at home.

Camp Food

There just seems to be something about camp food.  I am sure it was not the most gourmet food I ever had, but there is something about eating with friends when you are worn out and starving that elevates camp food!  We thought it would be fun to highlight some outdoor treats and easy ideas you can do in your backyard.

46. Make Campfire Cones

Campfire Cones – This is one of our very favorite foods of all time!

47. Watermelon Ice Cools the Entire Camp

Watermelon Ice – Ahhh…there isn’t anything more refreshing at camp than a fresh slice of watermelon unless you count this Watermelon Ice from Pleasantest Thing!

48. Watermelon Pops are Perfect for a Summer Day

Watermelon Pops – Here is a way to elevate the simple act of watermelon eating from Paging Fun Mums.

49. Fruit Kabobs for Lunch or a Snack

Fruit Kabobs – These tasty snacks are the perfect in-between meal treat.

50. Let’s Make Camp Mix

Trail Mix – The quintessential pocket food!

51. Camp Treat

Candy Popsicles – These are just plain cool on so many levels!

52. Camp Snack

Homemade Granola Bars – These are a special treat at home or can be sent with kids to camp.

53. Cupcakes that Shine Like the Sun

Summershine Cupcakes – These sunny treats will be a hit no matter if it rains or shines on your camp day!

54. Let’s Make Homemade Fruit Snacks

Homemade Fruit Leather – This is another thing that can be made ahead and sent with kids to camp for a taste of home.

Camp Mail

55. Let’s Talk Camp Mail!

10 Crazy Things to Mail your Kid at Camp  – I adore this list from The House of Hendrix!  One of the highlights of camp is mail from home, and this can make you the coolest mom in the entire cabin.

56. Mail Your Camper Something Crazy

In our how to mail something article, we have a list of crazy things you can mail your camper like a flip flop or an Easter egg…a balloon?

Camping Activities for Kids

I guess one of the reasons why a list of numerous activities inspired by summer camp is also really a list of things that could also be camping activities for kids is that both summer camp and camping celebrate simple outdoor fun and adventure. Many of the best things from this summer camp list can be used as a camping activity or camping craft adding a lot of fun to any tent or RV journey.

Transform your summer break family vacation by trying a few of the activities on your next campout, camping trip or for an afternoon of backyard water games and favorite summer camp activities. The best part is your local park can be the site for your new adventures!

Related: If you are looking for a summer camp in Texas, check out Vista Camps. They were one of our very first sponsors here at Kids Activities Blog nearly a million years ago and we think they are awesome.

More Summer Ideas from Kids Activities Blog

What was your favorite summer camp idea for your summer fun?