Let children’s imaginations run wild in the great outdoors, where nature’s wonders wait to be discovered. The magic of camping under a star-filled sky is an experience that never loses its charm. But why let the adventure end with the dawn? By merging crafting and camping, you can create a treasure trove of creative activities that bring the wilderness to life.
From handmade treasures to artistic expressions, these camping-themed crafts will ignite your child’s sense of wonder and encourage their inner artist to shine. And don’t forget to explore our collection of best summer crafts for kids for even more inspiration! Here are some of my top picks for camping-themed crafts that kids can make themselves:
STAINED GLASS CAMPING LANTERN
Transform your summer into a radiant spectacle with this captivating tissue paper stained glass lantern craft! This ingenious project is ideal for camps, family reunions, or Vacation Bible School. By crafting a kaleidoscope of colors, you’ll create a mesmerizing masterpiece that will illuminate any setting. Prepare to make unforgettable memories as you and your loved ones revel in the joy of creativity this summer.
POPSICLE STICK TENT CRAFT
Experience the joy of camping from the comfort of your own home with this delightful popsicle stick tent craft. This simple yet engaging activity is perfect for arts and crafts time at camp or as a creative outlet in your daily routine. Not only do these miniature tents provide endless hours of imaginative play, but they also make charming accessories for small dolls or figurines.
To get started, follow our step-by-step guide below and indulge in the thrill of crafting while bringing a touch of adventure to your day.
HEART SHAPE BIRD SEED ORNAMENTS
Bring joy to any gathering by crafting heart-shaped birdseed ornaments, a delightful activity suitable for children of all ages and seasons. These charming DIY projects can be enjoyed throughout the year, adding a touch of whimsy to your summer camp, holiday, or special occasion celebrations.
PRETEND CAMPFIRE PRINTABLE
Transform your living room into a whimsical campsite with your little one for a camping adventure like no other! As the sun sets (or not), gather ’round the make-believe campfire to indulge in s’mores, share stories, and forge unbreakable memories. No need to rough it in the wilderness when you can have this bonding experience right at home. Immerse yourselves in quality time, laughter, and adventure, creating lasting experiences that will be cherished for years to come.
S’MORE CRAFT
Looking to keep your kids engaged and entertained this summer? Look no further than this delightful S’more Craft! This fun and easy DIY project is the perfect way to get creative with your little ones, letting them decorate their own S’more-inspired masterpiece. With its adorable and charming finish, this craft is sure to bring a smile to their faces and leave you feeling like a proud parent.
DIY LEAF BOWL
Transform your outdoor space with a touch of nature’s elegance by crafting a one-of-a-kind DIY Leaf Bowl using genuine leaves. This camping-inspired decoration is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in, and it’s surprisingly easy to create. So why not get creative and make your own unique leaf bowl today? It’s an excellent opportunity to combine artistry with sustainability.
PAPER BAG BEAR CRAFT
Step into an enchanting wilderness adventure with your little one, guided by the power of imagination and our charming Paper Bag Bear Craft. This delightful DIY project is sure to captivate kids who adore animals, offering a simple yet engaging way to bring their love for wildlife to life through a cuddly bear paper bag puppet. As you create this fun-filled activity together, cherish the opportunity to forge lasting memories with your child.
GLOWING CAMPING LANTERN
Add a touch of adventure to your outdoor escapades with this simple yet ingenious DIY lantern project from The Crazy Outdoor Mama. By combining mason jars, glow sticks, and tape, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind camping companion that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike. Start by slicing the glow sticks into varying lengths for a mesmerizing multi-colored display. Next, use tape to secure them around the jar lid, making sure they’re snug but not too tight.
Finally, screw on the lid and watch as your creation transforms into an illuminating lantern that’s perfect for camping trips, backyard gatherings, or even just adding a pop of color to your outdoor space.
POPSICLE STICK BIRD FEEDER CRAFT
Looking to create something fun and engaging with your little ones? Look no further than this charming popsicle stick bird feeder project! Not only is it a great way to spend quality time together, but it’s also an excellent way to introduce children to the world of DIY crafting. With just a few simple materials and some creativity, you can create a delightful bird feeder that will bring joy to both kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re camping or simply looking for a fun activity to do during the spring season, this popsicle stick project is sure to be a hit.
DIY KITE CRAFT
Bring imagination and creativity to life with a delightful kite craft that’s easy on the pocketbook! With minimal materials you probably already have at home, whip up this fun activity in no time. And when Mother Nature cooperates, take it outside for an action-packed adventure under the warm, windy sky. This classic pastime is sure to delight kids and make for a memorable experience.
GLOWING CAMPFIRE CRAFT
Bring the magic of campfires to life with this delightful and easy-to-make craft! ‘Buggy and Buddy’ is a radiant project that sparks imagination and creativity in children. It’s perfect for summertime fun, fire safety week, summer camps, or imaginative play. This glowing craft is sure to captivate kids’ attention and provide hours of entertainment. Whether you’re planning a camping trip or just looking for a unique activity to do with your little ones, this campfire craft is a must-try!
And if you’re interested in more fun DIY campfire crafts, be sure to check out our related post.
DIY SKIPPING ROPE
Ready for a fun and engaging activity to share with your little ones? Look no further! Making a jump rope at home using straws is an innovative DIY project that’s not only entertaining but also encourages interaction and creativity with your kids. Not only will you be creating a homemade toy, but you’ll also be teaching your children the value of perseverance and problem-solving skills.
With step-by-step instructions and a dash of imagination, you can turn this ordinary activity into an extraordinary experience that will leave you both grinning from ear to ear.
TOILET PAPER TUBE BINOCULARS
As educators struggle to make ends meet on modest salaries, it’s refreshing to find creative outlets that bring joy without breaking the bank. Enter: a series of easy-to-execute DIY activities perfect for outdoor adventures like bird watching or safari play. With multiple steps, these projects might seem intimidating at first, but trust us – they’re surprisingly simple to prepare.
And for our teacher friends concerned about maintaining cleanliness, we’ve got a hack: swap out toilet paper tubes for cut-up paper towel rolls. By embracing these fun and budget-friendly DIY endeavors, you can elevate your outdoor experience without denting your wallet.
SUMMER FUN CAMP NECKLACES
Transform ordinary moments into treasured mementos by creating stunning camping necklaces that celebrate your outdoor adventures. Whether it’s a family camp trip or a summer escapade with friends, this step-by-step DIY guide empowers you to craft unique keepers of memories that will be cherished for years to come.
PAPER WIND SOCK CRAFT
Add some whimsy to your day with this delightful DIY project! Whip up a vibrant wind sock using everyday materials, ideal for a stress-free afternoon spent crafting with little ones.
CAMPING-THEMED STORY STONES
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting to explore the world of storytelling, this unique combination of playdough and Plato-inspired art projects is sure to delight. Not only do these vibrant stones spark creativity in kids, but they also serve as an excellent tool for encouraging writing skills. As children bring their imagination to life through storytelling, they’ll develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
This captivating project is perfect for families who love the great outdoors, young writers, or anyone looking to nurture their creative side.
WATER BOTTLE CRAFT WIND SPIRAL
Turn an ordinary water bottle into an extraordinary wind spinner that will captivate your kids’ imagination! Simply cut off the bottom of an empty water bottle and get creative with paint or stickers. Next, attach some ribbon or string to the top and hang it outside for a mesmerizing decoration that will twirl and spin in the breeze.
PAPER PLATE BEACH CAMPER
This summer, beat the heat and spark some creativity with your little ones by trying out this fun and easy paper plate beach camper craft! The project is perfect for keeping your mini-me’s entertained and mentally stimulated throughout their vacation. With just a few simple materials and some imagination, you can create a delightful and memorable experience that will leave everyone glued to the process – much like the name suggests!
If you’re looking for more ideas to keep your tiny craft enthusiasts busy, be sure to check out our collection of DIY paper plate crafts.
DIY RUSTIC PINECONE BEAR
In Michigan’s autumnal landscape, pinecones abound, offering a treasure trove of creative possibilities. By transforming these natural wonders into rustic pinecone bears, children can craft their own unique characters for imaginative play and outdoor adventures. This simple yet engaging DIY project invites kids to collect supplies and unleash their creativity, blending nature and fantasy in a fun and educational experience.
DIY RAIN STICK CRAFT
Discover the joy of creating your own kid-friendly rain sticks, which effectively replicate the calming sound of rainfall when turned upside down. These fun instruments are perfect for making music and enjoying the serenity of a rainy day, all while cultivating creativity and fine motor skills through this engaging craft project.
DIY KIDS LANTERN CRAFT
Let the warmth of summer evenings transport you to a whimsical world of wonder as we craft enchanting lanterns from reclaimed materials like peanut butter jars and plastic bowls. As the sun dips below the horizon, fireflies twinkle to life, illuminating a path for cherished memories with your little ones. Join us on this nostalgic journey into vintage camp-inspired adventures, where DIY creativity meets timeless magic.
SHRINKY DINK KEYCHAIN
Transform ordinary moments into treasured keepsakes by engaging your kids in a fun and meaningful activity – crafting personalized shrinky dink keychains! Have them write inspirational quotes or sweet notes on the shrinkable sheets, and watch as these larger rectangles magically transform into compact, feel-good mementos that can be cherished for years to come. This creative endeavor not only fosters connections among camp friends but also spreads positivity and joy.
PET ROCK TIC-TAC-TOE
Bring the great outdoors into your creative space with this fun and engaging camping-themed craft: Pet Rock Tic-Tac-Toe. To get started, gather just a few simple supplies – some rocks, markers, and paper. Then, let your little ones’ imaginations run wild as they draw their X’s and O’s on the rocks, competing to be the first to get three in a row. This activity is perfect for a family game night or a fun outdoor adventure.
ORIGAMI TENT
Unleash your creativity and bring forth a miniature marvel with the Paper Kawaii technique! Using just one sheet of square paper, you can craft enchanting origami tents and houses that will transport you to a whimsical world. The clever use of folds and no glue required make this design perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Inspired by the organ fold technique, these charming structures feature delightful curtain-style doorways on both ends, inviting you to peek inside at the miniature wonders within. As you master the art of Paper Kawaii, you’ll discover a world of possibilities, from creating captivating camping dioramas to building entire paper cities. So why wait? Dive into the world of origami and start constructing your own cozy little paper retreat today!
TORN PAPER MOUNTAINS
Spark creativity in your little ones with this fun and interactive crafting activity that lets them build their own unique dinosaur landscapes. Start by tearing a few sheets of colored paper into smaller pieces, then provide each child with glue and let them get creative! As they stick the torn paper together to form hills and mountains, they’ll be creating their very own prehistoric world complete with towering volcanoes and lush valleys.
NATURE SUNCATCHER CRAFT
Unleash the little monsters in your life to discover the joy of nature crafting! This delightful suncatcher project is an excellent way to encourage kids to explore the outdoors while creating something truly unique. With just a few simple household items, you can spend a lovely afternoon in nature with your tiny adventurers, letting their creativity shine. The best part? It’s an unbeatable bonding experience that will leave you and your little ones beaming with pride.
And if you’re looking for more, there are countless camping-themed crafts waiting to be discovered! From whimsical woodland creatures to DIY binoculars, these projects bring the excitement of the great outdoors right into your backyard. So why not grab some art supplies and embark on a crafting adventure that combines nature’s wonders with artistic expression? The possibilities are endless!
Related POSTS:
For young minds eager to explore their creativity, there’s no better way than with engaging pirate, Minecraft-inspired, and sculpture crafts. Designed specifically for preschoolers, these activities not only foster imagination but also develop important skills like fine motor control, problem-solving, and critical thinking. From making treasure chests to building pixelated worlds, the possibilities are endless!
And to make it even more exciting, here’s a curated list of the best pirate, Minecraft, and sculpture crafts for kids: explore the high seas with treasure hunts, create blocky masterpieces, or shape the world into new forms – the choice is yours!
SOME CAMPING ITEMS FOR KIDS THAT YOU CAN BUY:
Experience the thrill of camping with family and friends! With innovative products like the BLITZU Led Headlamps for Camper, Kids, Family, Adults, you can light up your adventures with hands-free bright lighting. Indestructibly built with durable materials, these headlamps are 100% child friendly and designed for reliable performance. But that’s not all!
The Meland Kids Camping Set with Tent provides a comprehensive camping experience for little explorers, complete with 30 necessary accessories, including a pop-up tent, campfire, and oil lantern. Your tiny adventurers will love setting up their own secret base to play, read, and think. And when you’re ready to take your adventure to the next level, grab some Topsung Walkie Talkies for Kids Adults!
With long-range rechargeable technology and USB charging, these walkie-talkies are perfect for family camping trips, hiking, boating, or fishing. Say goodbye to complicated instructions and hello to instant communication with your loved ones.
