Some of the best camping memories happen between the hikes and meals, when everyone’s gathered at the picnic table or around the fire. Camping games keep kids busy, get teenagers off their phones and bring the whole group together. Most need little or no gear. In the video below, Family F.E.D. shares a batch of easy camp and hiking games. Here are more ideas for every time of day.
Active daytime games
Scavenger hunt
Make a list of things to find or spot: a pine cone, a feather, a heart-shaped rock, something red, a bird’s nest (look, don’t touch). Young kids can use picture lists. To follow Leave No Trace, take photos or tick items off instead of collecting them.
Nature bingo
Make bingo cards with things you might see at camp, such as a squirrel, a mushroom, a trail sign or a canoe. The first to get a line wins.
Capture the flag
A classic for bigger groups and older kids. Split into two teams, each with a territory and a flag (a bandana works). Players try to grab the other team’s flag and bring it home without being tagged. Set clear boundaries away from the fire, roads and other campsites.
Frisbee, ladder toss and other lawn games
If your site has open space, a flying disc, a ladder toss or bean-bag toss set, or a ball is easy to pack. Check campground rules and keep games away from other campers’ sites.
Campfire and picnic-table games
Would you rather
Take turns asking silly or thoughtful “would you rather” questions. It works for all ages and needs nothing at all.
Twenty questions
One person thinks of an animal, place or object. Everyone else asks yes-or-no questions to guess it in 20 tries or fewer.
Story chain
One person starts a story with a sentence or two, and each person adds the next part. Kids love steering it somewhere ridiculous. For older groups, try campfire tales, but keep them age-appropriate.
I spy
A favorite for little kids, especially on the drive in or while waiting for dinner.
Card and board games
A deck of cards goes a long way: Go Fish, Crazy Eights, rummy, spoons and solitaire. Compact travel versions of board games and dice games are also easy to pack. Bring a small zip bag to keep cards dry.
After-dark games
Flashlight tag
Like regular tag, but “it” tags people by catching them in a flashlight beam. Play only in a safe, open, familiar area with no fire, water or drop-offs nearby, and set firm boundaries.
Glow-stick ring toss
Bend glow sticks into rings and toss them onto a stake or a bottle. It’s simple, and fun for younger kids.
Shadow puppets
Set up a lantern behind a tent wall or sheet and make animal shapes with your hands.
Stargazing challenge
On a clear night, see who can find the Big Dipper, the North Star or a satellite first. A free stargazing app helps beginners.
Safety and courtesy
- Keep running games well away from the campfire, stoves, roads and water.
- Set clear boundaries, especially at night, and make sure every child has a headlamp or flashlight.
- Respect quiet hours, and keep noise down near other campsites.
- Don’t break branches, dig up plants or move rocks for games.
- Pack out all game pieces, glow sticks and wrappers.
What to pack
- A deck of cards and one or two compact games
- A flying disc or small ball
- Bandanas for flags or blindfolds
- Pencils and paper for bingo cards and scorekeeping
- Glow sticks and a headlamp for each person
- A lantern for the table
Heading out with toddlers or preschoolers? Read our guide to camping with little kids, and teach older kids the Leave No Trace principles as part of the fun.
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FAQ
What are good camping games for small kids?
I spy, scavenger hunts with picture lists, nature bingo and glow-stick ring toss all work well for young children.
What games can we play without any equipment?
Would you rather, twenty questions, story chains, charades and I spy all need nothing at all.
What are good camping games for teenagers?
Capture the flag, card games like spoons, and flashlight tag in a safe area are usually hits with teens.
Are glow sticks safe for kids?
Generally yes, under supervision. Keep them away from little kids who might chew them, and pack them out afterward.
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