Easy & Fun Kids Camping Crafts Outdoor Activities for All Ages

A camping trip is full of exciting activities for both children and adults, but sometimes, you need a little quiet time—especially when a storm rolls in. That’s where picnic crafts come in! These simple, creative projects keep kids busy while helping them learn more about their natural surroundings. Over the years, I’ve found that even the simplest craft—like leaf rubbings or pinecone animals—can turn a rainy moment into a fun, educational experience.

Whether you’re looking for ways to entertain little ones or just want a break from the usual outdoor adventures, these crafts are perfect for all ages. They blend creativity with nature, making the most of your time outside—even when you’re stuck inside!

Easy & Fun Kids Camping Crafts Outdoor Activities for All Ages

Nature’s Craft Box

When you reach your campsite and realize you forgot craft materials, don’t worry! Nature provides everything you need. Kids love being creative with natural crafts—it’s amazing what they can make with simple craft supplies found around your camping spot.

Recycled Bird Feeders

Turn trash into treasure by making bird feeders from recyclables. A plastic water bottle becomes a feeder when you poke holes at waist and knee height, insert a plastic spoon or wooden spoon as a perch, fill with birdseed, and hang from a tree. For smaller birds, use a toilet paper tube, twigs, and peanut butter—just perforate, coat, and roll in seeds!

Leafy Masterpieces

Leaf art lets kids create flora creatures using Post-Its for eyeballs on oval-shaped elm or birch leaves. Sort leaves by size and color to build a two-dimensional landscape or farmyard. Add pinecones, acorns, and birch tree seeds to make a 3D pinecone tribe—just anchor them in sand or soil.

Outdoor Art Studio

Use rocks, paper, and paint to craft games and art. Paint river stones for tic-tac-toe (use a cereal box as a board) or try evergreen bough paintbrushes on newsprint. For a fun twist, leave artwork in the rain or dip it in the river to watch colors blend!

Mini Wilderness Garden

Plant memories in a tin can or eggshell pot filled with soil. Hunt for moss, clover seedlings, or a sprouted acorn near the base of a tree—it might grow into a mighty oak reminding kids of your trip.

Mandala Magic

Collect flowers, leaves, and other natural decorations to design a nature mandala. This masterpiece sparks conversation about objects and their role in the environment while keeping children  engaged  outside.

Colorful Keepsakes

Press flowers from your campground onto blank cards to make pressed flower greeting cards. Once dry, kids can paste them and share with friends—a sweet way to remember the fun of your camping trip.

Enchanted Builds

Construct fairy houses with sticks and leaves gathered during a scavenger hunt. Add tiny “gifts” inside to spark imagination and enchantment.

Sweet & Simple Fun

After making s’mores, use leftover marshmallows for stamping, building towers with spaghetti noodles, or crafting constellations with toothpicks. Edible art with licorice and sprinkles makes delicious memories!

Marshmallow Crafts

Turn leftover campfire marshmallows into creative fun with these easy ideas:

• Stamping Fun: Skewer marshmallows on wooden sticks, dip in craft paint, and stamp colorful designs on paper
• Engineering Challenge: Give teams mini marshmallows and spaghetti noodles to build the tallest tower
• Edible Constellations: Connect marshmallows with toothpicks to form Big Dipper or Orion’s Belt shapes
• Sweet Jewelry: Use a straw to poke holes through marshmallows, then string on licorice and decorate with frosting and sprinkles
• Food Art: Let kids draw animals, flowers, or silly monsters on marshmallows with edible magic markers before eating their creations