Camping with preschoolers can be a magical experience, as it allows them to explore the outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and engage in creative play. Keeping young children entertained while camping is key to ensuring a successful trip, and playing games is a great way to do this. Here’s a guide to the best camping games for preschoolers—they’re simple, fun, and designed to keep little ones engaged while embracing nature.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to get preschoolers exploring their surroundings while learning about nature. This game encourages curiosity and helps them discover new plants, insects, rocks, and other natural elements.
How to Play:
- Prepare a simple list of items for the children to find around the campsite. For preschoolers, you can include easy-to-spot items like pinecones, a specific color leaf, a small rock, or a flower.
- Provide them with a basket or bag to collect the items.
- The game can be done individually or as a group activity where the children work together.
| Players | 1+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | A scavenger list, basket |
| Best For | Encouraging exploration and curiosity |
2. Bug Hunt
Preschoolers love discovering new creatures, and a bug hunt will help them learn more about the little critters that share the camping space. This game is all about observation and excitement.
How to Play:
- Arm the children with small, child-safe bug catchers or clear containers.
- Have them search for bugs in safe areas around the campsite, like under leaves or on tree trunks.
- Once they catch a bug, take a moment to teach them about it before letting it go safely.
| Players | 1+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Bug catchers, magnifying glass (optional) |
| Best For | Nature discovery and education |
3. Camping Simon Says
Preschoolers will enjoy a twist on the classic game of Simon Says, especially when you incorporate nature-themed commands. It’s a great game to keep them active and engaged while camping.
How to Play:
- One player, usually an adult, takes the role of Simon and gives commands, such as “Simon says jump like a frog,” or “Simon says collect a small rock.”
- The children must only follow the instructions that begin with “Simon says.”
- If “Simon says” is not included, and the child follows the command, they are “out” (or just get to try again!).
| Players | 2+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | None |
| Best For | Group play, physical activity |
4. Animal Charades
Animal Charades is an entertaining and educational game that will have preschoolers acting out their favorite animals. It encourages imagination, coordination, and laughter!
How to Play:
- Write or whisper the name of an animal to a child and have them act it out without making any sounds.
- The rest of the group guesses which animal is being acted out.
- You can also add fun animal noises if your group is very young to help them engage further.
| Players | 2+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | None |
| Best For | Imaginative play, indoor or outdoor use |
5. Parachute Games
A brightly colored parachute is a wonderful piece of equipment that is both visually stimulating and physically engaging for preschoolers. Parachute games can be played in a group setting and offer hours of fun.
How to Play:
- Have the children stand in a circle, each holding onto the edge of the parachute.
- You can play various games, such as:
- Waving the parachute up and down to create “waves.”
- Placing lightweight balls on the parachute and shaking it to make the balls bounce.
- Creating a “mushroom” by lifting the parachute high and having the kids quickly run underneath it.
| Players | 4+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Parachute, lightweight balls (optional) |
| Best For | Group play, physical coordination |
6. Campfire Songs and Dance
Nothing says camping like a good old campfire sing-along. Preschoolers love music, and incorporating simple songs with hand movements or dancing can turn into a favorite camping activity. This game combines learning and fun while keeping little ones entertained around the campfire.
How to Play:
- Choose classic children’s songs like “The Wheels on the Bus,” “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” or nature-themed songs like “Baby Shark” or “Five Little Ducks.”
- Teach the kids simple hand movements or clapping patterns to go along with the songs.
- For more active play, encourage them to dance and move around the fire (at a safe distance, of course).
| Players | 1+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | None |
| Best For | Evenings by the campfire, group bonding |
7. Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, Duck, Goose is a simple and familiar game that can be played anywhere, including at a campsite. It’s great for getting preschoolers running and laughing.
How to Play:
- Children sit in a circle, and one child walks around the outside, gently tapping the others on the head while saying “duck.”
- When the tapper says “goose,” the chosen child stands and chases them around the circle.
- The tapper must try to sit in the goose’s spot before being tagged.
| Players | 5+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | None |
| Best For | Large groups, physical activity |
8. Camping Bingo
Create a simple Camping Bingo game to entertain preschoolers and teach them about their surroundings. This is an educational game that helps them recognize and observe different elements in nature.
How to Play:
- Create bingo cards with pictures of camping-related items (like trees, animals, campfires, and tents).
- As the children spot these items during the day, they mark them off their cards.
- The first child to complete a row wins.
| Players | 1+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Bingo cards, markers |
| Best For | Quiet time, nature awareness |
9. Balloon Volleyball
Balloon Volleyball is an easy and safe way for preschoolers to play an active game without needing much equipment. The soft nature of the balloon makes it ideal for young children.
How to Play:
- Tie a string between two trees to create a “net” or use an imaginary line.
- Inflate a balloon and let the children hit it back and forth over the net.
- The goal is to keep the balloon from touching the ground.
| Players | 2+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Balloon, string (optional) |
| Best For | Group play, motor skill development |
10. Follow the Leader
Follow the Leader is a great game that preschoolers naturally enjoy, as it allows them to take turns leading and following, which builds coordination and confidence.
How to Play:
- One child starts as the leader and performs simple actions like hopping, skipping, or twirling.
- The rest of the children follow and mimic the actions.
- After a few minutes, the leader changes, and another child takes over.
| Players | 3+ |
|---|---|
| Equipment | None |
| Best For | Group play, physical activity |
Conclusion on camping games for preschoolers
Camping with preschoolers doesn’t have to be challenging when you have a list of fun and engaging games to keep them entertained. These camping games for preschoolers are designed to help little campers explore the outdoors, practice new skills, and have fun with friends and family. From nature hunts and parachute play to classic games like Duck, Duck, Goose and Simon Says, these activities will ensure that your preschoolers have a memorable and joyful camping experience. Keep things simple, flexible, and always prioritize safety to make the trip enjoyable for everyone!