Indoor camping can be a fun and exciting alternative to traditional outdoor camping, whether due to bad weather, lack of outdoor space, or simply wanting to bring the camping experience indoors. You can still enjoy the cozy camping atmosphere while keeping everyone entertained with engaging games and activities. Here are some creative indoor camping games that are perfect for kids and adults alike, turning your living room or playroom into a mini adventure.
1. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
An indoor scavenger hunt is a great way to add excitement to your indoor camping adventure. Hide objects or “camping-themed” items around the house, and give campers a list of things to find. You can create clues or riddles for added challenge, and divide participants into teams or let them play individually.
How to Play:
- Make a list of camping-related items (like flashlights, toy animals, or marshmallows).
- Hide the items in different parts of the house.
- Give clues for each item or simply provide a checklist.
- Set a time limit to see who can find the most items before time runs out.
2. Tent Building Challenge
A tent-building challenge taps into creativity and teamwork. Provide participants with blankets, sheets, cushions, and other household items to build the best indoor tent. You can even add string lights to give the tents a magical, cozy feel.
How to Play:
- Divide into teams or play individually.
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes to build the best tent using blankets, pillows, and other available materials.
- Have a “judge” (or a group vote) to decide whose tent is the best based on creativity, stability, or design.
- Camp out inside your tent after the challenge is over!
3. Shadow Puppet Storytelling
Shadow puppets are a classic indoor camping activity that requires just a flashlight and your hands (or paper cutouts). Turn off the lights, shine a flashlight on the wall, and use your hands to create different shapes and animals. Combine this with storytelling for extra fun—have each person take turns telling a story using their shadow puppets.
How to Play:
- Set up a flashlight on a flat surface or hold it in place to cast shadows on the wall.
- Use your hands to create different animals or shapes (bunnies, dogs, birds, etc.).
- Take turns creating a story, with each person adding a new part of the tale using their puppets.
4. Campfire Songs and Sing-Along
No camping experience is complete without some campfire songs. Create a cozy atmosphere by pretending you have a campfire (use a fake fireplace, or pile up pillows and string lights). Then, gather around and sing classic camping songs like “Kumbaya” or “The Campfire Song Song” from SpongeBob.
How to Play:
- Choose your favorite camping songs or any song everyone enjoys.
- Use simple instruments like tambourines, drums, or even DIY instruments like spoons and pots.
- Have everyone join in for a fun sing-along, or make it a music challenge by taking turns creating songs on the spot.
5. “Camping Charades”
Put a camping twist on the classic game of charades! Write down various camping-related activities, animals, or objects (such as “setting up a tent,” “fishing,” or “bear”) on slips of paper, and have players act them out while others guess what they are.
How to Play:
- Create a list of camping -themed items or actions (like “hiking,” “toasting marshmallows,” or “starting a campfire”).
- Divide the group into teams or play individually.
- Players take turns picking a word and acting it out without speaking.
- The other players must guess what the word or action is within a time limit.
6. S’mores Bingo
Turn the camping classic of making s’mores into a fun bingo game. Prepare a bingo card with different s’mores ingredients and steps (like “roasting marshmallows,” “crunchy graham cracker,” “melted chocolate”). The goal is to complete a row or column on the bingo card as you make your s’mores.
How to Play:
- Create bingo cards with different combinations of s’mores ingredients and actions.
- Each player makes s’mores using the ingredients on their card.
- The first player to complete a row or column yells “Bingo!” and wins a prize.
7. Camping Bingo
Camping Bingo is another variation where you can create cards filled with common camping items or activities, such as “sleeping bag,” “flashlight,” “firewood,” or “starry sky.” Instead of gathering items, simply cross off the camping-related things you’ve discussed or acted out throughout the evening.
How to Play:
- Create camping-themed bingo cards with items like “tent,” “campfire,” “hiking boots,” etc.
- Call out items, and players mark them off on their cards.
- The first person to mark off a full row, column, or diagonal wins.
8. Flashlight Hide-and-Seek
A darkened house, a flashlight, and a lot of excitement make this version of hide-and-seek a thrill for everyone. One person is “it” and carries a flashlight while everyone else hides. The “seeker” searches for hidden campers using only the flashlight to spot them.
How to Play:
- Turn off all the lights to create a dark setting.
- One player is the “seeker” and is given a flashlight.
- The rest of the players hide.
- The seeker uses the flashlight to find the hidden players one by one.
9. Indoor Camping Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course around the house using everyday objects like chairs, cushions, and toys. Have campers navigate through the course by crawling under “fallen trees” (tables or chairs), jumping over “rivers” (blankets), or avoiding “wild animals” (stuffed animals). Time each player to see who can complete the course the fastest!
How to Play:
- Set up a course using items like pillows, chairs, and blankets to create obstacles.
- Create different stations like “jump over a log” (a pillow) or “crawl under a tree” (a table).
- Time each player to see who completes the course fastest or judge them based on creativity.
10. Nature Crafts
Bring the spirit of camping indoors with some nature-themed crafts. You can make leaf rubbings, pinecone animals, or “campfire” art using colored tissue paper and popsicle sticks. This is a calm and creative way to enjoy your indoor camping experience, especially for younger campers.
How to Play:
- Gather craft supplies like paper, crayons, glue, and natural items (leaves, twigs, pinecones).
- Create art projects that mimic nature, such as drawing trees, making animals out of pinecones, or building a pretend campfire with paper.
Conclusion
Indoor camping games can make any rainy day or weekend at home an exciting adventure. With these fun and creative games, you’ll capture the spirit of camping without ever leaving the comfort of your home. From scavenger hunts and shadow puppets to tent-building and obstacle courses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re camping with kids or having a fun night with friends. So, gather your supplies, set up your indoor campsite, and let the games begin!