Camping with kids is equal parts adventure and strategy!
Between the bug spray, snack negotiations, and a tent that never quite zips properly, you’re also tasked with keeping little hands busy—ideally with something more inspiring than asking for the iPad again.
That’s where camping crafts for kids come in. These 14 ideas are fun, unfussy, and easy to pull off with whatever’s in your backpack (or, realistically, the backseat of your car).
Think painted rocks, DIY binoculars, and nature-inspired keepsakes they’ll actually want to take home. They’re simple ways to keep the momentum going when the hike’s over, but bedtime’s still hours away.
PIN FOR LATER 🙂
1. Easy Paper Plate Butterfly
This butterfly brings big, fluttery energy with just a couple of paper plates and markers. It’s colorful, tactile, and just the right amount of whimsical.
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2. Painted Rocks Craft
Like tiny storyboards for the outdoors, these painted rocks turn simple stones into pocket-sized memories—perfect for scavenger hunts or just decorating the picnic table.
3. Easy Origami Maple Leaf Craft
This bright paper leaf is part art project, part nature appreciation. A great pick for quiet downtime or when kids need a quick, focused moment to regroup.
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4. Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars Craft
Cloud-gazing just got an upgrade. These DIY binoculars are lightweight, wearable, and surprisingly good at sparking imaginary adventures.
5. Handprint Campfire Craft
Equal parts cozy and clever, this campfire made from handprints is the kind of keepsake you’ll want to hold onto long after the tents come down.
6. Bean Art Bird Craft
A clever mix of natural textures and unexpected materials, this sweet little bird scene uses painted beans and real twigs to bring the forest to life—one tiny beak at a time.
7. Popsicle Tissue Paper Craft
Bright, bold, and totally summer-coded. These popsicle crafts are made for little hands and look good enough to (almost) eat.
8. Paper Plate Handprint Raccoon Craft
Cheeky and charming, these raccoons come together with just paper plates and a bit of glue—ideal for campground tables or rainy day cabins.
9. Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder
Functional and fun, this rainbow bird feeder doubles as a camp project and a way to invite a few feathered friends into the backyard. It’s a win-win—and a great excuse to sneak in a little STEM.
10. Bear Handprint Card
A cute nod to the wildlife kids love spotting on the trail, these handprint bears are equal parts playful and personal—bonus points for the blushy cheeks and those googly eyes.
11. Paper Campfire Craft
Low-maintenance campfire fun: no flames, no cleanup. Just some bright paper and a creative excuse to talk about fire safety without making it boring.
12. Pine Cone Fireflies
Crafted from real pinecones and a little imagination, this bug has major “look what I found!” energy—plus googly eyes, which never hurt.
RELATED: 23 Creative Pinecone Crafts For Kids That Bring the Outdoors In
13. Foil Painted Campfire Craft
Made using crumpled foil instead of fingers, this fiery masterpiece is all about texture and color without the full mess factor. It’s satisfyingly hands-on, with results that feel a little more polished than your average kids’ craft.
14. Easy Squirrel Craft
Cute enough to make even the squirrel who stole your trail mix jealous. These paper cuties are simple, expressive, and totally display-worthy.
From quiet mornings to post-hike wind-downs, these camping crafts for kids are the perfect way to keep the creativity flowing—no Wi-Fi required.
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