Top 7 Fun Activities to Try at Summer Camp

Top 7 Fun Activities to Try at Summer Camp

If you're looking for the best camp fun ideas to make your summer camp unforgettable, you’re in the right place. Whether you're a camp leader, a parent, or a kid excited about the season, this guide covers the top 7 games, crafts, and outdoor activities to keep everyone buzzing with energy and joy. From exciting summer camp games to creative camp ideas and memorable campfire moments, these activities are sure to add that magic touch to any camp experience.

Let’s dive into a list that showcases the perfect blend of fun, creativity, and outdoor adventure — all essential ingredients for a summer camp full of unforgettable memories.

Why Camp Fun Matters in 2025

Summer camps have evolved significantly, blending traditional activities with new trends and eco-friendly practices. In 2025, kids crave opportunities to unplug, socialise, and learn through play — making camp fun essential for building social skills, creativity, and physical fitness.

This list is designed for camp organisers, parents, and kids keen to find easy-to-run but engaging kids activities that foster teamwork and creativity, while taking full advantage of the fresh air and open space at campsites. Plus, we've updated these ideas with the latest trends, including some tech-light crafts and outdoor games that encourage real-world interactions.

1. Ultimate Summer Camp Games: Capture the Flag Remix

What it is: A classic outdoor game with a twist, Capture The Flag Remix is a high-energy, team-based activity where campers try to capture the opposing team’s flag and return it safely.

Why it’s great: It encourages teamwork, strategy, and plenty of running around — perfect to burn off energy and bond campers.

How to play:

• Divide the campers into two teams.
• Set clear boundaries and assign each team a “flag” in their territory — a scarf or bandana works well.
• Add a “safe zone” where players can’t be tagged.
• Introduce a new rule: each team has a one-time "freeze tag" power, where they can freeze one opponent for 30 seconds, adding a fun strategic element.

Camp tip: Use glow-in-the-dark flags and play at dusk for an electrifying, memorable campfire moment follow-up.

2. Nature-Inspired Crafts: Leaf Print Art

What it is: A creative camp idea where kids use leaves, paint, and paper to create unique prints inspired by nature.

Why it’s great: Encourages artistic expression, promotes an appreciation for the outdoors, and can be easily done with natural materials found onsite.

How to make it happen:

• Collect a variety of leaves from around the camp.
• Provide washable paints and paper or fabric.
• Show campers how to paint one side of a leaf and press it onto the paper for a print.
• Let kids experiment layering prints and mixing colours.

Tips for scaling: Older kids can design personalised camp T-shirts, a lasting camp souvenir.

3. Outdoor Adventure Challenge: Obstacle Course Race

What it is: An all-ages favourite that combines physical activity with problem-solving, where campers navigate a series of natural and makeshift obstacles.

Why it’s great: Builds endurance, teamwork, and resilience while keeping things fun and energetic.

Setting up the course:

• Use logs, ropes, tunnels (like tents), and natural terrain.
• Include challenges like crawling, balancing, throwing, or puzzles.
• Time contestants for friendly competition or run in teams for cooperative fun.

Budget note: Minimal cost since it utilises nature’s playground and simple gear — great for budget-conscious camps.

4. Evening Campfire Moments: Storytelling Circle with Shadow Puppets

What it is: A calm, social campfire activity featuring storytelling combined with hand-made shadow puppets.

Why it’s great: Encourages listening skills, imagination, and creates a warm, shared experience for all ages.

How to do it:

• Gather campers around the fire or a light source.
• Teach simple shadow puppet shapes using hands or cardboard cutouts.
• Invite campers (or counselors) to tell spooky or funny stories enhanced by shadow puppetry.

Pro tip: Provide some folk or nature-themed stories linked to the local area for an educational twist.

5. Water Balloon Dodgeball: Cool Down and Laugh Out Loud

What it is: A refreshing twist on dodgeball where water balloons replace balls, ideal for hot summer days.

Why it’s great: Combines physical activity with a cool-down element, perfect for kids to get wet and wild safely.

How to organise:

• Prepare plenty of water balloons before game time (or involve campers in filling them).
• Mark the play area clearly.
• Use standard dodgeball rules but replace balls with water balloons.
• Use soft boundaries and make sure to supervise for safety.

Caution: Ensure participants are comfortable getting wet; offer towels and a changing area nearby.

6. DIY Friendship Bracelets: Crafting Connections

What it is: A creative and meaningful kids activity where campers make friendship bracelets using colourful threads and beads.

Why it’s great: Fosters social bonds, fine motor skills, and lets kids create a personal souvenir to remember camp friends.

Materials needed:

• Embroidery floss, beads, buttons.
• Scissors and tape.
• Simple pattern guides or tutorials for varied skill levels.

Bonus idea: Encourage campers to gift their bracelets during the final day campfire, symbolising new friendships.

7. Scavenger Hunt: Eco-Explorer Edition

What it is: A nature-focused scavenger hunt where kids search for eco-friendly items or complete small challenges outdoors.

Why it’s great: Enhances observation skills, teaches about local flora and fauna, and encourages appreciation for the environment.

How to organise:

• Prepare a list with pictures or simple clues for items like a pine cone, a feather, or a certain flower.
• Include challenges like spotting a bird or sketching a leaf.
• Offer small prizes for finishing, or run in teams to boost cooperation.

Environmental note: Emphasise "look but don’t pick" where appropriate to protect nature.

Expert Insights: Making Camp Fun Truly Memorable in 2025

While many camp activities stand the test of time, 2025 campers desire experiences that blend fun, learning, and social interaction without over-relying on screens. Camp fun thrives on simplicity, inclusivity, and a genuine connection to nature.

A common mistake is overcomplicating activities with too many rules or equipment, which can overwhelm younger campers and slow the flow. Instead, keep games and crafts flexible and adaptable to different group sizes and age ranges.

Another overlooked aspect is ending the day with meaningful campfire moments — they cement memories and foster deeper friendships. Whether it’s a goofy game, a quiet craft session, or a storytelling circle, intangible camp moments often leave the strongest impressions.

Alternatives to These Classic Camp Fun Ideas

If you like similar options, consider:

• Slackline Balance Challenge: Perfect for camps with trees, improves balance and coordination.
• Nature Journaling: Combines writing, drawing, and mindfulness in the fresh air.
• Nighttime Stargazing: Use apps or star charts to find constellations, linking astronomy to camping.

Each has a different focus but shares the core elements: outdoor engagement, creativity, and social bonding.

Quick Summary: Our Top Camp Fun Picks

• Best summer camp games: Capture the Flag Remix
• Best craft idea: Leaf Print Art
• Best physical challenge: Obstacle Course Race
• Best campfire moment: Storytelling with Shadow Puppets
• Best cool-down game: Water Balloon Dodgeball
• Best social bonding craft: Friendship Bracelets
• Best educational activity: Eco-Explorer Scavenger Hunt

FAQs About Camp Fun Activities

What are some easy summer camp games for younger kids?
Games like simple tag, duck-duck-goose, or a treasure hunt tailored for smaller kids work well and keep them moving safely.

How can I make crafts at camp without too much mess?
Use washable materials and keep craft areas outdoors or on disposable mats. Choose simple crafts like beading or stamping that don’t require glue or paint cleanup.

Are water balloon games safe for all kids?
Yes, as long as children are supervised and the balloons are soft. Avoid throwing at the face and ensure the ground isn’t slippery.

How do I run a campfire storytelling session?
Set clear quiet times, encourage each child to participate, and prepare some starter stories or themes to spark imagination.

Can these activities work for half-day camps?
Absolutely. Many can be shortened or combined. For example, a craft followed by a quick outdoor game works well in limited timeframes.

Pricing and Availability of Materials

Most summer camp games and crafts are cost-effective. Key materials like scarves, paint, paper, and threads are quite affordable — expect to spend around $30-50 per group for supplies that last the whole season.

For outdoor games, natural materials like logs or pine cones are free. Consider investing in a durable water balloon kit ($15) or shadow puppet supplies ($10) for repeat use.

These items are widely available online (Amazon, local craft stores) or outdoor retailers (Decathlon, REI). Bulk buying often brings discounts if you’re running a larger camp.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Summer camp is a magic place where kids unplug, explore, create, and connect. The top 7 camp fun activities listed here are tried-and-true ways to make your summer camp a hit — packed with engaging summer camp games, creative camp ideas, and memorable campfire moments.

Be sure to tailor each activity to your group’s size, age, and interests. Keep things flexible and fun, and focus on fostering friendship and connection through play.

Ready to plan your camp’s most unforgettable season yet? Explore related guides on organising summer events and crafting nature-based activities. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates and tips to keep your camp vibrant and fun every year.

Happy camping!