Our family loves camping but let’s face it, sometimes we’re too busy to go or need to watch our finances (large family camping can get pricey). So what’s a mom to do? Find some Pretend Play Camping Ideas!
I’m all for quick and easy recipes and simple activities. However, I do make sure to change things up a little bit from time to time. I draw the strength and inspiration from my kids. And my goodness! Their imagination and creativity are incredible!
Do your kids like pretend play activities?
My kids love it when we set up a tent in the backyard or when we turn areas of our house into fun dramatic play centers where they can play and explore.
It is perfect to do in the fall, spring, or summer. But basically, any good time you have to play with your kids. Or, if you want a camping-inspired celebration! It is absolutely fun!
These genius pretend camping ideas and activities will be an absolute hit with your kids! Be sure to make my S’mores Cookie Cups to really bring the campgrounds to your home.
20 Pretend Play Camping Ideas
1. Camping Pretend Play for Preschoolers
Check out this fun backyard camping pretend play activity for kids with FREE camping printable! via Where Imagination Grows
2. Camping Dramatic Play Theme
Quickly transform your dramatic play center into a campground, campsite, or a State Park. Your kids will definitely love this! via Pre-K Pages
3. Camping Themed Birthday Party
Celebrate your kiddos birthday party with these camping themed party decorations that can be turned into imaginative play and dress-up play afterwards! via Delineate Your Dwelling
4. Campfire How-To
Make your own campfire for you and your family to spend time together. via The Ragged Wren
5. DIY Felt Camping Signs
These cute and colorful felt flags are great for decorating any child’s room or for setting up your bunk at summer camp! via Lia Griffith
6. Felt Craft Campfire
These cute and fluffy felt campfire is a must for every camper to toast marshmallows on and no camping adventure is complete without it. via Lia Griffith
7. Upcycled Camping Lanterns
Transform your oatmeal containers into this adorable and useful camping lantern. via Pars Caeli
8. Pretend Play Smores
This pretend-play smores is perfect for a pretend kitchen. Let your little chef ‘cook’ up a sweet treat! via Glued to my Crafts
9. Glowing Campfire Craft for Kids
This glowing campfire craft is super easy to make and perfect for summer, fire safety week, summer camp, or for imaginative play! via Buggy and Buddy
10. Fun Felt DIY Magnetic Fish Game for Kids
Get ready for the summer with this fun indoor fishing game. via Natural Beach Living
11. Camping Dramatic Play
Change your dramatic play center into a Campsite! It is perfect to do in the fall, spring, or summer. via Pocket of Preschool
12. DIY Felt Campfire Tutorial and Pattern
This Do-It-Yourself Felt Campfire is an easy project to create and even includes a free printable pattern. via Twin Dragonfly Designs
13. DIY Camo Toilet Paper Tube Camping Binoculars Craft
These DIY fun camouflage binoculars are perfect for “going on a bear hunt”, bird watching, “safari” play, and more! via Surviving a Teacher’s Salary
14. Pop Bottle Firefly
These little fireflies would be the perfect craft for a campout or a summer birthday party. via One Little Project at a Time
15. DIY Backyard Explorer Kit
There’s no reason our awesome pretend play ideas have to stay inside! Take your pretend play outdoors, more specifically in your backyard, with this backyard explorer kit! via Confidence Meets Parenting
16. Camping Printables
If you are not the outdoorsy type, this pretend play camping ideas is for you. Bring the great outdoors inside with these camping printables for kids. via Simple Everyday Mom
17. Camping Themed Story Stones
Talk about making learning fun! This camping-themed story stone is a brilliant idea, so creative and clever! via Playdough to Plato
18. Miniature Bow and Arrow Set
This is an absolutely fun activity! Be careful, these mini bows REALLY work (the arrows will shoot at least 5 feet). via I Can Teach My Child
19. Camping Indoors with Kids
Time to break out the camping gear and have some fun with this indoor camping idea. via Babies to Bookworms
20. Camping Yoga for Kids
If you LOVE the idea of camping movement, you must try this out. The cards have fun pictures to describe the pose with a description of how children can get in the pose. via Pink Oatmeal
What are you doing this summer to keep your kid’s imaginations active? Got any Pretend Play Camping Ideas your family enjoys?
I am doing prentend camp with Forky