45 Camping Gifts For Kids They’ll Love & Use
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Looking for the best camping gifts for kids? As a long-time camping family, we’ve put together our kid approved list of gift ideas they’ll absolutely use and love.
Whether you are a camping family going for the first time, or just want get your kidlets excited for your upcoming family adventures, camping gifts are a great way to celebrate the Holidays, Christmas, Birthdays or any special occasion.
Hopefully these ideas will inspire families to spend more time outdoors together, whether it’s exploring a national park down the road, or camping in your own backyard.
Read on for more exciting details and camping gifts suggestions.
BEST CAMPING GIFT IDEAS FOR OUTDOORSY KIDS
Our children love the chance to play in the dirt, collect nature treasures and roast marshmallows over a campfire.
Best of all we have the opportunity to spend intentional time together as a family.
Camping gear are cool outdoor gifts that help with all that your little explorers and the outdoor enthusiast.
Camping Gear for Kids (They’ll Actually Use)
1. Hammock
Kids love a good hammock hangout, and colourful hammocks make a great camping gift for both teens and younger kids. A fun addition for your next camping trip.
My daughter loves swinging in it after a long day.
2. Walkie Talkies for Kids
My daughter LOVES her Walkie Talkies, and they’re perfect for giving your kids a bit more independence.
10-4 we are by the swings, bring marshmallows!
We have more road trip & camping walkie talkies recommendations here
3. Camp Chairs
Portable camp chairs are fun for all ages and essential camping gear for the entire family. Choose a small lightweight one that is easy for them to carry around.
Fun for tent camping, RV camping, visiting a National Park, or just hanging out in your own backyard.
For the younger crowd choose this , and be their favourite adult.
4. Kids Sleeping Bags
What’s a campout without a sleeping bag? Buying light weight, insulated kid sized sleeping bags will bring excitement and anticipation for their next camping trip in the great outdoors.
My daughter was so excited to get her first sleeping bag she slept in it on her bed for weeks.
5. Water Bottle
Keeping hydrated in the outdoors is important, and should be at the top of the list of camping gear for kids.
Consider a water bottle that is insulated and leak resistant like the Yeti Rambler Jr with straw cap, or one that is lightweight, with an easy to use sport top like Kleen Kanteen.
6. Kids Hiking Backpacks
Hiking and camping go together like peanut butter and jelly. A great gift idea for young kids to teens and adults. .
- Osprey hiking backpacks make the best gifts for outdoorsy kids. Bonus they can carry their own water bottles, snacks and the many inevitable treasures they pick up along the way.
- Deuter Backpacks are also well made, can last for at least a few years and can be passed on to younger siblings. We have one’s that are over 13 years old that are still going stong.
You may also like our top picks for the best travel backpacks for kids
7. Camping Pad for Kids
Camping in comfort begins with a self inflatable camping pad. Comfortable kids = less complaining!
Perfect camping gift ideas for kids who are campers and outdoorsy, or who want to be.
8. Kids Binoculars for All Ages
Binoculars make cool camping gifts for the holiday season.
- For Toddlers & Kids: These Educational Insights Kidnoculars were one of the favourite grandparent camping presents of my daughters for many years. Fun for bird and squirrel watching, and checking out “things over there.”
- For Teens & Adults: If you are looking for a gift for an older outdoorsy kid try these highly rated, compact and lightweight Sky Genius binoculars suitable for kids and adults.
9. Underwater Camera for Kids
Kids love taking pictures, and underwater is so exciting. Grab an underwater camera, and it will be waterproof for rainy days, or accidental spills as well.
10. Beanie with Headlamp
A Unisex Beanie Hat with a rechargeable LED headlamp built in, is a great gift any kid can take camping, hiking, exploring. Hands free fun.
KIDS CAMPING GIFT BASKET IDEAS
A kids camping gift basket would be well received by both parents and children. This is what we put into each of our kids backpacks, similar for all our travels:
- 2 – 3 Books or their Tablet / Kindle
- 1 – 2 Activity Books
- Snack Pack (variety of snacks in one reusable pouch or ziploc bag)
- Journal or Sketch Book & Colouring Pens or Crayons
- Portable Craft Kit
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- 1-2 Travel Sized Games
- 1-2 Small Toys.
11. Art & Craft Supplies
- Mess free colouring
- Pencil crayons and a portable sketchbook
- Crayons – For a melted crayon Wishing Stones craft
- Stickers
- Beads & String or a Bead Kit
12. Activity Book Ideas
13. Camping Books for Toddlers & Kids
Camping books, are one of the best camping gifts. They will get your kids excited for the big event and keep them learning.
- Backpack Explorer – On The Trail What Will You Find is a field guide for ages 4 to 9, full of seek-and-find lists, on-the-trail art projects, and discovery games.
- Tent Mouse, RV Mouse, is a fun, modern twist on the old Aesop’s fable The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. One mouse loves being outdoors in his tent close to nature, the other prefers the safety of the RV. Both learn it’s ok to like different things.
- Ultimate Book of Scavenger Hunts will keep the youngsters busy. Naturally they will want to check off all the items on the list during their outdoor adventures.
14. Camp Out
Camp Out is a perfect guide for kids 7-12. Learn the basics of camping and cool skills like campfire buidling and how to build a tarp tent, along with tasty outdoor recipes and more.
15. Kids Tablet
A Kids Tablet is a fun alternative to physical books if you’re looking to save space and weight. Bring music, games, books, audible books, and educational content along in one (almost) indestructible device.
16. Camping Snack Ideas
You want to make sure your little campers are well fed and get the full on camping experience add some fun snacks.
- Hot Chocolate packets
- Astronaut Ice cream
- Smore’s Kit
- Trail Mix ( we love to add gummy bears & smarties)
- Mixed Snack Box of Bars
- Granola Bars
- Cheese Crisps (delicious crisps of dried yummy cheese goodness)
- Snacks from around the world box
17. Kids Camping Toys and Games Gift Guide
- Colorful Huge Bubbles
- Flashlight ( for flashlight tag)
- DIY Outdoor Scavenger Hunts
- Uno, Qwirkle, Sushi Go, Quiddler, Sequence
CAMPING GIFTS FOR TEENAGERS & TWEENS
Teenagers and tweens are a world unto themselves and sometimes they can be hard to buy for.
Here are some fun ideas to add to the best camping gifts for teenagers & tweens list.
While I think camping is a prime opportunity for everyone to put down their devices, there are times it’s good to have them. Relaxing at night, capturing special moments. Here are some camping electronic ideas teens will love.
18. Go Pro
Get them excited to make memories, with a GoPro camera they can use to take epic videos.
Capturing all the outdoorsy moments, and camping trips will make great memory keepers for the future.
19. Waterproof Camera
If you aren’t sold on the price tag of a Go Pro, try this more budget friendly, and highly rated camera.
A waterproof camera that comes with useful accessories, and is designed for both kids and adults make fun outdoor gifts.
20. Kindle Paperwhite
Give the gift of infinite adventures with a Kindle Paperwhite.
I was sceptical at first – but now I’m sold, and both my daughter & I got new one’s for Christmas this year.
Add on a Digital subscription – Kindle unlimited subscription (for voracious readers) or Audible Subscription (for teens who prefer to listen to books ).
22. MPOWERD String Lights
String Lights & Phone Charger – MPOWRD lights will not only light up the campsite, it will charge devices with it’s solar powered capabilities.
23. Pocket Knife
A personalized pocket knife or the classic Swiss Army Knife is a very useful camping gifts for kids and teens.
24. Card Games
Card Games are great camping ideas for kids, tweens and teens. Grab a pack of cards, or choose some family favorites:
25. LED Lanterns & Headlamps
Let there be light! And safety. A small LED Lantern or headlamp will be well used at your tweens and teens next adventure.
Check out our camping themed favourites gift list, for your hard to buy for preteens and teens.
KIDS CAMPING TOYS FOR TODDLERS TO 10 YEAR OLDS
Depending on their ages, children will like different types of fun camping toys for kids. We will outline some age groups and general ideas first then delve into some more specifics,
Camping toys for 6, year olds, 7 year olds, 8 year olds, 9 year olds and 10 year olds, would really be good for anywhere from five years on up to teen. My daughter is in that age group, so it is easy for me to come up with fun ideas.
Camping Toys For Toddlers
27. Balance Bike
Balance bikes help develop balance and roam the campsite with their toddler biker friends. This one is good from 18 months to 5 years. For older kids a regular bike would be a hit.
28. Pro Ball Set
Introduce you toddler to 3 sports with a Pro Ball Set (5 inch soccer ball, a 6.5 inch football, and a 5 inch basketball)
29. Camping Wooden Play Set – Woodpecker Toys
Going Camping Wooden Play Camp Set is a sweet wooden peg doll set, complete with wooden boat, trees, and car. Imaginative camping play.
30. Large Aqua Doodle Map
Keep the toddlers entertained on your camping trip with a mess free camping toy for kids the Large Aqua Doodle Mat.
Fill the magic pens with water and let them draw. This is a fun activity with siblings too, and would be great up to age 6 or so.
Camping Toys for 6 to 10 Year Olds
31. Glow in the Dark Lawn Darts
Glow in the Dark Lawn Darts – No pointy bits. Perfect for a friendly family game or ten in the dark
32. Scavenger Hunt
Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Fun for the whole family to take part. See who can find the most items in a certain time period. Create your own, or try out these other options:
- Go Find It a nature scavenger hunt card game for families or
- This travel friendly indoor/outdoor family treasure hunt card game.
34. Plan Your Own Family Games
Games don’t require a lot of expense, or pre bought items.
Make up a handful of cue cards with fun kids games. Write the name of the game on one side, and a brief how to on the other. Put the game cards in a fun bag, they can draw out one at a time.
- Freeze Tag
- I Spy
- Charades
- Hide and Seek
- Obstacle Course
- Telephone
- Name that Tune (humming, no words)
35. Portable Games for Camping
Re-live your childhood, by bringing some fun, portable, camping games on your next family trip. Try some outdoor games for quality time together.
Looking for new adventures?
- Zion, Bryce & Grand Canyon – 7 Day road trip itinerary
- Parksville, BC Canada has some fun camping and hiking options in this lovely west coast beach town.
- Yellowknife, NT Canada is a great place for families to visit to do a little hiking, aurora viewing and camping
CAMPING AT HOME
Inspire your kid to love the outdoors through imaginative play, for those times you can’t make it out camping. Gifts for outdoorsy child, they can play with at home.
Including toy camping sets & Lego to inspire creations of all sorts.
Get your child excited to camp first at home, then bring the set along on your adventure for a rainy day. These make fun gift ideas for a Christmas gift, birthday gifts, or any special occasion.
36. Playsilks for Indoor Camp Outs
Playsilks make the perfect forts for indoor campouts. We’ve had ours since Miss S was 3 and they have been well loved and used.
37. Kids Play Tent
Camp out at home, in this fun tent and play mat set. Let your kids play inside, relax, sleep and chill out.
38. LEGO Friends Forest Camper Van
Who says you can’t camp in style. Take a boat ride, stargaze, take a nap in the decked out camper van.
39. Happy Camper Camping Mini Kid Kit – Kids Kits USA
Sweet camping kit for imaginative camping play. Use it at home, or bring on your next family adventure.
40. DIY Solar Printing Kit
Use items from nature to make realistic prints on paper with your kids. Add little bits from your favourite hikes, and camping spot to make beautiful solar prints.
41. Play Campfire Felt Set
This super adorable and fun handmade play campfire set kids will love. I am wanting one myself.
42. Camp Out at Home
A kids pretend campfire playset has all the essentials for a camp cookout: flaming logs, glow-in-the-dark lantern, fork, hot dog, marshmallow, chocolate bar, 2 graham crackers, and a carry bag.
43. S’Mores Campfire Set for Preschoolers
Or this sweet S’More Fun Campfire set for preschoolers, with real wood, and wearable bear paws as hot mitts. Roar!
Camping Subscription Ideas
You never know when the weather may turn, or the children are wild and need a bit of a calming down activity. It’s a good idea to have a back up plan and camping crafts make useful things to do.
45. Green Kid Crafts
Our number one choice for an eco-friendly box is the Green Kid Crafts box.
We’ve bought this subscription regularly over the years, and as they have options for ages 2-10, it has grown with our child.
The boxes have easy to follow instructions, fun science and art activities for the kids (that I enjoy too), eco friendly materials and it’s all prepared for you. So easy!
Camping Gift For Kids
Fun camping gift ideas are great way to bring a love of the outdoors into their life. The best gift for kids is just taking them out to camp.
Whether it’s in a tent, rv, or glamping, it will be a memory making experience you can talk about for years to come.
Tips for giving the perfect gift: Consider who you are buying for, and their ages. Ask what they enjoy about camping. If you have a reluctant camper, try buying something that may excite them to go camping.
Related camping & travel gear, destinations and trips:
- Genius Hacks for Camping with Kids
- Easy Make Ahead Camping Meals (Kids & Adult approved)
- Travel Gifts for tweens they’ll use and love
- Epic Gifts for RV Owners
- Keep your valuables safer while travelling
- Travel from home with international snack box
The Go-Pro is the one thing that we haven’t caved and purchased, but I’m thinking that it is something we will have to just get. There have been so many adventures that we’ve had that would have been perfectly captured with one.
Excellent article. I can see a lot of work went into it! Following you on PINTERST.
You offered so many great options for the kids and parents and your timing couldn’t be better!
PS: My hope is my new site will someday be as awesome as yours!
Hi Nancy, Thanks so much. Appreciate your kind feedback too 🙂
What a great list- I know who to share it with 🙂
Awesome. I love that you will be sharing it. Thanks so much.
Such great ideas. My girls have been asking to go camping so I will keep these in mind. Thanks.
Love this list! We went tent camping with our son this year and had a lot of fun!
This is a really great list. Our family has never been camping. This makes me want to change that. I love the camping chair and the binoculars – both things you could buy for your kids at home to encourage them to go outside and be in nature.
Yes a lot of these can be used at home at home as well. My daughter uses a lot of these in her forts.
Such cute ideas to get kids in the mood to camp! I am seriously considering buying my son those LEGOs for Christmas.
Great suggestions! I’m not new to camping but I’ve never been camping with kids before. We hope to make time to go next summer (with a one year old and four year old) so I appreciate these recommendations on camping gifts for kids!
Camping with kids is a whole other thing. Although I find it to be fun, as long as I am more flexible with bed times and activities.
I love your article and hope getting more! My kids grew (19,11years old) now have 7months baby and we started camping last year. I had no clue how to make it more exciting and interesting for 10years old now baby as well. I will be following your articles as want to be organised and ready for our next adventure and you proposed great ideas.
Thanks
Cathy
I am so happy you are starting to camp. It is such a great way to spend time as a family. I am hoping to post some more articles on camping soon.
I really love your website. You always write such great articles and this one is my favorite so far. We just did our first camping trip with our two toddlers and plan to do more. This list is a great place for us to start. Thanks for sharing.
Camping with my daughter when she was a toddler was so fun, and she loved it. Thank you for your kind words, made my day!