Plan the Perfect Kids Camping Party (Fun Ideas & Activities!)

Looking for a party theme that combines adventure, the outdoors, and tons of fun? A kids camping party is the perfect way to celebrate your child’s special day! Whether you host it in your backyard, at a local park, or at a campsite, this theme brings out the spirit of exploration and imagination in every child. Here’s your complete guide to throwing a camping-themed birthday party with creative decorations, tasty snacks, and exciting activities that kids will love.

1. Camping Party Invitations

Set the adventure tone right from the start!

  • Use invitations shaped like tents, lanterns, or campfires.

  • Digital invites with cute forest animals or marshmallow graphics work great too.

  • Add a fun line like “Join us under the stars for an outdoor adventure!”

2. Camping Party Decorations

Turn your space into a mini-campsite with these easy ideas:

  • Pitch a play tent or teepee as a party centerpiece.

  • String fairy lights or lanterns to mimic stars.

  • Scatter sleeping bags, pillows, and camping chairs.

  • Add props like logs, faux campfires, and woodland animal cutouts.

3. Fun Camping Party Activities

Kids love hands-on fun, so plan a mix of outdoor games and crafts:

  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide “camping treasures” like toy animals, pinecones, or glow sticks.

  • Tent Building Challenge: Let kids create forts or mini tents with blankets.

  • Campfire Stories: Tell silly or not-so-spooky stories around a fake fire.

  • Bug Hunt: Give kids magnifying glasses and let them search for critters (real or toy bugs).

  • Outdoor Relay Races: Sack races, three-legged races, or flashlight tag.

4. Camping Party Food Ideas

Simple, kid-friendly food works best:

  • Trail Mix Bar: Bowls of pretzels, raisins, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips.

  • Hot Dogs & Burgers: Backyard BBQ style.

  • Campfire Cones: Waffle cones filled with marshmallows, fruit, and chocolate, wrapped in foil, and warmed.

  • “Dirt Cups”: Chocolate pudding topped with crushed cookies and gummy worms.

  • S’mores: The ultimate camping treat—make them with a safe tabletop s’mores kit if indoors.

5. Camping Party Cake

Your camping birthday cake can be as simple or creative as you like:

  • A cake shaped like a tent or campfire.

  • Cupcakes topped with tiny edible marshmallows.

  • A woodland-themed cake with trees, bears, and a little “Happy Camper” sign.


6. Camping Party Favors

Send guests home with camping-inspired goodies:

  • Flashlights or glow sticks

  • Mini compasses

  • Trail mix bags

  • Camping stickers or patches

  • Small stuffed animals (like bears or owls)

Final Tips for Your Kids Camping Party

  • Encourage kids to dress in outdoor gear (hats, flannels, or bandanas).

  • Have a cozy blanket pile for relaxing after activities.

  • End the party with a sing-along or a round of “campfire” songs for the full experience.

With these creative ideas, your kids camping birthday party will be a magical outdoor adventure full of laughter, fun, and unforgettable memories.

The Ultimate Shopping List for a Kids Camping Party

Planning a kids camping party is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re trying to remember everything you’ll need. From decorations to food to fun activities, having a camping party shopping list will make your prep stress-free and help you pull off the perfect outdoor adventure.

Here’s your complete checklist for throwing the best camping-themed birthday party for kids!

Party Decorations & Setup

Create the look and feel of a campsite with these essentials:

  • Play tents, teepees, or pop-up shelters

  • String lights or lanterns (battery-powered is safest)

  • Camping chairs or picnic blankets

  • Faux campfire prop (DIY with logs + tissue paper flames)

  • Balloons in green, brown, and orange (outdoor colors)

  • Woodland animal cutouts or stuffed animals for décor

Pro Tip: Even a backyard can feel like a forest with the right lighting and a tent centerpiece!

Camping Party Food & Snacks

No kids camping birthday party is complete without tasty treats:

  • Hot dogs, hamburgers, or sliders (easy to grill)

  • Trail mix ingredients (pretzels, raisins, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips)

  • Juice boxes or mini water bottles

  • Fruit skewers (healthy “campfire sticks”)

  • Graham crackers, marshmallows & chocolate for s’mores

  • Cupcakes or a camping-themed birthday cake


Camping Party Activities & Games

Keep kids entertained with adventure-style fun:

  • Scavenger hunt supplies (plastic bugs, toy animals, glow sticks)

  • Blankets or sheets for DIY tent-building

  • Flashlights for flashlight tag

  • Craft supplies (make-your-own camp badges or binoculars)

  • Story cards or joke books for campfire storytelling

Party Favors & Goodie Bags

Send little campers home with outdoor-inspired treats:

  • Glow sticks or mini flashlights

  • Small compasses or magnifying glasses

  • Camping stickers or temporary tattoos

  • Trail mix bags

  • Bandanas or “Happy Camper” headbands