45 Camping Gifts For Kids They’re Guaranteed To Love
Post Summary: A fun, creative list of camping gifts for kids that are perfect for every type of outdoor kid.
Are you looking for the best camping gifts for kids and stumped about what to get? Maybe you’re planning a few camping trips and wondering if you should get binoculars or a compass, a flashlight or a headlamp, a scooter or a bike.
We’ve compiled a full list of 45 fun, creative, and outdoor-themed camping presents for kids. We made sure to think of fun presents for kids and will have them giddy with excitement for their next big camping trip.
Translation: we won’t be recommending useful camping gifts like a water bottle.
Now look, reusable water bottles and sleeping bags are essential pieces of camping gear for kids, but will the average seven-year-old be excited when they open up their gift and see a water bottle? Maybe. Will they be STOKED when they see a slackline kit? Yes, yes, they will.
That’s what we’re going for here: kids that are wiggling, giggling, and jumping for joy to play with their kid’s camping gifts. Without further adieu, check out our complete list below of camping gift ideas for kids.
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*This Camping Gifts For Kids post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you. We only suggest what we think is truly awesome.
45 CAMPING GIFTS FOR KIDS
1. S’MORES KIT
Is there anything more classic than S’mores and camping? Take it up a notch with a S’mores kit that comes with all the fixings plus roasting stick skewers that can extend up to 32″ long. As a family that used to do sticks found around the campsite, life got a lot easier when we bought the skewers. Safer for kids and a lot cleaner. You can also deviate from the conventional S’mores recipe and include fun marshmallow flavors from the brand Hammond. They do inventive flavors like caramel pumpkin, strawberry cream, toasted coconut, and birthday cake. You can see all their flavors here.
READ NEXT: The BEST Winter Gifts For Kids
2. WALKIE TALKIES
Walkie-talkies are the ultimate camping gift for kids that never gets old! The walkie-talkies from Obuby are high-quality and built to last. Your kids can drop them, and they won’t get hurt. If you’re looking for camping gifts for toddlers, you’ll like these walkie-talkies because it has a nifty feature where you don’t have to press a button to talk, a hard concept to grasp for young toddlers.
3. SLACKLINE KIT
Easy setup and guaranteed play for hours make a slackline kit a perfect camping gift for kids. We love the portability of the Flybold Slackline Kit, as it can be set up virtually anywhere there are two trees. It comes with a training line so kids as young as five can climb up and work on their strength and balance.
Looking for more gift ideas that are experience-oriented? Check out our full article on the best experience gifts for kids.
4. HAMMOCK OR SWING
On the other end of the spectrum, a hammock is a perfect kid’s camping gift for children who love to kick back and read a book. We always bring a hammock when we go camping, and even our “can’t stop moving for a moment” kid loves to sit there. We use the double Wise Owl Hammock made for two, but you can also opt for this hammock made especially for kids and toddlers.
5. KIDS POD SWING SEAT
Another fun hanging seat option is a hammock chair from Outree. I love these chairs, and kids, in particular, love the cozy, hidden feeling. The chair can be hung from a tree and set low to the ground, making it a great option for younger kids who can’t climb up as easily.
6. HEADLAMP
A headlamp is a great choice if you’re looking for kids’ camping toys under $30. It’s a useful gift (late-night walks to the bathroom, evening hikes) that’s also fun. Sun Company has a great assortment of headlamps with cute animal prints and roaring dinosaurs. You can see their full selection of headlamps here.
For kids who might prefer a headlamp without animal designs, the Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp is a perfect choice. The headlamp is dimmable, uses AAA batteries, emits a rainbow of colors, and automatically shuts off after two hours. It is perfect for the budding outdoors kid who loves tactical gear.
7. BINOCULARS
Encourage a child’s innate curiosity with a set of binoculars. If you’re gifting a toddler, you’ll want to buy easy-to-use, smash-proof binoculars that don’t require focusing. We like the GeoSafari Binoculars for their gentle magnification and large eyepieces. For older kids, the Obuby Kid’s Binoculars are lightweight, made of rubber (they won’t break), and can be used by kids who wear glasses. They also come in a wide variety of color choices.
8. MAGNIFYING GLASS
A fun magnifying glass from Leffis is a great way to foster their zest for learning about the natural world around them. It’s a simple gift that promotes open-ended playing.
9. TAKE ALONG GUIDE BOOKS
A fun gift to accompany the magnifying glass is a leaf identification book with colorful pictures to help them learn about various wildlife and nature. The book is compact, making it ideal for taking to the campsite or on a hike. This book is part of a series called “take-along books,” which includes a variety of fun identification books. Perhaps the child you’re gifting would be more into the Tracks, Scats, and Signs Book. You can see other options from the series here.
10. COMPASS
When looking for kids’ camping gear toys, a compass is an easy choice. They’re small and lightweight, and they’re a great tool for teaching them outdoor skills. If you’re buying a compass for a young child, the compass from Sun Company comes in clear acrylic molding with a breakaway lanyard, allowing it to be worn and easily taken off. It comes in cute animal prints that kids will love.
If you’re gifting a child who will want a more classic-looking compass, then go for this gold compass here.
11. WHISTLE
A whistle they can attach to their backpack or wear around their neck is the perfect accessory to add to their outdoor gear. The Titanium Whistle is a beautifully crafted whistle that is a true emergency whistle. Translation: it’s very loud. It’s a gift suited for older kids who won’t blow on it all day long.
12. OUTDOOR KIT
Rather than buying the above gifts individually, you could also opt for an outdoor kit for kids that typically has a compass, whistle, binoculars, and other outdoor tools. They tend to be better for young kids as the toys can be rudimentary. There are many kits out there, with a wide range of styles from camo military fatigues to bright primary colors. You can browse through different outdoor kits here.
13. BACKPACK
A fun backpack that they can take with them on all their camping and hiking adventures is always a hit. Even better if you pack the backpack with a few extra gifts from above. We like the Deuter Kid’s Backpack for its cute animal print and Osprey for its simple but vibrant designs. Many backpacks are designed to look cute but often break down quickly. Go for quality!
14. ROCKET LAUNCHER
A fun, physically active toy that kids can play with while camping is a foam rocket launcher. Our son has been playing with this toy since he was three years old. He can easily stay busy for an hour running and jumping onto the launcher. Bigger kids will enjoy seeing how high they can get the rockets to fly. The soft foam design allows you to relax, knowing that nothing will break and nobody will get hurt.
15. SLINGSHOT FINGER ROCKETS
Another option when looking for fun camping gifts for kids is the Duckura Slingshot Finger Rocket, which features LED lights. I prefer these slingshots over a typical wooden slingshot because the foam design allows all age groups to play with them. Additionally, kids will have a blast turning on the LED lights and watching them illuminate the night sky.
16. RING TOSS
Gifting a child with a portable ring toss set is a gift the entire family can enjoy. Camping is all about family time and nature, so a game like Ring Toss is always a hit. We like the traditional design of the Elite Sportz Ring Toss Game and the portable bag that comes with it.
17. FRISBEE RINGS
Similar to a frisbee, Activ Flyer Rings are excellent for young kids because they’re 80% lighter, making it easier for young kids to catch. They fly straight and float in water, making them perfect for beach or lake days.
Older kids will fall in love with the Aerobie and its classic rubber design that allows the disc to fly straight and extra-long distances. There truly is no other Frisbee like an Aerobie!
18. ROCK PAINTING KIT
If you’re looking for fun camping toys that are creative in nature, a rock painting kit could be just the thing. You could also opt to buy water-based paint pens if they don’t need a kit but need the proper tools for rock painting.
19. ROCK POLISHER
If you’re looking for unique camping gift ideas, a rock tumbler is a top choice. While they won’t be able to play with it while camping, they can collect rocks from the beach or campsite that they can then take home to tumble and polish to perfection. I like the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit because rock tumblers can be quite loud, and this model reduces noise by 75%. Most rock tumblers must be run for at least seven days, so you’ll be glad you made that choice!
20. KNOT TYING GUIDE
This is one of the best gifts for outdoor kids since knowing how to properly tie knots is essential to the outdoor lifestyle. It’s also really fun to learn! You can buy a knot-tying kit or the book My First Book of Knots with some additional rope to practice on.
21. METAL DETECTOR
One of the best camping gifts for kids is a kid-friendly metal detector, especially if you’re camping near a beach or lake, where they can spend hours digging in the sand. The National Geographic Detector detects a depth of 6 inches and can be broken down for easy packability.
22. STAR GUIDE
Camping is the best time to go stargazing. An easy-to-understand book with big pictures is a fantastic gift for a child who loves the night sky. 50 Things to See With A Telescope is a great guide for parents and kids to learn together about the magic of the constellations.
23. TELESCOPE
A companion gift to the above is a beginner telescope that they can use to spot planets and stars. The Gsyker Telescope is portable, lightweight, and has an adjustable tripod. I also love the camera attachment that’s perfect for taking incredible photos of the moon. This is a classic beginner telescope that will magnify what you can already see with the naked eye.
24. NATURE THEMED BOOKS
Nature-themed books encouraging their curiosity and adventure are the perfect kids’ camping gift. On The Nature Trail has realistic photos that teach about nature and everything you would typically see on the trail. In addition, there’s a companion book to On The Nature Trail about birds called Bird Watch: What Will You Find?
There’s also the Exploring Nature Activity Book For Kids, which has 50 creative projects and interactive learning experiences that will get them excited about outdoor exploration.
25. SCAVENGER HUNT GAME
Camping with family and friends means it’s time to do a scavenger hunt!! The Ultimate Book Of Scavenger Hunts is an awesome book with over 40 scavenger hunts. Set within different locations, you can use the book in the city, the forest, the beach, and more. From hard to difficult, the scavenger hunts are good for ages four and up.
26. CLIMBING ROPE TREE SWING
A rope tree swing that can be climbed on and swung from is a great outdoor gift they can use at camp and home. The set comes with everything you need and can be hung right from a tree.
27. LIGHTSABER
A Lightup Saber might seem like a random choice when looking for camping gifts for kids, but anything that lights up for fun nighttime play is a great kids camping toy. This is a fantastic choice for the right kid who loves light-up toys and feeling like a Jedi.
28. SCOOTER
Scooting around the campsite is one of the best ways for kids to play and expend energy while camping. We highly recommend it! Most scooters can be packed down for easy portability. We like the Skidee Scooter for kids learning to use a scooter and the Micro Kickboard Scooter for older kids.
29. BIKE
If they already have a scooter, you can also opt for a balance bike for toddlers or a standard two-wheel bike for kids.
30. WILDERNESS SURVIVAL BOOK
If you’re looking for camping gift ideas for older kids (9 and up), a wilderness survival book could be the perfect thing. Survivor Kid, written by a former search and rescue worker, is packed with useful tips on strengthening one’s outdoor survival skills. It’s a pocket-sized book that includes instructions on how to start a fire without matches, how to mark trails, how to avoid injuries, and more.
31. EXPLORER VEST
An explorer vest is a cute option for younger kids who will enjoy feeling like a park ranger or explorer in a vest with fun cargo pockets. If the look skews too young for older kids, they might like the look of a military camo vest.
32. CAMOUFLAGE NET
A camouflage net from Nature Bound is the perfect open-ended gift for outdoorsy kids. It can be played with in a multitude of ways, whether they want to build a fort with it or make up their own game.
33. OUTDOOR SUBSCRIPTION BOX
A subscription box tailored to foster outdoor exploration can be a great continuous gift that they can enjoy for months to a year. Little Passports offers a variety of subscription boxes, including outdoor-themed subscriptions that come with outdoor items. Typically, you are billed monthly, allowing you to choose the amount of time you want to spend.
34. ZIPSTRING LUMA TOY
The ZipString Luma Light makes a fantastic camping gift for kids because it combines fun, creativity, and outdoor adventure in one compact toy. With its bright, glowing string that creates mesmerizing light patterns, it adds a magical touch to any camping trip, especially around the campfire or during nighttime activities. It encourages kids to engage in active play, sparking their imagination as they experiment with different light tricks. The toy is easy to use, lightweight, and portable, making it perfect for packing in a camping bag.
35. FISHING POLE
Camp life often means lazy days spent by a river or lake catching fish with your family. Gifting a child their first fishing pole can be the start of their lifelong love of fishing. This kid’s fishing pole is a lightweight choice that’s perfect for the kid who is just starting to learn.
36. OUTDOOR CRAFTS
A box with an assortment of outdoor crafts is the perfect camping gift for a kid who loves the outdoors and creative projects. It’s also great for when you need activities on rainy days. You could add a box with a flower press kit, dab and dot markers, water-soluble paints, coloring books, nature stickers, and more.
37. GIANT BUBBLE KIT
All the kids will be playing at your campsite when you bring out the giant bubble wand. The Wowmazing Kit comes with two bubble solution packets and an oversized wand.
TIP: Make sure to play with it far away from tents so that the bubble solution doesn’t harm the tent.
38. BOW AND ARROW SET
A bow and arrow set is a great gift for older kids who can show restraint when using them. The Faux Bow & Arrow Set comes with foam arrows that can shoot as far as 100 feet. You can get bow and arrow sets that come with targets, but they tend to be big and aren’t as portable as this set.
39. KNIFE
The right age to give a child their first knife is going to be different for each kid. Some start learning at five while others parents prefer to start older. We are big fans of the French knife company Opinel, and we like their rounded-tip pocket knife. The knife is created for kids and has a rounded edge, a small handle, and a sheath for sake keeping. A better choice for kids without the dexterity to open and close a knife safely.
40. CAMPING CHAIRS
While we said we would only be doing camping gift ideas for kids that a kid would actually enjoy, we think most young ones would like having their own dedicated camping chair. Opt for a chair with fun kid-friendly prints like dinosaurs and mermaids.
41. PARACORD BRACELET
Kids love feeling like they have an adult gadget. A Nexfinity Paracord bracelet, with its compass, fire starter, whistle, knife, and light, will do the trick. Plus, it’s pretty cool looking.
42. MYSTICAL FIRE
Take your campfire to the next level with Mystical Fire. It’s as simple as throwing two or three packets into the fire and watching as it lights up in a technicolor display. It’s easy entertainment, and your kids are guaranteed to love it. Each packet typically lasts for 30-45 minutes.
43. THROW THROW BURRITO GAME
This is perfect for the family who loves to play games while camping and are comfortable with getting silly. From the makers of Exploding Kittens, Throw Throw Burrito is a dodgeball card game where you throw squishy burritos at each other. I can’t say we’ve personally played the game, but I came upon it, and let’s just say it might be in my Amazon cart and on its way to my doorstep in two days or less. The game looks hilarious and perfect for the family who don’t take themselves too seriously.
44. KIDS MOUNTAIN HOODIE
A cozy hoodie they can throw on for early mornings or chilly evenings is perfect for weekend camping trips. This Mountain Deer Hoodie comes in a variety of colors and is a cotton blend.
45. WATER BOTTLE
Remember how I said I wouldn’t add a water bottle to a list of cool camping gifts for kids because most kids won’t care about them? Well, they’re actually really useful, and staying hydrated is cool. An insulated stainless steel water bottle from Camelback will keep their water ice cold for 24 hours and their hot chocolate toasty warm all day. Now that’s a good gift.
Have you found the perfect gift? We hope you enjoyed our list of the best camping gifts for kids. Happy exploring!
