8 Fun Summer Camp Activities for Kids

Children's summer camp activities should be fun and constructive, as well as have the appropriate safety features.
8 Fun Summer Camp Activities for Kids

Last update: 29 June, 2022

Summer camp activities should be focused on fun and learning. This way, children won’t only enjoy an entertaining and educational vacation but will also be able to meet other people.

Based on the above, we’ll show you a series of suggestions to take advantage of all the areas and surfaces available at the summer camp. What are you waiting for?

First of all, before considering what to do with children at a camp, you need to determine their ages and physical characteristics.

At the same time, it’s essential to know what safety elements are necessary to carry out these activities within the camp.

It’s important to note that, although leisure and entertainment play a fundamental role in vacations, these summer suggestions stand out as an ideal extracurricular alternative to make the most of free time. Let’s start!

1. Competitive field day

Field days can be planned in different ways, but in this case, we recommend one focused on group competition.

We suggest establishing at least 4 bases or zones with their respective competitions and dividing the children into teams so that everyone participates. Sports can be established according to the base: Running, jumping, throwing, and the last one focused on transporting an object as a group.

2. Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a good opportunity to get close to nature. In this type of activity, children will be able to get a close look at what it’s like to ride on the animal and go through the paths around the camp, which are too distant to go on foot.

In addition, horseback riding is an opportunity to face some fears related to the subject. Many children are afraid of horses, especially of getting on their backs, but in the context of summer vacations, this topic can be well addressed.

Children horseback riding at camp.
Horseback riding is a relaxing and fun activity. It allows you to get to places that are too far to walk to and inaccessible by car.

3. Capture the flag

Capture the flag is a fun activity that requires high levels of strategy. To carry it out, divide the children into 2 large groups and have the entire summer camp field available.

Each group should choose a leader and designate them as captain. The leader is in charge of the strategy and will decide how many people attack and how many defend.

Capture the flag, as its name suggests, is based on stealing the other group’s banner (each flag rests in an area protected by the members of the group). In the end, the group left with both flags wins.

4. Scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts aren’t only characterized by being fun because, in summer camps, we also seek to strengthen children’s analytical and deductive skills.

To perform this activity, you need to assign some people in charge of hiding an object, and based on this, distribute a series of clues throughout the area.

Once the stage is set, the other children proceed to search for the object according to the clues they find along the way. Whoever reaches the goal first wins.

5. Environmental impact activities

Although talks aren’t the most fun activities in a summer camp, it’s a good idea to implement some that are focused on environmental care and climate change. This is an issue that applies to everyone on the planet and children shouldn’t be the exception. It’s best to instill responsibility regarding water care, recycling, and waste separation.

An example for children to actively participate is a collection activity. They have to separate into several groups and each group must look for a different element, which can be plastics, cardboard, paper, among others.

6. Climbing

Climbing is one of the most fun activities that children can experience at summer camp. Not only does it provide entertainment, but it also contributes to the development of important physical skills, such as strength and dexterity.

In addition, it’s an opportunity for children to confront their fear of heights. However, be careful not to force any child to climb against their will.

7. Sports tournaments

Normally, summer camps usually have a large number of children who love sports. In that order of ideas, you should consult which are the most preferred and based on that, plan sports competitions.

Establishing flash championships is usually entertaining for children. In addition, the awards can be based on sports elements related to the sport in which they compete.

Kids on a hike in the woods.
Hiking outdoors is one of the most complete summer camp activities. It not only encourages movement and physical skills, but also, exploration and learning about the exciting world of nature.

8. Hiking

One of the fun summer camp activities that you can’t forget about is hiking. It’s best to hike at summer camp with the company of a qualified guide as well as camp leaders.

Keep in mind that hiking stands out as a valuable opportunity to learn about the environment and nature of the area.

Summer Camp Activities, Everyone’s Responsibility

Summer camp activities are essential for children and their parents. Little ones are in search of fun and learning, while adults want their children to be protected and properly guided.

With that in mind, your goal as a parent is to find an appropriate place in which to place the trust in the care of your children. On the other hand, if you’re in charge of the camp activities, you have an equally great responsibility.

From whatever perspective, summer camp activities are the responsibility of parents, instructors, and the children themselves.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Moreno, N. Et al. (2020). La dimensión positiva de las actividades extraescolares en la niñez y la adolescencia. Aletheia. Revista de Desarrollo Humano, Educativo y Social Contemporáneo. http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2145-03662020000100097
  • Aguilar, C. Et al. (2013). Influencia de un programa de actividad física en niños y adolescentes obesos; evaluación del estrés fisiológico mediante compuestos en la saliva; protocolo de estudio. Nutrición Hospitalaria. https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-16112013000300023

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.