15 Rainy Day Camping Activities for Kids That Work in 2026

Last Updated on 18 June 2026

Picture this: you’ve been counting down to your family camping trip for weeks. You’ve packed the wellies, the sleeping bags, and enough snacks to last a small siege, only to wake up to the sound of rain against your tent. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and I can tell you with confidence: a rainy day camping trip can be fun, when you’re prepared and you have the necessary rainy day camping essentials for families.

In fact, some of my most treasured camping memories with my kids have happened when we’ve had less than ideal weather conditions. There’s something magical about being huddled inside a tent with nowhere to be, making up stories, playing games, and laughing together.

If you’re searching for the best rainy day camping activities for kids, you’re in exactly the right place. I’ve put together 15 tried-and-tested ideas that work for all ages, from toddlers who just want to splash about to teenagers who claim they’re bored. There’s also a section on what to pack so you’re not caught out.

Let’s read on to find out more!

Read more: How to Start Family Camping: The Best Guide for 2026

Why Rainy Days Make the Best Camping Memories

If parents had a choice, they’d probably say they wouldn’t want to do camping in the rain with kids. It’s not ideal, especially when you have to think about what to do camping in the rain if you don’t have a plan to hand.

But it could be. When the rain starts and you don’t fancy getting wet on that five mile walk you’d planned, you get to do things at a slower pace where you’re just embracing the moment. Of course, it makes the whole camping experience better when you have a backup plan. Here are some of the wet weather camping activities we do.

What to Pack for Rainy Day Camping Activities for Kids?

The secret to enjoying camping in the rain with your kids is having the right preparation. This is what I never leave home without when camping with kids in the UK.

Waterproofs and Wet Weather Gear

• Waterproof jackets
• Waterproof overtrousers
• Wellington boots

Entertainment

• Kids educational magnifying glass
• Playing cards
• Board games
• Story dice
• Craft kit

Comfort

• Rechargeable camping lantern
• Glow sticks or string lights
• A warm layer each

Read more: Best Family Camping Gear for 2026: Tried, Tested & Loved

🌧️Outdoor Rainy Day Camping Activities

Wondering how to keep kids entertained camping in bad weather? You don’t have to retreat indoors when it starts raining. Some kids, mine included, love being outside when it’s raining, if they’re dressed in the right clothes.

Below are some of our favourite camping games for all ages in the rain.

1. Puddle Jumping Competition

This one needs no explanation. Find the biggest puddle, put your wellies on, and go for it. I set up a scoring system: points for biggest splash, most creative jump, highest leap. My youngest loves jumping in puddles and will quite happily spend all her time finding the best puddles to splash in.

Best for: Toddlers to age 10+ (us adults enjoy this one, too!)

2. Rainy Day Nature Scavenger Hunt

Rain brings out all sorts of wildlife and changes the landscape in ways kids don’t normally see. I bring printed scavenger hunt checklists with us on our camping trips to see what we can find.

Print out our spring scavenger hunt checklist and our autumn scavenger hunt checklist to have on hand for your next rainy camping adventure.

Best for: Ages 4-12

3. Mud Kitchen Play

Rest assured it doesn’t have to be with mud, but my kids love using ferns, dandelions, grass, sticks, acorns, etc. to make pretend food for us. If mud is involved, they can always wash off in the camp showers after you’ve had some tasty mud pies!

Best for: Toddlers to age 7

4. Rain Painting

Another outdoor camping activity for kids is rain painting. I like to bring small pots of paint and a few sheets of paper with us. My girls enjoy setting up their paper and dotting blobs of watercolour paint across it before letting the rain do the rest, with some pretty creations.

Best for: Ages 3-10

Read more: Camping with Kids Safety: 24 Things You Need to Know in 2026

⛺Indoor Camping Activities for Kids

When you’re camping in the rain with kids and none of you fancy going outside, you need some indoor camping activities for kids that’ll keep you entertained. Here are a few rainy day camping activities for kids that we use:

5. Card Games

You can’t beat a pack of cards. I always bring a few with us just in case so there’s something for everyone to play. Some of our favourites include:

• UNO – a great game to play again and again
• Go Fish – ideal for younger children
• Snap – fast and great for little ones
• Dobble – a firm favourite in our household and one our eldest loves playing

Best for: All ages

6. Storytelling with Story Dice

Story dice are small cubes with pictures on them. You roll a set of them and make up a story using whatever images come up. My children absolutely love these, and it’s great seeing their imaginations come alive when we play it.

Best for: Ages 5+

7. Nature Journal

If you’re looking for things to do in a tent with young children, why not do nature journalling? I like to bring my girls a blank journal each and some colouring pencils and get them to record all they see and hear on our trip.

I have several of these journals both from my kids and myself and always enjoy looking back on them from time to time.

Best for: Ages 5+

8. Colouring and Crafts

When you’re thinking about rainy day camping activities for kids, colouring and crafts is an easy one to do. A compact craft kit can go a long way. I like to pack colouring books, pens, pipe cleaners, and stickers. For my eldest, she enjoys making origami animals, following the instructions to make them.

Best for: Ages 3-12

9. I-Spy and Word Games

Classic games are always a favourite amongst my household, plus you don’t need anything to do these. Here are a few that we like playing:

• I Spy
• 20 Questions
• Animal, Vegetable, Mineral
• The Alphabet Game

Best for: Ages 4+

10. Camping-Themed Bingo

You can print free camping bingo cards online before you go, or make your own. Similar to scavenger hunts, they make a great game for raining camping activities. Things to spot or hear on your camping trip include a blackbird, someone putting up their tent, or a squirrel.

Best for: Ages 4-10

11. Charades

Who doesn’t love a classic game of charades? It doesn’t require any equipment, can be quite simple to play, and is a lot of fun. With our youngest, we normally stick to easy categories, such as “putting up a tent” or “jumping in a puddle.” Our eldest helps her as well, which makes it even more fun as they work together.

Best for: Ages 5+

12. Lego or Duplo Set

It doesn’t have to be a big set, and we keep this in our camping bag, so it’s only used during our camping trips and not at home. This way it helps keep it more special when it’s taken out. We have a set each for our girls, so there’s no arguing. The last thing anyone wants is to have children arguing while in a tent when it’s raining outside.

Best for: Ages 2+ (Duplo for younger children)

Read more: Budget Family Camping Tips: 18 Money-Saving Hacks in 2026

🌿Educational Rainy Day Activities

13. Measuring Rain Water

If it’s raining, we’ll put a cup outside to see how much rainfall occurs over an hour. We do this while we’re doing another activity as 60 minutes is a long time to wait when you’re young. Once the hour is up, our girls run outside, mark where the water line is, and then run back in the tent again.

Best for: All ages

14. Map Reading

Map reading and compass navigation lessons are rainy day camping activities for kids that will keep them busy. Start with campsite maps and progress to Ordnance Survey sheets with more detailed information. Our girls loves reading maps and using a compass when we venture outside. It’s a great skill for them to have as they get older.

Best for: Ages 4+

15. Wildlife Spotting in the Rain

Rainy conditions can bring out animals you might not normally see: worms, slugs, snails, frogs, and a surprising range of birds. Take a children’s wildlife field guide and see how many you can identify. The UK’s RSPB has a great section on identifying birds and wildlife for kids and adults that’s brilliant.

Best for: Ages 4+

❓ FAQs: Rainy Day Camping Activities for Kids

1. What do you do with kids camping in the rain?

There are brilliant camping in the rain with kids options both inside and outside the tent. Outside: puddle jumping, mud kitchen play, rain painting, and nature scavenger hunts (with the right waterproofs). Inside: card games, story dice, nature journalling, and crafts. See all 15 rainy day camping activities for kids ideas in this guide.

2. How do I keep my kids entertained when camping in bad weather?

Preparation is everything. Keep a dedicated rainy day bag packed with card games, a craft kit, story dice, and a colouring book. You don’t want to search for ideas once the rain starts, have it ready to go.

3. Is it safe to camp in the rain with young children?

Yes, with sensible precautions. Ensure your children are properly waterproofed, stay out of lightning and high winds, and keep sleeping areas dry. Young children lose heat faster than adults, so an extra warm layer is always wise.

4. What games can you play in a tent with kids?

Rainy day camping activities for kids include card games (UNO, Snap, Dobble), story dice, I Spy, 20 Questions, and charades all work inside a tent with minimal space.

5. What should I pack for rainy camping with kids?

Waterproof ponchos or jackets, wellies, a tarp or camping shelter, a card game or two, a nature journal, and a craft kit. See the full packing list earlier in this article.

Read more: Family Camping Checklist: The Only One You Need in 2026

Final Thoughts on Rainy Day Camping Activities for Kids

Rainy days whilst camping don’t have to dampen your family’s spirits, they can become the most treasured memories of your trip. We’ve done camping with babies, with toddlers in wellies, and young kids, and with the right mindset, we’ve always had an enjoyable time.

Living in Britain means living with unpredictable weather, but, I think, that’s half the fun. You’ve got to learn to love it if you still want to do what you enjoy doing. And with these rainy day camping activities for kids, you now have something on hand to make your next camping trip, whatever the weather, more enjoyable and memorable.

Remember, the key to successful rainy day camping lies in preparation and attitude. Pack your activity kit before you leave, embrace the cosy tent atmosphere, and watch as your kids discover that some of the best adventures happen when you’re forced to slow down and get creative together.

For more camping inspiration, check out our related guides:

• Spring Camping With Kids: The Complete Family Guide for 2026
• Family Camping in Summer: The Ultimate UK Guide in 2026
• Autumn Family Camping Guide in 2026: 7 Top Tips to Read

Happy camping!

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Have you found this guide on rainy day camping activities for kids helpful? What’s your favourite rainy day camping activity we should include? What’s your fondest memory of family camping? Share your thoughts in the comments below!