Summer has arrived, bringing sunshine, laughter, and the perfect chance for young children to dive into exciting summer camp activities for preschoolers. These activities are not only fun but also help develop important skills through playful learning. From water games that keep them cool to sports that build coordination and creative crafts that spark imagination, every moment at camp is filled with discovery. It is a joyful environment where preschoolers can socialize, explore nature, and grow with confidence while making unforgettable memories under the summer sky.
10+ summer camp activities for preschoolers
Looking for ideas that are fun, educational, and just the right amount of messy? These summer camp activities for preschoolers hit all the right notes:
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
This activity encourages preschoolers to observe their surroundings and connect with the natural world. It promotes exploration, walking, and identification skills.
Materials Needed:
- Paper bags or small buckets
- Picture list of items to find (e.g., a smooth stone, a green leaf, a feather, a twig, a flower petal of a certain color) – use pictures as most preschoolers are not reading yet.
- Crayons (optional, for rubbing leaves or bark)
How to Do:
- Present the challenge: “Let’s go on a nature hunt! Can you find these special things?”
- Give each child a bag or bucket and a picture list.
- Walk together in a safe outdoor area (park, campgrounds, nature trail).
- As children find items, help them identify them and place them in their bags.
- Talk about the textures, colors, and shapes of the found objects.
- Once back, gather to share and discuss what everyone found.
Simplify your prep time with our Nature Scavenger Hunt Worksheet — it includes visual cues so even non-readers can join the fun!
2. Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin
Sensory bins provide a calming yet stimulating experience for preschoolers, engaging their sense of touch and allowing for open-ended play. This colorful version adds visual appeal.
Materials Needed:
- Large plastic bin or container
- Rice (several pounds)
- Various colors of food coloring
- Rubbing alcohol or vinegar (a few drops per color helps distribute color evenly and dry faster).
- Zip-top plastic bags (one per color)
- Scoops, funnels, small cups, and other tools for pouring and transferring
How to Do:
- Prepare the rainbow rice ahead of time: Divide rice into bags, add a few drops of food coloring and a splash of alcohol/vinegar to each bag. Seal and shake until rice is coated. Spread on trays to dry completely.
- Pour the different colors of dried rice into the sensory bin.
- Introduce the bin to the children and encourage them to explore the textures and colors.
- Provide the tools and let them scoop, pour, and play imaginatively with the rice.
- Supervise closely to ensure rice is not ingested.
3. Giant Bubble Blowing
Blowing bubbles is a classic summer activity that brings joy and wonder. Making giant bubbles adds an extra element of excitement and introduces simple concepts of air and surface tension.
Materials Needed:
- Large container or bucket
- Dish soap ( Dawn or a similar brand works well)
- Glycerin or corn syrup (a few tablespoons per gallon of water helps make bubbles stronger)
- Water (preferably distilled, but tap works)
- Large bubble wands (can be made from wire hangers or sticks and string)
How to Do:
- Mix the bubble solution: Gently combine water, dish soap, and glycerin/corn syrup in the container. Avoid creating too much foam.
- Show the children how to dip the large wands into the solution.
- Instruct them to slowly open the wands and walk backward or gently blow to create giant bubbles.
- Encourage them to observe how the bubbles form and float.
- This is best done on a still day for bigger bubbles.
4. Rock Painting
Turning simple rocks into colorful creations is a fun and easy art activity that allows for individual expression.
Materials Needed:
- Smooth, clean rocks of various sizes
- Acrylic paints or tempera paints
- Paintbrushes
- Cups for water (for rinsing brushes)
- Paper plates or paint palettes
- Newspaper or drop cloth to protect the surface
- Sealant (optional, to protect the painted rocks)
How to Do:
- Provide each child with a few rocks and painting supplies.
- Encourage them to paint whatever they like – patterns, pictures, or just covering the rock with color.
- Allow the rocks to dry completely.
- If desired, an adult can apply a sealant once the paint is dry to make the rocks weather-resistant.
- These can be taken home or used to decorate the camp area.
5. Simple Obstacle Course
An outdoor obstacle course promotes gross motor skills, coordination, and problem-solving as children navigate different physical challenges.
Materials Needed:
- Cones or markers
- Hula hoops
- Tunnels (play tunnels or even large cardboard boxes with ends removed)
- Low balance beam (a plank of wood on the ground or a designated line)
- Soft objects to step over or around (pillows, pool noodles)
- A designated start and finish line
How to Do:
- Set up a simple course using the available materials in a safe area.
- Demonstrate each obstacle to the children.
- Allow children to go through the obstacle course at their own pace, offering encouragement.
- Modify obstacles as needed for different skill levels.
- This can be turned into a fun challenge where they time themselves or race against each other (focusing on participation and fun rather than competition).
6. DIY Bird Feeders
This activity combines a simple craft with learning about nature and caring for animals.
Materials Needed:
- Pine Cones
- Peanut butter or shortening (check for allergies and have an alternative like sunflower butter)
- Birdseed
- String or yarn
- Popsicle sticks or plastic knives for spreading
How to Do:
- Tie a piece of string securely to the top of each pinecone for hanging.
- Provide each child with a pinecone and a tool for spreading.
- Have them spread peanut butter or shortening all over the pinecone, getting into the crevices.
- Pour birdseed into a shallow dish or tray.
- Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone in the birdseed to coat it generously.
- Help children find a suitable spot to hang their bird feeders on a tree branch.
- Observe the birds that come to visit their feeders.
7. Color Mixing Experiment
Introducing the concept of color mixing through a hands-on experiment is a fun and visually stimulating way to explore basic science.
Materials Needed:
- Clear plastic cups or jars
- Water
- Liquid food coloring (red, yellow, blue)
- Droppers or pipettes
- Paper towels or a tray to catch spills
How to Do:
- Fill the cups with water.
- Put drops of the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) into separate cups.
- Give each child a dropper.
- Guide them to mix colors in empty cups: “What happens when you put a drop of blue and a drop of yellow together?”
- Encourage them to experiment with different combinations and observe the new colors they create.
- Talk about the names of the new colors they make (green, orange, purple).
8. Playdough Fun
Playdough is a wonderful tool for developing fine motor skills, creativity, and imaginative play. Offering various tools enhances the experience.
Materials Needed:
- Store-bought or homemade playdough in several colors
- Cookie cutters
- Plastic knives and forks
- Rolling pins (small size)
- Buttons, beads, pipe cleaners, craft sticks (for decorating and adding texture – supervise closely to avoid choking hazards)
- Cutting boards or placemats
How to Do:
- Provide each child with a portion of playdough and a selection of tools and accessories.
- Allow for free exploration and creation.
- Encourage them to roll, flatten, cut, and shape the playdough.
- Introduce simple ideas like making “cookies,” “snakes,” or “pancakes.”
- Talk about the shapes and objects they are creating.
9. Water Play Station
On a hot summer day, water play is incredibly refreshing and provides numerous opportunities for learning through splashing, pouring, and measuring.
Materials Needed:
- Water table or large plastic bins filled with water
- Various containers for pouring (cups, bowls, bottles of different sizes)
- Funnels
- Squeeze bottles
- Sieves and strainers
- Plastic toys that float and sink
- Soap flakes or bubble bath (for extra fun)
How to Do:
- Set up the water station in an outdoor area.
- Fill the bins or water table with water.
- Add soap flakes or bubble bath if desired.
- Provide a variety of tools and toys.
- Allow children to freely explore and play with the water.
- Talk about concepts like full/empty, sink/float, and pouring.
- Supervise closely to ensure safety around water.
10. Sidewalk Chalk Art
Sidewalk chalk is a simple yet effective way to encourage large-scale drawing and creative expression in an outdoor setting.
Materials Needed:
- Sidewalk chalk in assorted colors
- Paved surface (sidewalk, patio, blacktop)
- Water and brushes (optional, for creating wash effects)
How to Do:
- Find a suitable paved area.
- Provide the children with sidewalk chalk.
- Encourage them to draw pictures, shapes, or lines on the ground.
- Suggest drawing outlines of their bodies or tracing objects.
- If using water, show them how to dip the chalk in water for brighter colors or use wet brushes to spread the chalk dust.
- This activity allows for freedom of movement and creativity.
11. Building with Blocks (Outdoor Edition)
Moving block play outdoors gives children new surfaces and challenges for building, promoting problem-solving and spatial reasoning.
Materials Needed:
- Large building blocks (wooden, plastic, or even sturdy cardboard boxes)
- Uneven surfaces (grass, small hills)
- Natural materials to incorporate (sticks, stones, leaves)
How to Do:
- Set up an area outdoors with the blocks.
- Encourage children to build structures on different surfaces.
- Talk about which surfaces make it harder or easier to build stable structures.
- Introduce natural materials and see how they can be incorporated into their buildings.
- Challenge them to build the tallest tower or the longest wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most popular summer camp activity?
Many camps offer a variety of options, but some activities stand out as all-time favorites:
- Water play (sprinklers, kiddie pools, water balloons) is one of the most loved activities for preschoolers. It keeps kids cool, active, and engaged during hot summer days.
- Simple outdoor games like obstacle courses and nature scavenger hunts are also highly popular.
2. How to make summer camp more fun?
Planning summer camp activities can be simple and fun when you focus on what preschoolers love most.
- Start by choosing age-appropriate goals: fun, sensory play, and light learning.
- Prepare simple materials like paper, glue, toys, or natural objects.
- Design activities with clear steps and allow for creativity (e.g., building, crafting, role play).
- Include themes (e.g., nature, water, colors) to make it more engaging.
Final thoughts
Summer is a wonderful time for young children to explore, learn, and grow through hands-on experiences. With a mix of creativity, outdoor fun, and educational value, these summer camp activities for preschoolers are designed to keep little ones happily engaged all season long. Whether you’re a parent planning backyard adventures or a teacher organizing a day camp, these ideas offer endless possibilities to inspire joyful learning. So gather your supplies, head outside, and let the summer magic begin!
