Top Five Camping Activities

Packing up for a Labor Day away—or wishing you were headed to a campground? Just a few extra supplies (noodles, glue, googly eyes, pom-poms, birdseed, yarn) plus nature’s bounty (twigs, pine cones) will add creative, nature-themed activities to your weekend of R&R, plus we added a camping cake for staycation fun.

1) Make a campsite sign. This cardboard, noodle and twig sign from Crafts by Amanda lets everyone know your family name—or create a welcome message!

2) Create pine cone critters. This is why some people don’t leave home without googly eyes. Make instant fun, instant toys and instant friends thanks to I Can Teach My Child.

3) Feed the birds. Bonus: this easy project from Little Life of Mine keeps the kids busy while you’re setting up the tent. The bigger the mess, the more our feathered friends like it.

4) Enjoy Campfire S’mores Cones. Wrap ’em up in foil and watch them turn into gooey, melty perfection over coals.

5) Not going to be camping this weekend? Piece of cake. Create an eatable diorama with this sweet cake recipe.