Rainy Day Campsite Games for Families

Fun, Screen-Free Activities to Keep Spirits High When the Weather Turns

When the rain starts falling on your camping trip, it doesn’t mean the adventure is over. In fact, some of the best family memories are made in a rainy day when everyone gathers under the shelter, dodges puddles, and turns the downpour into a reason to laugh together.

From card games in the tent to puddle-jumping challenges outside, here are the best rainy day campsite games for families – no screens, no stress, just pure fun (and maybe a little mud).

Why You Should Plan for Rainy Day Fun

Even with the best planning, weather can be unpredictable – especially in the mountains or by the coast. A well-stocked activity bag or mental list of rainy-day games can turn dreary downtime into something magical.

Benefits of rainy-day games:

• Keeps kids active and entertained

• Encourages creativity and problem-solving

• Strengthens family bonds

• Avoids cabin (or tent) fever

Essentials to Pack for Rainy Camp Days

Before diving into the game list, make sure you’re equipped to enjoy rainy days safely and comfortably.

Gear to Bring from SunnySports:

• Waterproof tarps or canopy: Create a dry play zone outside your tent

• Kelty Low Loveseat: Cozy seating for game time under the shelter

• Black Diamond Moji Lanterns: Brighten up dim tents or shelters

• Rain jackets (Outdoor Research Helium or The North Face Antora)

• Dry bags: Protect card games, snacks, and electronics

• Camp towels & extra socks: For inevitable puddle adventures

1. Tent-Friendly Card Games

Lightweight and weatherproof (if stored properly), card games are a camping classic. Set up inside your tent or under a canopy.

Family Favorites:

• UNO Wilderness Edition – The classic card-matching game with a nature twist

• Go Fish – Easy for younger kids

• Exploding Kittens – Silly fun with quick rounds

• Camping Rummy – A themed game that’s easy to learn

Pro Tip: Store your cards in a waterproof ziplock or hard case.

2. Nature-Inspired Art Challenge

Use what’s around you – even in the rain.

What you need:

• Paper, pencils, markers

• Found natural objects (leaves, rocks, twigs)

How to play:

• Give each family member a prompt like:
  “Draw a creature made of sticks” or
  “Make a mandala from leaves on the ground.”

• Vote on the most creative or funniest result!

Make it easier: Pack waterproof sketchbooks or clipboard cases to keep paper dry.

3. Silly Charades: Rain Edition

No gear needed. Just energy and imagination.

How to play:

• Each player writes down funny prompts (e.g., “slipping in mud,” “setting up a soggy tent,” “chasing a runaway marshmallow”)

• Act them out – no talking allowed

• Great for kids ages 5+ and up

Make it cozy: Play in a large tent or under the tarp with camping chairs or pads to sit on.

4. Rain Rhythm Band

Turn the storm into your soundtrack!

What to use:

• Empty water bottles, pots, or coolers

• Spoons, tent stakes, or sticks

• Hands for clapping and feet for stomping

Challenge: Each person adds a beat or sound. Keep layering until you’ve created a full rain song!

This game is great for:

• Kids with lots of energy

• Creative expression

• Family bonding during loud storms

5. Story Circle

All you need is your imagination.

How it works:

• One person starts with: “Once upon a time, at a rainy campsite…”

• Each person adds a sentence

• Keep building the story around camping, wildlife, or made-up characters

Add a twist: Use camping gear (flashlight, sleeping bag, backpack) as props in the story.

Optional Gear:

• Lucid storytelling dice

• Nite Ize LED Lantern – Dim lighting sets the perfect campfire vibe without a flame

6. Puzzle Race

If you packed small jigsaw puzzles, now’s the time to break them out.

Setup:

• Form two teams

• Each gets a mini puzzle (20-50 pieces)

• First team to finish wins!

Rain-Proof Tip: Use a folding camp table or the inside of a plastic tub lid as a base.

Gear Rec: Pack puzzles in plastic storage containers or use laminated puzzle mats.

7. Rainy Day Camp Olympics

Use the wet weather to your advantage!

Example Events:

• Puddle Jump Long Jump – Who can jump the furthest without slipping?

• Raincoat Relay – Put on the jacket, run a lap, tag your teammate

• Soggy Sock Toss – Toss rolled-up socks into a target like a fire ring

Bonus: Use camp treats as prizes – trail mix medals or s’mores trophies.

Safety tip: Make sure the ground isn’t too slippery. Only run where it’s safe.

8. Camping Bingo or Scavenger Hunt

Bring pre-printed bingo cards or scavenger hunt lists adapted for rain.

Things to find:

• A frog or bug out in the rain

• A leaf with a raindrop on it

• A muddy footprint

• A wet feather or pinecone

DIY version: Kids can make their own boards using what they see around camp.

You can laminate bingo cards or pack dry-erase sleeves for reusability.

9. Build a Rain Shelter Challenge

Turn the rain into a learning opportunity.

Challenge:
Use tarps, ropes, sticks, and rocks to build the most weatherproof shelter possible.

Judging Criteria:

• Does it stay dry inside?

• Can it fit 2+ people?

• Is it wind-resistant?

This is a fun hands-on STEM activity for older kids and teens.

Recommended Gear:

• Sea to Summit Tarp Poncho – Multi-use for shelter and wear

• Paracord and stake kits – Lightweight and easy to pack

10. Brain Games in the Tent

When the storm is really pouring and no one wants to move…

Try these:

• 20 Questions (camping theme)

• Would You Rather? (“Would you rather eat bugs or sleep in the rain?”)

• I Spy (Tent Edition)

• Alphabet Camping (Name gear or animals A to Z)

Great for quiet evenings or nap-prep time.

When the Rain Lets Up…

Use the break in weather to get outside and reset with something simple:

• Scavenger walk in boots

• Nature photo challenge (find the best raindrop-on-a-leaf shot)

• Bird call imitation game

Even 20 minutes outdoors in light rain can lift everyone’s spirits.

How to Build a Rainy Day Game Kit

Here’s a checklist to keep in a small bin or dry bag for rainy-day readiness:

• Waterproof playing cards

• Notepad & pencils

• Laminated story prompts or scavenger hunts

• Dice or travel games

• Small musical instruments

• Dry socks, towels, and fleece

• Headlamp or lantern

• Tarps or rain fly

• Snacks and hot cocoa packets

Store in a dry bag or sealed plastic tote. Refill between trips!

Final Thoughts

Rainy camping days don’t have to mean boredom or frustration. With a little preparation and imagination, you can turn soggy afternoons into some of your family’s most cherished outdoor memories. From giggles under the tarp to silly competitions in the mud, these moments often outshine the sunny ones.

So next time the sky clouds over – don’t pack up. Play on.

FAQs: Rainy Day Campsite Games for Families

What if our tent is too small for games?

Use a canopy, tarp, or even your vehicle trunk for extra space.

Are these games okay for toddlers?

Yes! Modify based on age – use simple scavenger lists, soft toys, and musical play.

How can I keep everything dry?

Use dry bags, ziplocks, and waterproof totes. Always bring extra tarps.

Are rainy day games safe during storms?

Avoid metal poles and open areas during lightning. Stick to covered or wooded zones until it passes.