Camping Dramatic Play Center

A camping dramatic play area is a fantastic addition to the preschool classroom. Camping is so appealing to little learners. There are bugs, fishing, hiking, mud puddles, lakes, a tent to sleep in, and hopefully, S’mores! So, of course, they’ll hike to the dramatic play area to check out this fun center. Adventure Awaits!

The best part about this camping dramatic play center is that rainy days and cold weather won’t ruin the fun! No mosquito bites, weird spooky noises at night, or rocks under the sleeping bag, either. So get out the camp chairs and tents. It’s time to go on a camping trip!

Setting Up the Camping Dramatic Play Area

When planning a camping trip, ensuring all the necessities are packed and ready is essential. For this camping dramatic play center, try these supplies:

• A tent
• Sleeping bags
• Toy fishing poles (the magnetic kind are great!)
• Starry or forest-themed backdrop
• Preschool-sized hiking backpacks
• Fishing hats and vests
• Artificial campfire (This one came with a s’mores kit!)
• Binoculars
• Lanterns
• Compasses
• Flashlights
• Stuffed woodland animals
• Plastic bugs

Safety First!

Talking about camping safety is always a great idea. Everything from fire safety, what to do if you get lost in the woods, and how to be safe in the water are all lessons that can be included in a camping unit.

Go Fish!

Some people find nothing more relaxing than sitting on the side of a lake with a fishing pole in their hand. Recreate that with toy fishing rods, magnetic fish, and a blue blanket or large piece of blue posterboard for a pond or lake. Even a small kiddie pool would be a great pond – but students are fantastic at using their imaginations, so use what is available.

Students practice math skills by using rulers or measuring tapes to see their “catch” size and record it on a recording sheet. Children can also sort the fish they catch by color or size.

Sleeping Under the Stars in the Camping Dramatic Play Center

One of the best parts about camping is sleeping outside. Make the tent cozy with a few child-sized sleeping bags, small pillows, and a basket of books about camping to snuggle up with. Of course, in this situation, some cuddly forest animals might happen to join in on the fun!

Have S’more Fun with Sequencing

Is it really camping if there aren’t s’mores? Simple recipes like s’mores are perfect for practicing sequential steps. Simply print pictures of the steps and display them near the campfire station. Students can collect the items they need and make a pretend treat. (Of course, if you make delicious s’mores for a snack, most students won’t complain!)

Tying in Other Lessons

One of the best parts about the Camping Dramatic Play is how it complements so many other thematic units. It is perfect for a unit on Bears, Summer, Nocturnal Animals, or nature in general. It’s also perfect to use as a stand-alone center because it’s so much fun!