Let's Get Glowing: 5 Magical Night Activities Kids Will Never Forget
Let’s be honest—camping with kids can sometimes feel like herding a bunch of cats. One minute, everything’s peaceful—next, you’re locked in a bath and bedtime debate with a six-year-old who’s suddenly become a tiny, dirt-covered lawyer. But what if you could harness that chaotic bedtime energy and turn it into unforgettable night-time magic?
Enter: glow-in-the-dark camping—a recipe for wonder, whimsy, and a whole lot of laughter after sundown. With just a few glowing gadgets you can transform your evening into a glittering adventure the kids will rave about for years.
Here are 5 magical glow-in-the-dark camping activities to make your next trip absolutely legendary.
1. Glow Stick Hide-and-Seek – The Classic with a Neon Twist
You’ve played hide-and-seek before. The kids have played hide-and-seek before. But have you ever tried it in the dark… with glow sticks?
Each player gets a glow stick—worn as a necklace or bracelet—to add a soft-but-spooky glow. One person is “it” and tries to spot the others as they sneak through the dark. The twist? You can only tag someone once you identify their glow colour. So suddenly, the pink glow in the bushes might be your cousin… or a strategically placed glow stick decoy. Plot twist!
Pro tip: Set clear boundaries and keep torches handy—because nothing ruins a glow-in-the-dark game faster than tripping over a tent peg you definitely should have marked.
2. DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss – Backyard Game Meets Cosmic Carnival
Grab some glow stick necklaces and a couple of soft drink bottles (filled with water for stability), and boom—you’ve got a DIY ring toss that glows brighter than your phone screen at 2am.
Crack your glow sticks, connect them into rings, and let the games begin. Older kids will compete like it’s the camping Olympics, while little ones will just be excited something’s glowing and vaguely throwable.
Want to raise the stakes? Make it a tournament. Winner gets an extra helping of dessert. Or better yet—doesn’t have to do the dishes later.
3. Glow Lantern Craft – Arts and Crafts… but Make it Glow
As the sun sets and the stars come out, it’s time to get crafty with some glow lanterns. These are super simple, low-mess (a true camping win), and fun to make.
What you need:
- Empty jars with lids
- Glow sticks or LED tealights
- Googly eyes, feathers, blu tack, paint, brushes, tape, pipe cleaners, paper and markers
Have the kids decorate their jars with colourful designs, patterns, or faces. Once they’re done, pop a glow stick or LED light inside, seal the lid, and voilà—each child has their very own glowing lantern to light up the night.
These also make excellent night lights for inside the tent—especially for little ones who aren’t totally sold on the whole “wilderness is fun” concept just yet.
4. Nocturnal Nature Walk – Explore the Aussie Night
Take a nocturnal nature walk and discover the wonders of Australia’s wild after dark. Armed with torches, kids will feel like true explorers, spotting nocturnal creatures and hearing the sounds of the outback come alive.
What you need:
Flashlights or headlamps
A safe trail or area to explore
As you wander, keep an eye out for glowing eyes in the bush—maybe a bandicoot scurrying by or a flying fox gliding overhead. Listen for the haunting calls of a boobook owl or the rustling of tree frogs croaking away. You might even catch a glimpse of a possum or a sneaky sugar glider darting between trees. It’s a magical way to experience Australia’s unique wildlife in the still of the night!
5. Shadow Puppets – Light, Laughter, and a Bit of Drama
When the night is still and the campfire’s crackling low, it’s time for a little theatre—bush-style. All you need is a light source (a bright torch, a lantern, or even your phone’s flashlight), a tent wall or hanging sheet, and some wildly imaginative kids (which you probably already have).
Have the kids create shadow puppet characters using their hands or cutouts from cardboard on sticks—think animals, aliens, or legendary creatures like the rarely-seen bigfoot.
You can:
- Recreate a classic fairy tale
- Invent a spooky ghost story
- Or go full freestyle improv with the “Campfire Comedy Hour”
Shadow puppets are a chill, creative wind-down activity after all the glow madness. Plus, the giggles when someone accidentally creates a shadow that looks like a giant bum? Priceless.
Final Tips for Glowing Success:
- Safety first: Always keep a torch or headlamp handy, mark out clear boundaries for any night-time games, and do a head count before and after each activity.
- Pack extras: Glow sticks are cheap and addictive. You will run out if you only bring one per child. Triple your estimate and thank yourself later.
- Get the grown-ups involved: Parents glowing like aliens makes everything 10x funnier.
- Capture the magic: Photos don’t always do glow-in-the-dark justice, but the memories will. If you do snap pics, try using “night mode” or a long exposure app on your phone.
The Glow Must Go On
Camping activities don’t have to end when the sun goes down. In fact, that’s when the real fun begins. With a little glow and a lot of imagination, you can turn any ordinary night in the bush into an extraordinary neon dream.
So next time you’re packing up for a camping trip, throw in a bag of glow sticks, some twinkly lights, and torches for everyone. You’re about to create some glow-in-the-dark magic your kids will never forget.
