Is there anything better than sitting around a campfire in the summertime? Whether you’re off on a real camping trip or just pretending in the backyard, crafting your own paper campfire is such a fun way to bring those cozy vibes indoors.
This adorable smiling campfire is the perfect hands-on summer craft for kids to enjoy at home, in preschool, or even at a summer camp program.
It’s cheerful, simple, and helps build those fine motor skills while sparking some imaginative play too!
What You’ll Need for This Campfire Craft
You don’t need to pack the whole cabin for this one – just a few basic supplies you probably already have around the house.
Grab some colorful construction paper, scissors, a glue stick, and a marker. That’s it! And of course, don’t forget to download the free printable campfire template we’ve included to make it even easier for your little ones to get started.
How to Make the Campfire Craft
This fun summer craft is super straightforward, and it’s great for preschoolers and young children who are getting the hang of using scissors and glue.
Let’s break it down…
Campfire Craft Template
Bring the cozy vibes of camping indoors with this adorable smiling campfire craft – perfect for preschoolers and young kids to cut, glue, and create their own pretend campfire fun!
Materials
- Construction papers
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Marker
Tools
- Printer if using template
Instructions
- Print the campfire template. You can also draw free hand using the shapes here as a guide
- Cut the fire template
and trace it to the corresponding papers. 
- Then cut again.
- Cut a circle
then fold it into half. This will be the base of your craft. 
- Attach the fire templates together.
layer by layer 
- Then add the details one by one such as the eyes,
- cheeks,
- and draw a smile and the details of the eyes using the marker.
- Cut the logs from brown construction paper
- Add details with the marker
- Assemble as shown
- Attach the logs to the fire using your glue stick
- Attach the fire template to the circle.
There’s something so wholesome about making a smiling little fire friend! Kids love creating characters, and this cute campfire face is sure to bring out some giggles. You can even turn this into a storytelling activity, have your child name their fire and come up with a short camping tale to go along with it! It’s perfect for summer units, camping themes, or just a fun afternoon indoors when it’s too hot to go outside.
Download the Free Printable Campfire Template
Ready to get crafting? Click the link below to download your free printable campfire template and get started. It’s sized just right for little hands and makes everything super simple so kids can focus on the fun.
Terms of use: This free printable camping craft template is free for personal use and classroom use.
This sweet little campfire is more than just a paper craft – it’s a way to spark creativity, build confidence, and enjoy a quiet, screen-free moment with your child.
Whether you’re planning a whole camping-themed week or just need something cute and calming for a summer afternoon, this one is sure to be a hit. And don’t be surprised if your kids want to make a whole row of campfires for pretend play!
More Camping Crafts and Activities for Kids
Looking for more fun camping-themed ideas? We’ve got you covered with even more creative crafts and activities to keep the camp vibes going strong. From pretend play to nature-inspired art, there’s something for every little explorer.
- Handprint Campfire Craft
- Easy Camping Craft for Kids
- Free Printable Camping Taboo Game
- S’Mores Camping Craft
- Fun Roll a Story Printable (Camping Theme)
If you loved this craft, please take a moment to share this blog post with your friends, pin it for later, or send it to a fellow crafty parent. Happy camping and happy crafting!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.