Backyard camping done right

By Stacie Gaetz

If you love the idea of enjoying the great outdoors overnight but don’t want to have to pack up your whole house and drive for hours, backyard camping might be for you.

Young children may not be ready to venture far from home but the knowledge that their room is just feet from their tent might give them the security they need to spend the night under the stars.

If you do go camping further from home, pitching your tent in your own yard can still be a great activity that encourages your children to work together and use their imagination.

Set the scene

Treat your yard like a real camp site. Work together to find the best spot to set up the tent and each family member can take on a task such as setting out the tarp, hammering in the pins or putting together the poles.

Then it’s time to make it comfy! Bring in mattresses, blankets, pillows, lighting, books, stuffies, games and anything else you want to make it homey.

Cook out

Brainstorm ways that you can cook your dinner with the kids. If you have a firepit, then light it up and grab the hot dogs and marshmallows. If not, a charcoal grill or propane stove could do the trick. The barbeque is always an option as well.

If you want to keep it simple, go picnic style with some sandwiches, trail mix, juice boxes, chips, veggies and easy-to-pack treats like your family’s favorite chocolate bars.

Click here for some fun picnic ideas.

What to do

Just because you are mere feet from your house doesn’t mean you don’t have to pre-plan some fun. Whether you pull out traditional outdoor games like cornhole and horseshoes or go for card and board games, the key is to play them together.

This could also be the perfect opportunity to try out a scavenger hunt. Check out some ideas on how to make them unique here.

If you were really camping, chances are you would take some time to explore your surroundings. Why not take a hike around your neighborhood? Are there parks or pathways that you haven’t explored and want to check out? Now is the time to do it. Bring along some supplies like binoculars so you can see the scenery and “wildlife” up close.

Lights out

What do you do when the cover of night rolls in?

That’s the best part! Being outside when it’s dark out is one of the most novel part of camping for young kids.

Stargazing is a great option if it is a clear night. Spread out a blanket and some pillows and see how many constellations you can identify.

If there are too many clouds, time for some traditional camping activities like stories around the campfire (whether it’s a real firepit, an artificial one or just some flashlights).

When the kiddos start yawning, it’s time to take your bedtime routine outside and read some books by flashlight.

What are the rules?

Because you will be so close to your house and all of its temptations, it’s important to set parameters around what your camping trip will look like before you start.

Are you going to have a “no going inside” (except for bathroom breaks) rule?

What about electronics? Are phones, tablets and computers to be left inside?

Remember to be flexible as well when needed. If the kids are truly cold or not enjoying themselves, let them go in to sleep. A good night’s sleep is more important than staying outside all night and the memories you made during the day will let them know how much fun a real camping trip can be.

Whether you are introducing your children to the concept of camping before a “real” trip, or you are seasoned veterans who want to stay closer to home for a change, backyard camping can be an exciting adventure for the whole family.