These backyard camping ideas for families make it fun and easy to go camping in your own backyard with the kids during the day or overnight.
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Going camping is a fun family activity for a weekend getaway. But it does take a lot of work to plan a trip, pack everything you need, and spend a few days living in a tent away from home.
Whether your kids are too young to go camping or just not ready to camp in the wild, backyard camping is a great alternative. It involves less mess and chaos than traditional camping in a state park. And if you forget something from home or the kids are ready to leave, you’re only a short walk to your own backdoor.
We collected a dozen of the best backyard camping ideas to help you plan a little adventure.
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Set up a tent
One of the best things about camping in the backyard is that you can leave any time. Even if your kids aren’t going to sleep outdoors overnight, you can still set up a tent. Use it as a cozy reading nook or a place to play during the day. If you don’t own a tent, you can put together this DIY play tent in minutes with instructions from Mama Papa Bubba.
Glam up the campsite
When your back door is just a short walk away, you can bring all the extra comforts of home. Fill the tend with your child’s favorite pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, and anything else they need to feel cozy and safe. Move the patio furniture over to your campfire, bring out toys, and enjoy all the comforts of home that you might not bring on a regular camping trip.
Build a campfire
A campfire can be the hub of your backyard adventure. It’s perfect for sitting around to sing and tell stories, and a must for making s’mores! You can purchase a freestanding fire pit or DIY a stone fire pit. Make sure you follow local rules for open flames and fire safety. For something really simple, try this tabletop fire pot using a terra cotta pot.
Enjoy a picnic
No matter what time of day or night your backyard camping trip takes place, part of the fun is enjoying a meal outdoors. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner, or make a snack that can be enjoyed outdoors. Cleanup is a breeze when you can take everything back indoors afterward.
Make nature crafts
Keep the kids entertained by making a few nature crafts that we’ve collected here on Backyard Summer Camp. Most use items your kids can collect in the backyard, like sticks and rocks.
Do a nature scavenger hunt
Send the kids on a hunt for items in the backyard. There are 2 versions of this nature scavenger hunt from One Mama’s Daily Drama. One is for younger kids and the other is perfect for tweens.
Play camping games
The best camping games are ones that don’t require any supplies or setup. Kids love classic games like I Spy, Simon Says, and Duck Duck Goose. Play Party Plan has a dozen other fun games you can play with just people.
Use story stones
Story stones are a fun visual aid to help kids of all ages think creatively while telling a story. You can paint a set of camping-themed story stones like Playdough to Plate ahead of time, then use them on your backyard camping adventure.
Read nature books
There’s something magical about reading outdoors, especially when you’re reading a book about the plants and animals around you. We’ve put together a list of 25 nature books for kids that you can order online or pick up from your library.
Make a lantern
The Crazy Outdoor Mama has a cute idea for a simple lantern that kids can make from a recycled container. Use electric tea lights or glow sticks to brighten your campsite after dark.
Tell ghost stories
After it gets dark, break out the flashlights and gather everyone around the campfire. Pass around the flashlight to let everyone tell spooky ghost stories. You might be surprised what silly scary stories your little ones come up with.
Watch the sky
Set up a cozy spot with pillows and blankets so everyone can lay back and get comfortable. During the day, watch the clouds floating by and look for pictures and shapes. At night, look at the stars and watch to see if you spot a meteor.
Plan a backyard camping adventure this summer. Try a weekend camping together as a family or set up a mini campsite for daytime fun all summer.
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