Backyard Camping
A backyard can be a wonderful place to create a relaxing family camping experience. With some preparation, your very own space can be made into the perfect campsite to pitch a tent and share some stories.
If you have younger children who have never been camping before, it is a great idea to have a practice run. You can easily create an outdoor slumber party with an assortment of pillows, blankets and festive lighting!
Take the comforts of home outside.
Outfit your tent with a combination of sleeping bags, blankets, and plush pillows.
Stringing lights around the tent and decorative lanterns can transform your backyard campsite into an enchanting staycation. Throw in some reusable glow sticks for extra fun and twinkle.
Little helpers.
Involve your child in gathering and packing flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps from around the house. No matter the age of your children, enlist them to have a job to do around the backyard campsite. Whether it’s unrolling a blanket or helping pitch the tent, any contribution, big or small will make kids feel like they’re an essential part of the experience. Prep them with an adventurous playset.
Turn off the tech.
Turn off the wi-fi and find a better connection. A family campout will seem much more special when everyone powers off and is present with each other. Additionally, the outing will be more interesting when you pay attention to the surrounding sounds, bugs, trees and sky - all the things that make the outdoors unique and different.
Stargaze together.
Roast s’mores at the fire pit (or your stove will do the trick!). Set up folding chairs, sing songs on the guitar, make hand puppets in the tent and play games such as ‘I’m going on a trip and I’m taking along..’
Promote sleep.
Invite your child to bring their comfort object along. Place the portable sound machine in the tent and let them fall asleep under the stars. Once it’s time for you to go to bed, whisk them back to their sheets. Let them know this may happen ahead of time. Everyone will get the camping experience, and not lose any sleep.
You just need a little bit of space, a few simple camping necessities, and some time set aside to enjoy this simple pleasure with your children. It can make for a wonderful summer birthday celebration or solstice tradition. Exposing your children to camping builds self-esteem, respect for nature, helps your child disconnect, and is great for family bonding.