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Sometimes camping in the backyard is just the adventure your kids need, and it’s a lot easier to set up then when you’re off to an actual campground.
Young children may not be ready to wander far from home, but knowing that their room is only a few feet away from their tent may provide them with the security they require to spend the night under the stars.
Even if you go camping farther away from home, pitching your tent in your own backyard may be a fun exercise that encourages your children to collaborate and use their imagination.
Set Up The Yard
Treat your yard as if it were a real campsite. Collaborate to determine the best location for the tent, and each family member can take on a role such as laying out the tarp, hammering in the pins, or assembling the poles.
Then it’s time to get comfortable! Bring in mattresses, blankets, pillows, lamps, books, stuffed animals, toys, and anything else that will make it feel like home.
Eat Like You’re Camping
Consider how you can cook dinner with your children. If you have a firepit, start it up and gather your hot dogs and marshmallows. If not, a charcoal barbecue or propane burner will suffice!
If you want to keep it simple, bring sandwiches, trail mix, juice boxes, chips, veggies, and easy-to-carry treats like your family’s favourite chocolate bars for a picnic.
Do Camping Activities
Just because you’re only a few steps away from your residence doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun beforehand. The trick is to play them together, whether you choose conventional outdoor games like cornhole and horseshoes or card and board games.
This could also be an excellent time to try out a scavenger hunt. Here are some suggestions for making them stand out.
If you were truly camping, you would most likely spend some time exploring your surroundings, and you can do the same at home. Go for a walk around the block, and see if you can find new exciting streets to walk down.
Are there any parks or walkways that you haven’t visited yet and would like to? Now is the time to get started. Bring some materials, such as binoculars, so you can observe the scenery.
Turn off The Lights
Being outside when it’s dark out is one of the most novel part of camping for young kids. It’s a good idea to turn off all the lights and use lanterns and a campfire to help generate a little light.
Spread out a blanket and some pillows and see how many constellations you can identify, and enjoy some stargazing time with the kids.
When it’s time for the kids to go to sleep, read a bedtime story by the campfire and help them get their teeth brushed while you’re outside.
Create Camping Rules
Because you’ll be so close to your house and all of its temptations, it’s crucial to plan your camping trip ahead of time.
Will you have a “no going inside” restriction (save for restroom breaks)?
What about technological devices? Should phones, tablets, and laptops be kept inside?
Remember to be adaptable as necessary. Allow the children to sleep if they are actually cold or are not having fun. A good night’s sleep is more vital than staying out all night, and your memories from the day will show them how much fun a real camping trip can be.
Camping In The Yard Bottom Line
Backyard camping may be a thrilling adventure for the entire family, whether you are introducing your children to the concept of camping before a “real” trip, or you are seasoned veterans who prefer to stay closer to home for a change.