The summer is in full swing, and although for many of us the kids have been home for a while, we're still hunting for things to keep them entertained during the summer. Many of the activities we might normally have lined up for these months may not be available (thanks, worldwide health issues), but that doesn’t mean all hope for a fun summer is lost.
Camping is one of those memory-makers many parents and kids look forward to during the summer. Unfortunately, with travel still iffy and many restrictions still in place to keep everyone healthy, we have to pivot those plans a little bit.
All we have to do is think outside the box, use some of our imagination, and we will be able to give our kids a summer filled with happy memories that will last a lifetime. Instead of camping at a campground or traveling up north to the woods, parents and kids can make use of their own backyard.
We've rounded up 15 fun backyard camping ideas to give everyone the break they need without having to go outside their bubble.
Build a Tent at Home
Yes, we know that there are a hundred different tents we could buy for a fun backyard camping event, but why not make it even more memorable and build a tent at home? There are several different ways to build a tent — whether going a more teepee-style or traditional camping tent — including several no-sew options if that's got to be part of the equation.
Gourmet Your S'mores
What is camping without s'mores? It's definitely a must-have for the backyard camping fun, but instead of going traditional, gourmet it up. Instead of using graham crackers, grab waffle cones and build the marshmallow-chocolate goodness inside. These work well for backyard camping fun because they're less messy and give everyone bigger helpings.
Set Up a Movie Theater
Why not make two events into one — camping and a drive-in movie night? Although it may seem intimidating to set up a movie viewing party outside, it's not that challenging if the right stuff is available. Being able to hang outside in a comfy tent, eating waffle s'mores, and watching a movie is the perfect setup for the best night ever.
Make Campfire Popcorn for Movie Night
If having a movie night at the backyard camping event is going to take place — or even if it isn't — popcorn as a snack is always going to be a good idea. There are ways to pop a good batch without needing a microwave or an oven. It can be done with the campfire, and it's just as good, if not better, than how we normally make popcorn.
Have a Joke-Telling Contest
Everyone loves a good joke, and making a contest out of it is a really fun way to pass the time while camping in the backyard. Everyone loves a good laugh, and if people know ahead of time this will be happening, they can read up to bring some funny jokes or have time to think up their own. Or bring some joke books along for the camping event in the backyard and have a great giggle.
Go Hiking in the Neighborhood
Most often, camping accompanies some element of walking or hiking. Because camping in the backyard doesn't require going too far, make an event out of going for a hike around the neighborhood. Perhaps walk down the one street the family hasn't explored yet or find a nearby park to walk through and provide a setting for a nature scavenger hunt. It's a good activity just before bed. It might even help the little ones sleep.
Play Tic-Tac-Toe with Rocks
One of the best parts about backyard camping is limiting screen time and really spending time with each other. This fun Tic-Tac-Toe game uses rocks as the Xs and Os – the family can play over and over again, and spending time painting the rocks and the board makes for a fun time-passing activity as well.
Make Mocktails
Typically, backyard camping takes place when it's a hot day. Refreshments are necessary, and mocktails just make it that much more fun. Try something such as a Shirley Temple. It's a great mix of ginger ale, syrup, and cherries that will quench thirst and bring a sparkle to everyone's eyes. Just don't drink too many.
Make 'Bug Bombs' To Keep Critters Away
Often when camping, mosquitoes and other insects are out in full force, eating us semi-alive. We have to spray ourselves with bug spray and wear long sleeves. There are ways to help reduce that annoyance and turn it into a fun craft time instead. These "bug bombs" contain ingredients that repel mosquitos and other bugs — keeping everyone bug-bite free.
Sleep Under the Stars
If someone checked the weather forecast before the backyard camping date was scheduled, perhaps there is no need for a tent. Sleeping under the stars is something that allows for a beautiful stillness, looking up into the dark sky, and offers a fun way to learn about astrology.
Turn Fire Fun Colors
We love a good (safe) campfire and they're a staple in camping fun, but what if there was a way to turn the fire into a little something extra? This product turns the red-orange color of fire into colorful flames. This is something that will get any backyard camping night popping and make the kids' eyes turn big with wonder.
Do a Pretend Campfire
If the bylaws in the city don't allow for backyard campfires or there are little children around, fun can still be had with a paper-pretend version. Making a DIY fake campfire is an effective option for those two situations, and it's also another fun activity to do before bed or while the family is waiting for it to get dark outside.
Make Recycled Lanterns
We understand that sometimes the scariest part about camping is the fact that there's an expectation to sleep outdoors when it's super dark. Make the experience a little less scary by spending some time putting together recycled lanterns. They're beautiful and give just enough light that they look like subtle campfire.
Sleep in a Hammock
No one said a backyard camping adventure had to be done on the bumpy cold ground. If sleeping in a hammock is something that is of added interest, make a day of it and start off the event by making these hammocks. Yes, safety is important, so be sure to never use one for a young child, and don't put them up too high.
Tell Scary Stories
There is only one thing that goes together better than scary stories and camping, and that's peanut butter and jelly. If having a backyard camping adventure is in the near future, brush up on some good scary stories to tell in the dark before bed. These are a must-do activity when everyone is around the campfire eating s'mores or popcorn.
