You don’t have to miss out on camping because you can't go out or your favorite campground is closed. With a little planning and some ingenuity, you can go camping right in your own backyard. Here are 10 things you can do to turn your yard into your family’s favorite campsite.
1. Pitch Your Tents
If you have regular camping tents, set them up. If not, hang tarps or blankets over a clothesline. You can add some outdoor lights for fun and bust out the sleeping bags and even that air mattress if you have one! Camp in luxury in the comfort of your backyard.
2. Make a Fire
You might not be able to have an open fire but a small, enclosed fire pit is inexpensive and can be used the same way. You can also use a grill!
3. Campfire Cooking
No camping "trip" is complete without campfire cooking. Make sure you have all the stuff needed for S'mores. Tinfoil packets are easy and fun to make. Craving hot dogs? Find a stick (or pack some skewers) and grill your favorite sausage or tofu dog over the campfire!
4. Plan Activities
When you go camping there are usually fun activities for the family to enjoy. Plan some of these for your camping outing at home. Send the kids on a scavenger hunt, play lawn darts, and spend some time stargazing. All it takes is a little planning.
5. Campfire Stories
No camping trip is complete without campfire stories. For funny story time, have one person start a story and leave off at an interesting point for the next person to pick up and expand upon. Plan how many times to go round the circle and who ends the story. Want to make sure you have enough family friendly stories to share with the kids? Check out some of our favorite legends.
6. Stay Outside
That may sound easy but the temptation to run back into the house will be ever-present. Prep your food and make sure everyone has their flashlights and stuffed animals. Stay outside except for emergencies like bathroom breaks.
7. Be Prepared for Bugs
Don't let bugs spoil your fun. Green Goo's Bugs Be Gone is an all-natural bug spray that is a unique and highly effective blend of carefully selected herbs and essential oils that helps repel insects. With all natural ingredients, relax and enjoy your time together knowing that there are no harmful ingredients in your bug spray.
8. Have a Singalong
Have everyone gather around the campfire, or fire pit, and sing songs. Singing in the round is always fun too. It's sure to inspire lots of giggles and create lasting memories.
9. Watch a Movie
Hang a sheet and set up a projector to watch a movie outdoors. Make popcorn and s'mores and relax.
10. Catch Fireflies
What would summer be like without catching fireflies? Put holes in a jar lid, catch fireflies and place in jar, and let them light up your tent for the night. Don’t forget to release them in the morning.
How’d we do? Did we miss any of your essential camping activities? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media! Who knows, your idea might just end up in our next blog!