Backyard camping can be a great experience for your family.
It’s a great way to get into the great outdoors, without really leaving the comfort of your own home.
Your children will love the sense of adventure and the chance to spend time with you.
Set Up a Tent
No matter if it’s inside or outside, kids love setting up a camping tent. You can find one for just a few dollars at many stores or consider borrowing one from a friend or relative.
Make sure to check the weather to see if rain is a possibility. Some parents have other types of camping units, such as popup camper that will work well too. These can offer a little more protection.
Sleeping Bags and Air Mattresses
Sleeping bags are great for warding off the night air and can add a sense of adventure to the backyard camping excursion. If you don’t have access to sleeping bags, grab some pillows and blankets.
If the hard ground just doesn’t quite meet your expectations, an air mattress can provide a little more comfort.
Insect Spray Is a Must
With all of the diseases now passed on by mosquitoes, you’ll want to spray everyone with insect spray. Make sure you choose a product that does not contain DDT, as this can be hazardous, especially for children. There are now wipes available that contain insect repellant that are great to use on small children.
Pack a Flashlight or Lantern
No matter how much your kids are enjoying themselves; it’s probably a good bet that they will get a little nervous before the night is over. Make sure everyone has a flashlight.
If you have to use more than one tent, place the openings facing each other, so you can hear if someone gets up in the middle of the night.
Make sure you leave a light on for those that need to return inside the house to use the bathroom. You certainly don’t want a child falling down the steps.
Grab the BBQ Grill
Grilling up a simple meal of hotdogs and hamburgers is quick and easy. Your kids can gather rocks and twigs to build a campfire area, even if it’s never lit. It will add a little bit of character to your campsite. If you need some added light after the sun goes down, you can hide a couple of flashlights in the twigs to create an atmosphere of a fire.
Storytelling and Spooky Fun
No camping trip would be complete without some storytelling. Have each child tell a story and make sure you participate in the fun as well.
One great storytelling game is to have each person tell a little bit of the story. This can end up being a wacky story and will usually gain a lot of laughs.
In Closing
A backyard camping trip can be a lot of fun for your family. Set up a tent, grab the BBQ grill, and plan some games. Make sure you have insect spray and flashlights.
Leave a light on for the late night visit to the bathroom. Tell some great stories and remember above all to have some fun with your kids.
