Camping in the backyard is a great family activity during the warmer months. Sleeping out under the stars is such a novelty for little ones, and their enthusiasm is positively infectious! The new surrounds really spark their imaginations, and it’s also a great opportunity to unplug from your technology and enjoy the simpler things in life.
Perhaps you’re planning your backyard campout as a fun activity, or as a dry run before a real camping trip. But while you’re in the yard, why not set the kids up to have a snooze under the stars on your trampoline? It’s a comfy bedding option, especially if you don’t have much camping equipment, and you’ll feel snug as a bug in a rug underneath the moon and night sky as you drift off to sleep.
Camping trips require know-how and expertise at the best of times, and bringing children along takes it to another level of planning. You’ll need first aid supplies, not to mention your best eagle parent vision to ensure the kids don’t go running off or getting into trouble.
If your kids are clamouring for a camping trip but you don’t feel confident in your nature knowledge to take them on one safely, camping out in the backyard is a fun compromise. You get to appreciate nature and revel in some quality family time, all without leaving your backyard at all. It’s also a great excuse to unplug devices and enjoy a mini digital detox as you focus instead on the stars and the sound of the wind through the trees.
Kids love the novelty of sleeping outdoors in a tent, and having a group camping party can be a fun and inexpensive slumber party to remember!
There is so much natural stimuli outside that kids may not be exposed to on a regular basis. You can go on a nature walk and keep an eye out for birds (or pretend dinosaurs!) and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Encourage kids to get messy in the dirt, search for bugs, and appreciate all the clouds and trees on display.
As the sun starts to sink, some glow or light up toys can quell any anxiety kids may have about the dark. Glow sticks, glowing bubbles, glow paints – there is a world of toys available out there to entertain the little ones when the moon comes out. Having a campfire and roasting marshmallows or making damper are both yummy treats that kids can enjoy while having a campout in the backyard. You can set up an outdoor fire pit quite easily, and it’s the perfect location for sharing spooky stories!
When planning your backyard camping trip for the kids, a fun idea is to try and recreate a realistic camping experience. Set up your campsite just as you would if you were really in the wilderness, with a mini campsite kitchen and campground games to help your little ones imagine that they’re really somewhere off the beaten track. It’s also a fun idea to pretend that you can’t see the house, although you may want to figure out an alternative toilet situation if you’re going to go down this path… !
It’s awesome to pretend to be on a real camping trip, but why not take the evening to a whole new level of the imagination? There are lots of themed trampoline tents on the market that can add a realistic element to your kids’ imaginative play. A themed trampoline tent lets your little ones sleep in comfort on your springy trampoline, and a range of sizes are available to suit most models. Kids can roll up, roll up, to an awesome circus themed trampoline tent, or camp like royalty in a princess tent.
Camping bingo is a popular games to play. Give kids a little checklist of things they may find on their trip and let them tick things off as they find them. This is great fun and encourages kids to keep an eye on their surroundings.
Scavenger hunts are also a great way to keep entertained. Hide items around your yard or local park, and have the kids walk around hunting for them. This can be extra fun in the backyard with glowing items!
No matter what kind of backyard camping experience you’re looking to create for your kids, here’s a handy checklist of backyard camping supplies that you will probably need at some point in the night:
