The Joy of a Family Backyard Camp Out
By KyAnn Lewis, GalTime.com
Although my husband is ready to start pitching a tent instead of making hotel reservations, I'm not quite there yet. I thought I'd start out smaller and stay closer to home (and the facilities). If you don't have the time ... or experience ... to take the family on a full-fledged camping trip, how about a backyard camp out?
To find out how to create a fun and memorable backyard camping experience, I consulted with the experts at PlayOutdoors.com who, in addition to selling outdoor gear for kids, have a blog packed with ideas for outdoor fun.
Related: A Beginner's Guide to Camping With Kids
GalTime: What are some ways to "camp" in your own backyard?
Heidi Drake, PlayOutdoors: Ease into it with a little "day camp"-break out the grill and picnic supplies, and if you have a fire pit, practice roasting some hotdogs and marshmallows. Spread a blanket on the ground, and snuggle up in sleeping bags for some stargazing. If everyone seems to be having a ball, set up the tent next time and actually sleep outside in your own yard!
GalTime: What supplies do you need for a fun backyard campout?
Heidi Drake, PlayOutdoors: A tent, sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, and food! Play clothes and warm PJs, too. The great part about backyard camping is the first aid kit and other emergency supplies are still handy, but you don't have to remember to pack them!
Do check to see if it's okay to have a campfire in your neighborhood-if open flames are not allowed, there are some great propane fire pits out there that'll still roast your S'mores.
Related: How to Survive (and Enjoy) a Family Road Trip
GalTime: Give us some fun snack and meal suggestions for an authentic camp-out experience.
Heidi Drake, PlayOutdoors: Check out these Campfire articles for details: Breakfast & Lunch and Dinner.
My kids go back and forth between wanting classics like burgers, hot dogs, and S'mores to being more creative with pocket stews, fruit kabobs and such. Another HUGE favorite is the ball-style ice-cream maker-perfect for a game of "camp soccer."
GalTime: Got any fun ghost stories?
Heidi Drake, PlayOutdoors: My husband likes to make up stories that relate to the specific camp out (be it back yard or in the boonies) and relay a message while scaring the kids-like the one about how two little girls went off the trail and stepped on delicate animal homes and food, and the mad animal ghosts came to haunt them at night (complete with shadow puppets of the "ghosts"). Kids love stories where they can say, "Hey, that's about me!"
Related: Babies Banned on Planes? Join the Conversation!
GalTime: Any fun games to play?
Heidi Drake, PlayOutdoors: Our family favorite? "Hunt and Chase," which is really just hide and seek with headlamps on at night. Tent games are perfect for rainy days and we like keeping structured games like Educational Outdoors' Snipe Hunt or S'mores card on hand too. A more casual way to have some fun is to do camping-themed charades or trade crazy camping stories around the fire.
Ever camped in your own backyard? Do your kids like camping? How about you?
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