Taste of Home June 15, 2024
Lifestyle
Whether you’re a camping newbie or have roughed it tons of times, backyard camping is a blast. You get to immerse yourself in the outdoors, without all the packing, planning and gear-buying associated with traditional camping (plus, having nearby access to a clean bathroom is a pretty big perk). Plan your mini-getaway for an outdoor adventure—complete with different types of s’mores—with these helpful hints.
Setting up a cozy nest takes some teamwork. Here’s how to do it.
One of the best parts about backyard camping with kids? Eating around the fire!
If you have a fire pit, it’s easy to roast hot dogs, toast marshmallows, and even cook up meats and veggies in foil packets. Or, get inspired for your outdoor cooking adventure with any of these camp-friendly recipes.
If you don’t have a fire pit, a small charcoal grill will work. You can even make pudgy pies over the coals whenever tummies start to grumble. This pie iron makes it super simple!
Of course, you don’t need a campfire to eat like a camper. Pack sandwiches, trail mix, juice boxes and desserts in your cooler to grab at the ready. And because s’mores are a necessity even without a fire, try these fun, flame-free mini s’mores that are easy to make in the kitchen and pack up to enjoy outdoors.
There are so many family camping games and so much adventure to be had outside. From classic backyard games to hikes around the block, here are some fun activities to keep the whole family entertained all day—and into the night.
Make sure the event feels like a real campout by prepping ahead so you won’t have to dash back in the house every few minutes. Pack up everything you’ll need to sleep overnight, including a tent, sleeping bags, stuffed animals, pillows, flashlights, games, books, bug spray and a cooler packed with snacks and drinks.
Once you have all your essentials, make a pact that everyone should only go inside for emergencies and bathroom breaks (no sneaking in to check phones!), to make it feel like a real rustic getaway. And, of course, all electronics stay inside (that goes for parents too).
Whether it’s your first time camping as a family, or you just want a mini trip without all the hassle, backyard camping is fun at any age, because adventure can be found right outside your door. Use this camping checklist to plan the perfect trip, even if it’s right outside the back door.
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