Throw a Backyard Camping Night Your Kids Will Never Forget With These 8 Ideas

Summer is the perfect time for playing outdoors, relaxing by the pool, and embarking on fun adventures, such as camping trips. But for the family that can't get away, there are still many ways to make summer fun while spending time at home. If you're looking for a fun way to surprise your kids without spending thousands on a beach vacation or a trip to Disney World, why not go camping in your own backyard?

This might seem like the sort of activity that goes on a '90s summer bucket list, and you might have even done this with your parents as a kid. Whether it's a brand-new activity for you or a nostalgia-filled adventure, you need practical ways to make it memorable.

No matter what type of equipment and supplies you have on hand, you can throw an epic backyard camping night that your kids will never forget. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can keep things simple or go all out. Either way, what's most important is the memories you make and the quality time you spend together.

If you're looking for the best way to spend a free night this summer, here's everything you need to know about planning the perfect camping trip in your backyard.

First Off, Let's Talk Sleep

It's true, you might not be getting much sleep on your backyard camping trip. Once you're over 30, it becomes more difficult to get a good night's sleep in any bed other than your own, let alone one that's outside on the ground. Once you see the excitement on your kid's faces, though, it will be worth a little bit of sleep deprivation.

The first step to setting up your camping night under the stars is to pitch a tent. You can use whatever camping tent you have on hand or buy one just for the occasion. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, especially since you'll likely only be spending one night in it.

Decorate the Tent (And Let the Kids Help)

Since you're not actually packing up and going to a campsite, there aren't any rules when it comes to what you do with your tent. You can add twinkly lights to make it more festive and bring some of the kids' favorite items to make it feel like home.

If you want to surprise the kids, you can set everything up yourself, or you can let them help you decorate. Kids are notorious for their imagination and creativity, which could come in handy when you're trying to decorate.

Create a Fire Pit

No camping experience would be complete without a campfire. You can build your own fire pit or purchase an outdoor fire pit at your local Home Depot or Walmart. A basic one will only cost between $20-$40, and it doesn't have to be anything fancy if you're only using it for one night.

A fire pit gives you the perfect opportunity to sing songs, make s'mores, and even keep you cool if it gets a little chilly in the evening.

Plan Some Activities

While the kids will probably love being outside and running around in the yard, you can make the night even more memorable by planning some special activities. A scavenger hunt around the campsite is the perfect way to keep the kids entertained without having to spend too much money.

You can have them hunt for different things in your yard, or you can hide different toys and trinkets that you purchase from places like Dollar Tree. Keep the fun going by hiding things like bubble wands that they can play with, or even a new game for them to play outdoors.

Play a Game

Speaking of games, there are so many fun outdoor games that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Instead of simply letting the kids run around, play a game together as a family. Options like corn hole or croquet are great for all ages.

If you're looking for a way to elevate the fun, you can also purchase games made specifically for the outdoors, like Giant Jenga or Connect 4. These types of games can get expensive, but they're something you'll likely use on other occasions as well.

Share a Tasty Meal

While s'mores are delicious, they shouldn't be the only thing you're eating on your backyard camping night. If you have a grill, this is the perfect opportunity to use it. Meals like hot dogs, hamburgers, or ribs would be perfect for the occasion.

Since you're camping right outside, it makes prepping a tasty meal simple. You don't have to worry about keeping any of the sides cool or running out of supplies. Try a couple of different barbecue sides and prep them ahead of time so they're ready to go.

Tell Stories

Stories, whether you make them up yourself or read them from a book, bring families together. Bedtime stories are definitely better when they're read under a starry sky. When you're preparing for your backyard camping night, don't forget to bring some of your kids' favorite books.

If your kids are a bit older, they might enjoy hearing some (slightly) spooky stories around the campfire. You can make up your own or find some classic campfire stories online.

Watch a Family Movie Together

If you've got a big enough space, it's easy to DIY your own outdoor theater, even on a budget. You can do this with a projector and even create a makeshift screen if you don't want to invest in an actual projector screen.

The movie you choose is up to you – we recommend going with a family classic. Depending on the noises outside and the quality of your screen, it may be challenging for your kids to focus on a new movie they've never seen. But a favorite movie they've seen a hundred times? They'll love getting to watch it again on your family backyard camping trip.

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