Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but you can’t find the time to take them camping? Or would you like to introduce your kids to the fun of camping for the first time, but aren’t sure if they’ll enjoy it or freak out? Either way, camping in your backyard will be a fun way to spend an afternoon and evening with your kids.
Get the kids involved in setting up a campsite in your backyard. Ask them to help you set up the tent. Put them in charge of carrying their sleeping bags, flashlights, and anything else they might need to the tent. If it’s an option for you, you may want to build a fire pit in your backyard. Check with your fire department beforehand if this is an option in your area. If not, just pull out the charcoal or gas grill. Grill up some hotdogs and foil fries for dinner and of course you’ll need some s’mores for dessert. If you are going to roast the marshmallows on the grill, place some aluminum foil on the grill to prevent the melting marshmallows from spilling onto the grill.
Don’t have a tent, or even a backyard for that matter? That is no reason not to camp. Just spread out your sleeping bags, or even a blanket in the living room. Turn off the television, radio, and video games. If you have a fireplace, light a fire. Otherwise order pizza and make popcorn and you can even make s’mores in the microwave.
No matter where you decide to have your camping trip close to home, take some time to sit down together and talk. Telling stories, whether there’s a campfire or not, is always fun. Your children’s imagination in creating new stories may surprise you. Don’t forget to tell some heirloom family tales.
Above all, think of your favorite camping memories and re-create them with your children. Do you remember any good scary stories? Is there a game you liked to play? What is your favorite card game?
Have fun with this, enjoy your kids and make some memories.