Ah, summer. For Minnesotans, it only comes once a year. Time flies by quickly, and we are great at trying to cram in as much as possible into those summer months. Having backyard camping ideas can give you and your family options for great summer fun.
Camping used to be such a chore. Not anymore! Twin Cities Kids Club
is your online source for money-saving discounts that families on a budget can use for events, kid-friendly ideas, and so much more!
So without further ado, Twin Cities Kids Club is proud to bring you the top 7 backyard camping ideas to help you make memories with your family that will last a lifetime.
Bring the great outdoors home with backyard camping!
Our Favorite Backyard Camping Ideas
1 – Pitch a Tent
Camping isn’t camping without a tent. Even in the comfort of your backyard, bring the camping experience directly to you by doing the very thing that gives camping its essence.
Whether you have a pop-up camper, tent, or hang some bedsheets, give your family the truest camping experience possible. Then, actually, sleep in the tent by spending the night in the great outdoors!
Get everyone’s space ready by grabbing sleeping bags. Kids love the cozy feel. However, if the ground is particularly rough, try putting a yoga mat underneath everyone’s sleeping bag to make it more comfortable.
The mat can also double as an activity mat during the day. Bonus!
2 – Deck Out Your Space
Every campsite needs some tiki torches. If you don’t have any, you could deck your space out with string lights, streamers, balloons, and the like. Get creative!
If you have the proper setup, hang a hammock. They are a great way to relax and unwind and sneak in some cuddle time with your little ones. Grab a good book or a summer drink and sway your way into summer fun!
3 – Play Games
Kids and adults alike love to play games. Traditional backyard games like volleyball, bean bag toss, or ring toss are classic and quick to set up.
For something a bit more involved, try setting up a scavenger hunt. Let your kids find hidden “treasures” right in your very own backyard. If you choose to venture to a park, you could go Geocaching or play Pokemon Go.
4 – Get In Tune With Nature
The great outdoors is home to numerous plants, critters, and bugs. A simple backyard camping idea is to get out and explore! Don’t limit yourself to just your backyard, but perhaps go around your neighborhood or go to a local park or nature preserve.
Three Rivers Parks are free and open to the public. Trail hiking is accessible and fun for the whole family. A day of birding could be a unique learning opportunity for you and your kids. And if you stay late enough in the day, take some time to watch the glow of the sunset.
Whatever you do outside is guaranteed to be an adventure. So go have fun and get “into” the great outdoors!
5 – Cook Over a Campfire
What is camping without a campfire? Don’t miss out on all the opportunities to watch your kids learn a new way to cook.
From hot dogs and popcorn to burgers and smores, you’ll enjoy teaching your kids to cook cautiously over an open flame. And let’s face it, a burnt marshmallow is bound to happen. You’ll all get a good laugh when the first marshmallow goes up in flames.
If you don’t have a campfire, an inexpensive fire pit can be made using one of these great ideas. Cost and setup may vary. Choose the option best suited for you so you can get back to making memories that last a lifetime!
6 – Enjoy Campfire Traditions
Did someone say S’mores? Circle everyone around the campfire and let the marshmallow roasting begin. There’s nothing better than a gooey marshmallow smashed between chocolate and graham crackers. You can find all kinds of fun S’mores recipes and ideas here.
Campfires are also known for singing campfire songs. Your kids will love belting out hearty verses of “Going on a Bear Hunt” or “Camp Granada.”
Invite your neighbors in on the fun! Then you can all gather around the fire and sing a peaceful rendition of “Kumbaya” to cap out the night.
7 – Flashlight Festivities
If the kiddos are still a bit wound up from all the sugar, have everyone play a few rounds of flashlight or glow stick tag. Better yet, find nature’s flashlights and go lightning bug hunting!
However, sometimes the dark of night brings about a spooky feel. Grab a flashlight and have someone share ghost stories. Depending on your children’s ages, it may be best to keep the spook factor to a minimum.
The night is young; live it up!
Why Join Twin Cities Kids Club?
Twin Cities Kids Club is here to help you make the most memorable summer moments you’ll remember year-round. We are excited to provide you with great money-saving ideas for the summer months.
Founded in 2015, Twin Cities Kids Club is your online source for money-saving discounts that families on a budget can use at exclusive local children’s events. If you live in Minneapolis-St. Paul and the surrounding area, and you are looking for the best deals on family fun; Twin Cities Kids Club is the perfect place for you!
We have all the family entertainment deals, news, and events you can handle, and we are passionate about connecting Twin Cities families with local businesses for fun and entertainment. Join Twin Cities Kids Club now and stay on top of Twin Cities family fun today!
The Possibilities are Endless With These Backyard Camping Ideas!
Whatever you decide to do for your backyard family camping experience, be sure to make every moment count. No camping tradition should go by the wayside simply because you are at home.
Make every moment matter and give your kids the camping experience they will remember for years to come.
Let Twin Cities Kids Club help you as you navigate activities to do during your camping adventure. We are here to help you bring your backyard to life!
So get out there, and bring the great outdoors home with a backyard campout!