Family camping in the backyard can be just as much of an adventure as camping in the woods, but with the added bonus of being just steps away from your own kitchen and bathroom. 

So, if you ever find your kids going stir crazy or are running out of creative ways to entertain them, pop up a tent in your backyard to entertain them for a night or two. A special evening can include some simple food and entertainment already at your disposal: smores, movies, popcorn, board games, arts and crafts, and stargazing. But if you need more kid-friendly backyard camping ideas, read on!

Choose a Backyard Glamping Tent

First, you'll need a glamping tent that fits in your backyard. Any tent will charm the kids, but the larger the better if adults want to join them! However, always make sure it fits in your space.

Our canvas tent collection offers several styles and sizes of tents, each offering plenty of interior space for you and the kiddos, with room to spread out. Browse and compare bell tents to determine the best size to accommodate kids and adults for whatever backyard celebration or camping party you like!

Purchase a tent of your choosing to keep for year-round activities and parties. But if you prefer to rent a tent, and live in the Portland or San Diego area, we will even come and set it up for you!

Add Furnishings & Decorations

Once your backyard camping tent is up, you will want to think about the furnishing and decorations. You can go with a standard camping theme or get creative and design with a theme in mind (e.g., Super Hero, Pink Party, Balloons, Disney, Bluey, Sports, etc.).

Here are some suggested basic furnishings and gear to include:

• Cots or air mattress

• Sleeping bags or blankets

• Pillows

• Lanterns

• Flashlights

• Rugs

• End table

• Floor pillows

• Night light

• Walkie-Talkies

• Slippers

• Robes

• Paper towels

• String lights

• Firepit

Plan Fun Activities

Plan some fun activities to help keep the little ones entertained during their backyard camping adventure.

Here is quick list of possible backyard camping activities to consider:

• Movie time (on a table, laptop, or projector)
• Board games
• Arts and Crafts
• Video games
• Classroom
• Scavenger hunt
• Yard games
• Karaoke
• Stargazing
• Group sing-a-long
• Campfire stories

Let's explore a bit more in detail...

Birthday Parties

Whatever birthday milestone your kid is hitting -- from one to sixteen! -- You can turn your backyard into a camping retreat and birthday party celebration. 

 

@couldIhavethat

Teaching Classes & Learning

Plan a field trip and take the kids outside into the tent. It's a great way to make sure they get some fresh air as they continue their learning. Even better -- educate them on nature, science, and all things outdoors.

Screen a Movie Night

Grab a digital projector and have a movie night! You don't even need a screen -- just aim it at the bell tent door and gather around. Add some comfort with pillows and poufs. And don't forget the snacks like popcorn and other treats.

Take in Some Stargazing 

Teach your kids to appreciate the jaw-dropping beauty and wonders of the night sky. How? By planning a night of stargazing. (Hint: Our clear-topped Stella™ stargazer bell tents are perfect for this!)

Download a few astronomy apps and grab a telescope to make the most of your stargazing experience. Also be sure to check out our yearly-updated Stargazing Calendar to plan the perfect night for seeing constellations, moon phases, and more!

Looking for more ideas? Check out our entire roundup list of family-friendly camping activities and games.

Don't Forget to Bring the Snacks

Snacks and treats will keep kids from getting hangry and keep them happy.

You don't have to plan a full-blown camping menu. Just think of a few of their favorite go-to snacks and arrange an easy finger-food-like spread around that.

Here are some quick snack options that you could include along with the backyard camping adventure:

• Popcorn

• Smores

• Trail mix

• Hot chocolate

• Mountain House adventure meals

• Granola

• Cookies

• Fruit salad

• Cooler with beverages

Final Thoughts

Once you have your backyard camping tent all set up, keep it up for a few days. Later in the week or the following weekend, you can transform the sleeping tent into a fun fort for the kids to hang out in for hours of entertainment.

Ultimately, you will discover that you don’t really need to come up with a planned-to-the nines parties or activities. Kids can be pretty easy to please and you may find that the space alone will inspire their own creative ideas.

Kids are pretty good at entertaining themselves and you might be surprised how they envision your backyard campsite.