Backyard Camping with Your Kids

In the U.S. today, most parents work. A lot. When we get home at the end of the day, we concentrate on our kids: getting their homework done, taking them to lessons, feeding them, reading to them, bathing them, getting them to bed. There isn't a lot of time for reflection, for bonding with our kids and catching up with them as growing individuals. I know from experience that, if we're not careful, we wake up one day realizing we don't know our children that well at all. When the weekend rolls around, we want to spend quality time with them, but we can't always afford to get away. Fortunately, parents can always afford to make time for their children - even if it's only a few feet away from their back door. With warmer weather on its way, now is a perfect time to consider the simple joys of a backyard vacation.

Some of you may find the idea of a backyard getaway ridiculous, and its silliness is certainly part of its charm. The backyard getaway is, also, not limited to a home's backyard. My husband and I started camping out with our kids early in our marriage - on the balcony of our second-story apartment. In the winter, we've enjoyed camping out in the living room, as well. A tent, a pile of blankets and a movie is a great combination.

So, what exactly is needed for a successful backyard camping adventure. Well, a tent, of course. My husband and I highly suggest using a "real" tent. We have tried using the junior-sized Spider-Man tent, and unless you want to wake up soaked with dew and freezing cold, save the Spider-Man tent for the indoor campout. You can find a good tent for a reasonable price, such as the Suisse Sport 12' x 10' 2-room tent at Walmart.com for just $54.49. Affordable sleeping bags can also be found, although piling the tent full of blankets works just as well.

We also include a battery-operated radio (for music), a flashlight and plenty of drinks and snacks. There is an unspoken rule in our family: when camping in the backyard, you can only go back in the house to use the bathroom (or leave the tent, or balcony, etc.) It makes it more fun, and kids love to play along.

Another really fun addition to a backyard campout is the fire pit. Ready-made firepits have become really popular in recent years. They add warm to gather around after dark, make scary stories even scarier and are great for toasting marshmallows or making S'mores. A good example of an affordable fire pit is the Garden Treasures 30" Cast Iron Fire Pit sold at Lowes.com for $59.00. It's inexpensive, but sturdy. If stored properly in inclement weather, they can be used for years. A word of caution, however. My husband and I once bought a really cheap fire pit specifically for roasting marshmallows. It was of such poor quality that the legs actually melted off while the fire was burning, resulting in a small grass fire. No one was hurt, but we always make sure every part of the fire pit is made of a reliable metal.

Hopefully, this article has provided some tips and ideas to help you create a new tradition for your family. Whether telling stories, playing games or just talking during your campout, make sure you make it your own. An impromptu campout with your kids is time that you'll never regret.