Backyard camping with kids? Oh, it’s the best way to dip your toes into the wild without leaving the comfort of home!  You get all the magic of sleeping under the stars, plus the safety net of your house just a few steps away. But let’s be real—camping with little ones, even in your own backyard, can be a bit of a circus.

From keeping everyone entertained to making sure they actually sleep, I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips, fun ideas, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s make this a night your family will never forget! 

Step 1: Turn Your Backyard into a Cozy Campsite

First things first—let’s set up a campsite that screams adventure! Grab a tent that’s easy to pop up and big enough for everyone to pile in. No camping tent? No problem! You can totally get creative by stringing a tarp between trees or building a blanket fort with some rope and stakes.  

Just make sure the ground is clear of any sneaky rocks or sticks, and lay down an old blanket or tarp to keep things nice and dry.

Now, let’s make it extra cozy! Pile in sleeping bags, fluffy pillows, and a few extra blankets—your kids will be obsessed with their little snuggle spot. String up some fairy lights or set out solar lanterns for that warm, magical glow as the sun goes down.  

If your backyard has the space, a small fire pit made with bricks or a portable fire bowl is perfect for roasting marshmallows (we’ll get to that soon!). Just a heads-up: keep the fire small and never leave it unattended with curious kiddos around. Safety first! 

Step 2: Pack the Right Stuff for Fun and Comfort

You might be close to home, but having the right camping gear makes it feel like a real adventure. Toss some snacks, drinks, and easy meal ingredients into a small cooler—think hot dogs, sandwiches, or pre-made foil packets you can heat up. A portable camping stove or grill is awesome if you don’t want to mess with a fire, but honestly, you can always sneak inside to grab whatever you need. 

Don’t forget the essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit for any little scrapes or bug bites. For sleeping, make sure everyone’s got a warm sleeping bag (nights can get chilly, even in summer!) and a foam pad or air mattress for extra comfort.

Oh, and flashlights or headlamps are a must—kids go wild exploring the “jungle” of your backyard after dark! Pro tip: pack extra batteries because a dead flashlight in the middle of a nighttime adventure is a total buzzkill. 

Step 3: Keep the Kids Entertained with Fun Activities

Here’s the secret to surviving backyard camping with kids: keep them busy and having fun! Start with a nature scavenger hunt—make a little list of things for them to find, like a pinecone, a red leaf, or a smooth rock. For the tiny ones, add easy tasks like spotting a bird or listening for crickets. It’s a great way to get them running around and burning off energy before bed. 

When the sun starts to set, it’s campfire time! (Or use battery-powered candles if fire isn’t your thing.) Roast marshmallows for s’mores—let the kids help with the graham crackers and chocolate, and watch their faces light up when they taste the gooey goodness.  

Tell stories around the fire; take turns making up silly ones or use a flashlight to make shadow puppets on the tent wall. If the sky’s clear, lay out a blanket and stargaze together. Point out constellations or make up your own—like “The Big Teddy Bear” or “The Flying Unicorn.” 

For extra giggles, hand out glow sticks or let them play flashlight tag in the dark. A backyard “wildlife expedition” is another hit—grab some binoculars to spot squirrels or listen for owls. The goal? Keep the magic alive while making sure everyone’s having a blast!

Step 4: Nail the Camping Meals (Kids Will Love This!)

Food is the best part of camping, hands down, and backyard camping is no different. Keep it simple but exciting for the kiddos. For dinner, hot dogs or veggie skewers over the fire are a total win—give them safe, long roasting sticks so they can help out. If you’re skipping the fire, pre-made sandwiches or wraps are just as yummy.

Toss in some fruit like apples or grapes for a healthy side, and keep water or juice boxes handy. 
Breakfast can be a fun treat: try “campfire” toast by toasting bread on a portable grill, then slathering it with peanut butter or jam. Want to go all out? Pre-mix pancake batter at home and cook it outside—let the kids flip the pancakes for extra fun!  

Snacks are your best friend for keeping everyone happy; pack granola bars, goldfish crackers, or trail mix for quick bites. And don’t skip the s’mores—nothing screams camping like this sticky, sweet treat!

Step 5: Get Everyone to Actually Sleep (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Okay, let’s talk about the tricky part: getting kids to sleep when they’re way too excited. Start with a chill bedtime routine. After the campfire and activities, have everyone brush their teeth (using the outdoor hose is a fun twist!) and change into cozy PJs. Read a bedtime story in the tent with a soft lantern or flashlight—pick something calming, like a book about forest animals. 

Make the tent super comfy with extra blankets and pillows. If your kids are a bit nervous about sleeping outside(maybe you need sleeping bag?), let them know you’re right there, and maybe leave the tent flap open so they can see the house. A white noise app on your phone can help block out sounds like rustling leaves or chirping crickets. If someone gets too scared or uncomfortable, don’t push it—having the option to head inside makes backyard camping so much easier. 

Step 6: Be Ready for Anything (Because Kids, Right?)

Even in your backyard, things can get a little wild! Check the weather before you start—rain can be a bummer, but you can make it work with a tarp over the tent or by moving the “campfire” to a covered spot.

Watch out for critters like mosquitoes or sneaky raccoons; store food securely and use bug spray to keep the bugs at bay. 
Kids might get cold, scared, or restless, so have a backup plan ready.

Keep extra blankets, a favorite stuffed animal, or a quick trip inside for a bathroom break on standby. If someone’s just not feeling the camping vibe, let them sleep indoors while the rest of you keep the adventure going—flexibility is your friend! 

Step 7: Make Memories and Start a Tradition

Backyard camping is all about those sweet, silly moments you’ll laugh about later, so don’t forget to capture them! Snap photos of the kids setting up the tent, roasting marshmallows, or pointing at the stars. Let them take some pictures too—they’ll love showing off their “big adventure.” The next morning, have them draw their favorite moment in a notebook to keep as a memory. 

If everyone has a blast, why not make backyard camping a family tradition? Try it in different seasons—fall for crunchy leaves, summer for warm nights, or even winter with extra blankets and hot cocoa. Each time, you’ll get the hang of it more, and your kids will grow to love camping, whether it’s in your backyard or out in the wild. 

SO! Just Go for It!

Surviving a backyard camping adventure with kids is all about being prepared, getting creative, and rolling with whatever comes your way. It’s not about everything being perfect—it’s about the giggles, the sticky marshmallow fingers, and the way your kids’ eyes light up under the stars.

With a few pieces of camping gear, some fun activities, and a whole lot of love, you’ll create a night your family will talk about forever. So grab your tent, round up the crew, and turn your backyard into a magical wilderness—your family adventure is waiting!