Backyard Camping Ideas for Kids: Create Adventures

Some of our best memories are made at home, and Backyard Camping Ideas for Kids is exactly what I needed to break up our usual rhythm. Something about sleeping under the stars—even a few feet from the kitchen—brings out a different kind of excitement in young learners.

If you’re planning themed learning days or want an exciting weekend, you’ll want to look at these fun camping activities for kids. I keep returning to that page for new ideas to refresh our plans, and it always delivers something seasonal or creative.

Turning our yard into a campsite is one of the easiest ways to keep things fun and low-stress. This list includes many options for families looking to make the most out of their backyard space.

If your children are anything like mine, they’ll be all in from when you mention flashlights and tents. Keep reading for activity ideas, supply suggestions, and even a few book recommendations that fit the theme.

collage of some Backyard Camping Ideas for Kids

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Fun Facts About Backyard Camping

I like starting our campouts with neat facts to set the mood. It helps build anticipation and turns a simple night into something to remember.

Backyard camping can help children sleep better by limiting screen time and resetting their internal clocks.
It’s a great way to introduce basic survival and outdoor skills in a familiar space.
Even short outdoor stays can positively impact mood and reduce stress levels for both kids and parents.

Recommended Camping Books

Reading around a camp lantern or flashlight adds a new vibe to storytime. I usually pull a few themed books that match the camping mood, and they’ve become a cozy end to our outdoor evenings.

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping (I Can Read Level 2)Pony Scouts: The Camping Trip (I Can Read Level 2)Curious George Goes Camping Pete the Cat Goes Camping (I Can Read Level 1)A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee The Berenstain Bears Go to Camp

Benefits of Backyard Camping

The biggest perk for me is the peace of mind. Packaging the car or worrying about forgotten gear is unnecessary because everything is within reach. If someone gets cold, we grab another blanket. If the bugs get too annoying, we head inside.

Backyard camping also helps introduce young ones to outdoor sleeping without overwhelming them. The sounds, the different sleeping setup, and nighttime routines can be a significant shift. But when home is right there, it gives them space to adjust.

If someone needs a snack or to use the washroom, it’s all a few steps away. I love having the ability to run inside to get what we need.

Recommended Backyard Camping Essentials

You don’t need fancy gear to make this work, but a few basics go a long way. A tent or fort-building supplies, sleeping bags or thick blankets, flashlights, and bug spray usually do the trick. We also keep water bottles, snacks, and a small first-aid kit handy.

FLY2SKY Tent Lamp 4 Packs Portable LED Tent Lights Clip Hook Hurricane Emergency Lights LED Camping Lights Bulb Camping Lanterns Camping Equipment for Camping Hiking Backpacking Outage KICKOUTOR Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control Tabletop Fire Pit with Smores Maker Kit Portable Indoor/Outdoor Mini Small Fireplace Table Top Decor Home Patio Balcony Backyard Gifts for Women Mom Her Wedding Mothers Day Housewarming Birthday Gift Tents for Camping 3-4 Person with Rainfly, Camping Tents 100% Waterproof Windproof, Not Crowded for 2 Person Camping Tent, Outdoor Dome Tent Easy Setup, Backpacking Tent for Adventure Backyard GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro Rocker Camping Chair | Portable Folding Rocking Chair with Durable Armrests & Drink Holder — Sweet Tea Portable Fan Rechargeable, 20000mAh Cordless Battery Powered Fan with LED Lantern, USB C Battery Operated for Travel Bedroom Home Camping Tent Office Beach Desk Fishing Table

Recommended Printable Pack for Camping Fun

My shop has a collection of camping-themed printables that make planning activities easier and more engaging.

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit Camping

More Camping Activities To Try

If your kids had fun with one or two activities, it’s worth building up a few more for the next time. These hands-on moments stick with them and keep them busy without a screen.

Camping Tracing Worksheets
Camping Activities for Preschoolers
Camping Activities for Kindergarten
Awesome Camping Crafts For Preschoolers by Simple Everyday Mom
Camping Art Activities for Preschoolers by Homeschool Preschool

Campfire Safety Worksheets

We used these to start a conversation about fire safety. It gave my older kids something to lead, and the younger ones absorbed more than I expected. A smart mix of learning and fun.

Backyard Astronomy Adventure Guide

We waited until after dinner, spread out a blanket, and pulled out this guide. Even cloudy nights turned into a chance to spot shapes in the sky. It’s relaxing and educational without feeling like a lesson.

Camping I Spy Printables

Perfect for younger children who love a good search game. These printables kept my kids busy while we set up our tent and prepped snacks. It’s a great quiet-time option.

https://www.thekeeperofthecheerios.com

Plastic Cup Lanterns and Luminaries

We made these last summer and ended up using them for multiple nights. They were surprisingly easy and gave the campsite a fun glow. Just make sure you prep a clean space for decorating.

https://www.craftsonsea.co.uk

Foil Painted Campfire Craft

This one got everyone involved. It’s a clever way to mimic a campfire without the actual flames. Plus, the shiny foil makes it stand out in pictures.

https://www.thecrazyoutdoormama.com

Glowing Camping Lantern

We used leftover water bottles and glow sticks for this. It’s fun after dark and adds to the camping mood. Each child made their own, and it was neat seeing how different they turned out.

https://homeschoolpreschool.net

Free Printable Camping Snakes and Ladders Game

This printable board game was great for winding down. It tied in nicely with the theme. We played a few rounds before settling in with snacks.

https://www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Handprint Firefly Craft

Simple and sweet, especially for younger campers. We added glitter to make it pop. It’s one of those keepsakes I save.

https://www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Smores Name Craft

This one will help early readers recognize and spell their names. It’s cute and doubles as a decor piece. We hung ours in the tent.

https://playtolearnpreschool.us

DIY Binoculars Craft for Preschoolers

We made these before our astronomy night. The kids loved pretending to scout wildlife. Recyclable tubes made it easy and inexpensive.

https://homeschoolpreschool.net

Spontaneous Scavenger Hunt for Kids

I printed a list and let the kids take the lead. It’s a nice break between activities or while waiting for food. Keeps them moving and observant.

https://www.countryliving.com

Best-Ever S’mores, 3 Ways

It’s not a proper backyard campout without s’mores. We’ve made them every way—microwave, oven, and campfire. It’s always the highlight.

https://www.tillysnest.com

Natural Mosquito Repellent Bundles

I wanted something natural for my youngest, and this list gave me some good options. It’s worth bookmarking if you want to avoid harsh sprays. Plus, it smells way better.

https://gosciencekids.com

Can you start a fire with a magnifying glass?

It was supervised, of course, but fascinating for older kids. This led to a whole conversation about sunlight and energy. We even tied it into our science unit.

https://www.4onemore.com

DIY Firestarter That Even Kids Can Make

This one’s great if you plan on building a small fire. My son loved prepping these with me. Makes lighting the campfire much easier and teaches a basic skill.

Backyard camping has become one of our favorite family pastimes. It’s simple, flexible, and allows us to make special memories without packing a single bag.

Backyard Camping Ideas for Kids