Planning a staycation for this summer season? There’s nothing wrong with that! If your kiddos are feeling a little bummed and experiencing “cabin fever,” then pull them out to the great outdoors. There’s so much you can do even within the boundaries of your home.

I always loved backyard camping when I was growing up. I think it’s one of the best ways to spend summer nights. Today, I’ve compiled 15 fun backyard camping ideas that you’ll surely want to try with your kids.

15 Backyard Camping Ideas You Need to Try This Summer

Star Light, Star Bright
You’re outdoors! This is a fantastic time to teach your kids about the stars and the different constellations. It’s not every day you can stargaze – make use of a beautiful night sky while you’re camping out in your backyard!

S’mores
Camping is always a fantastic idea for s’mores. Make it a night to remember by putting together s’mores on a stick and baking it over an open fire.

Go for a Nature Walk
Make the most of your backyard adventure by going on a nature walk around your neighborhood.

Pop Up a Play Tent
If your backyard camping experience is more of a daytime event, then you can get creative and pop up canopy. You can get creative and make a beautiful tee-pee with sheets and large branches.

Campfire Songs
Teach your kids some classic campfire songs. Make it more musical by asking a family member to strum a few chords on the guitar!

Eye-Spy
Play a game of “eye-spy” and allow your kids to discover all of nature’s wonders: even from their very own backyard!

Use Your Ears
Did you hear that? Have your kids identify certain sounds like crickets, toads, or even the howl of the wind to get them in touch with nature.

Make Use of What You Have
Look around you. How could you have fun with what Mother Nature has to provide? For instance, you can always play a game of tic, tac, toe with some stones like how it’s done here.

Explore Neighborhood Parks
How often do you get to explore your neighborhood? Get to know your parks by taking a quick trip before hitting the sack on your camping backyard adventures.

Shadow Puppets
Once it’s dark out, put up a sheet, grab a flashlight, and have some shadow puppet fun.

Grilled Cheese
Yeah, we may have mentioned s’mores, but what should one eat while backyard camping? Why not try making grilled cheese sandwiches?!

Tent Set-Up
Use real camping gear and set-up the tent as a family. Each member could have their own role, depending on age and what they’re capable of building/putting together.

Water Games
Beat the heat and play some water games as a daytime activity. I love the idea of these water sponges.

Collect Backyard Trinkets
Ask your kids to collect some backyard trinkets like leaves, pinecones, etc. so that they can use them for crafts later on.

Disconnect
Enjoy nature’s beauty by being completely mobile-free during your family’s backyard camping trip.

Do you ever camp-out in your backyard with your kids? What activities have you come up with? Let me know in the comments below!