In quarantine, I’m pretty sure everyone is facing the same thing. Boredom. Moms are no longer “cool”, you and your boo have worked through Netflix’s entire library, and you’re sick of ordering takeout for fun. Enter: At-home camping.
You can #StayHome and still have an awesome adventure by creating an at-home camping trip in your backyard! So break out the tent, grab the ‘mallows, and enjoy an amazing night sleeping under the stars with your quarantine buddies!
Here’s what you’ll need for an at-home camping setup:
- Tent or supplies to build a homemade tent
- Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags (optional: air mattress)
- Snacks and dinner supplies
- Eco-Friendly dinnerware
- Flashlight/lamp
- Graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows
- Binoculars
- Journal
- Coloring book(s)
- Markers/colored pencils
- Camera (a polaroid would be fun if you have one!)
Set Your Boundaries
Lock away your phones? Everyone must stay outside? Setting up an at-home camping trip is best achieved when you agree upon some ground rules so you can all have a great time! Since you won’t be going anywhere far away, this is an important step.
Build a Creative Campsite
There are plenty of awesome ideas out there for setting up a beautiful at-home campsite. But the truth of the matter is, there’s nothing quite like a good old fashioned tent and sleeping bag layout. The nostalgia of it all is almost too much for me to handle!
However, if you are interested in getting fancy with your DIY, I’d suggest battery operated twinkle lights, plenty of blankets, and a few decorative pillows to make it homey.
Plan a Daytime Adventure
One of my favorite parts of camping is being outside. You get a different kind of deep sleep after a day outside than you do from a day with Netflix. It doesn’t have to be anything revolutionary, just something enjoyable for everyone!
Some ideas for your adventures:
- Go on a hike (check out my post about the Most Scenic Hiking Spots in Minnesota)
- Play a game like tag, hide and seek, Night at the Museum, or freeze dance! They’re super fun, and they don’t require any extra equipment
- Conduct a nature hunt in your neighborhood (grab my free, downloadable Nature Bingo Card)
- Take a scenic drive together
- Go somewhere for a picnic lunch
- Take a kayak or canoe trip on a lake
- Go swimming (if weather permits)
Cook Together
Even if you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can still cook a meal together to eat outside!
If you have a campfire, you can plan to roast hot dogs! Not a fan of over-process meats? Try one of these foil packet meals. Pack some fruit and veggie sides that don’t require cooking. For dessert, sure, a classic s’more would do. But if you’re feeling fancy, try out this apple pie packet! I’ve used this recipe before, and TRUST ME…it does not disappoint.
If you have a grill, build skewers together! This is a great activity that empowers kids to choose what they eat, while still remaining health-conscious! Set up a little bar with different bowls with green and red peppers, onions, pineapple, and tomatoes for example, and have them take what they want. For small children, I’d suggest having them put their desired toppings on a plate and an adult assisting with the assembly.
For a boyfriend, I’d suggest standing back, especially if he’s hungry. (Only half kidding!)
If you don’t have outdoor cooking available, you can pack a bag to bring “with” you to your campsite! Try to pack sandwiches, cracker stackers, salads, and a trail mix of sorts. You can even bake brownies together for a late-night snack!
Find Some Screen-less Entertainment
I know it’s 2020. Hotspots are all the rage, you can download Netflix movies and watch them offline, and we’ve invented blue light blocking glasses to prevent headaches.
One of the beautiful things about this time we’ve been given is it provides an opportunity for us to get back to raw human connection. To connecting with nature. Therefore, it’s important we take advantage of this gift!
Here are some screenless camping ideas:
- Tell ghost stories (here are some kid-friendly ones)
- Stargazing! Pro Tip: Plan your night of camping around some sort of astronomical event – a meteor shower, a full moon, whatever!
- Do a nature craft together
- Sing songs around the fire
- Grab a bottle of wine and play a game of charades
- Write letters to each other
However you decide to break your boredom, I hope it’s something outside! Enjoy our glorious State Parks, find a new trail, rent a kayak, or anything that will bring you and your loved ones joy.
Want a free at-home camping trip planning kit? I’ve built one for you!
Oh! And Happy (early) Mother’s Day.
