Ready to make unforgettable memories right outside your door? Backyard camping is the perfect way to spark adventure, instill a love for the outdoors, and create special moments without the hassle of long trips or crowded campgrounds. You don't have to go far to have fun; you just need a few backyard camping ideas to make it extra special for everyone.
At POLYWOOD®, we're all about maximizing your outdoor spaces for joy and connection. Our durable, low-maintenance outdoor furniture is designed to make your backyard campout comfortable and worry-free. Get ready to explore nine backyard-friendly ideas that your family will absolutely love!
1. Level Up Your Tent
Your family needs a spot to snooze under the stars. Why not get creative and construct a tent in your own backyard? DIY outdoor tents are fast, easy, and budget-friendly projects you and your little campers can complete together in preparation for your backyard camping experience, letting the fun last even longer.
Kids are clever and love to create, so this is a great way to let them unleash their inner MacGyver. You can build your tent using anything you want, from shower curtain liners and broomsticks to drop cloths and upcycled trampolines.
Then, make your campsite homey and comfortable with string lights, cozy blankets, and sleeping bags. For the most sustainable route, take a quick trip to a thrift shop or use what you already have on hand.
Once the tent is set, enhance your backyard camp experience with comfortable seating just outside your canvas walls. Consider POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs or deep seating chairs where you can relax while supervising the kids or simply enjoying the outdoor ambiance.
2. Let the Games Begin
Engaging outdoor yard games keep the kiddos entertained and let them release all that energy. Send them on a scavenger hunt around the yard, challenge them with a DIY obstacle course, or stick to tried-and-true classic games like Simon Says and flashlight tag—they're favorites for a reason.
3. Give Crafts a Glow-Up
Crafts are always a good time, but crafts that glow in the dark? It doesn't get much more fun than that! Just set out your supplies on easy-to-clean dining, coffee, or accent tables where your little ones can gather and get comfortable, and you're good to go.
Get crafty during the day so your kids can proudly display their creations for all to see after the sun goes down. For even more magic, place black lights around your backyard to illuminate the neon hues further. For artistic inspiration, browse these glow-in-the-dark projects from DIYNCrafts that cater to all ages.
4. Cook Over the Fire
Food cooked over an open flame tastes oh-so-good, and there are endless delicious, uncomplicated recipes that go beyond hot dogs and pudgy pies. You can cook just about anything over a camp stove or a fire pit table: chicken kebabs, veggie skewers, nachos—you name it.
For effortless cleanup, opt for a POLYWOOD fire pit table. Sticky spills and melted marshmallows wipe up easily from the low-maintenance lumber. Powered by natural gas or propane, there’s no more firewood to haul or sooty smoke to deal with. It’s a safe, comfortable centerpiece for all your campfire cooking moments.
5. Be Extra With S'mores
One of the greatest culinary inventions was introduced in the 1920s when Loretta Scott Crew made s'mores for her Girl Scout troop during a camping trip.
The classic setup—graham cracker, milk chocolate, and roasted marshmallow—has since been refined, creating delicious twists on this campfire classic. Try any (or all) of these s'more combinations and see which ones your kids like best:
- Cinnamon sugar graham cracker + roasted marshmallow + chocolate peanut butter cup
- Chocolate graham cracker + roasted marshmallow + cookies-and-cream chocolate
- Milk-chocolate-covered butter cookies + roasted marshmallow
- Chocolate chip cookies + roasted marshmallow + chocolate peanut butter cup
- Stroopwafel cookies + roasted marshmallow + milk chocolate
- Fudge stripe cookies + roasted marshmallow + caramel sauce + toasted coconut
- Chocolate graham cracker + roasted marshmallow + roasted berries + dark chocolate
- Honey graham cracker + roasted marshmallow + candied bacon + creamy peanut butter + banana slices + milk chocolate
- Honey graham cracker + roasted marshmallow + lemon curd + white chocolate
- Graham cracker cereal + roasted mini marshmallow + semi-sweet chocolate chips
6. Watch an Outdoor Movie
One of the best parts of backyard camping is that modern conveniences are close by in your house. A fun way to take advantage of this is by creating an open-air movie theater. A simple, makeshift setup can include a projector (or fully charged laptop), portable screen, and cozy blankets.
If space permits, design a permanent setup in your outdoor space with sturdy, comfortable POLYWOOD Adirondacks or chaise lounges and weather-resistant equipment. Dim the flashlights and pass the campfire popcorn—the show's about to start!
7. Stargaze
Sneak some education into your kids' backyard camping adventure with a stargazing session. Turn off the lights, have everyone snuggle under warm blankets on comfortable Adirondack chairs, and look up at the night sky. Point out the constellations, passing satellites, and planets, and let your kids' imaginations do the rest.
Space.com's Stargazing section will help you learn about upcoming meteor showers, planet and comet sightings, and eclipses in your area. Try planning your outdoor adventure around those star-studded occurrences for an unforgettable night that reminds everyone to dream big and always reach for the stars.
8. Tell Campfire Stories
A great thing about backyard camping is that property lines are merely physical limits—our imaginations can easily travel beyond these borders. Gather everyone around the fire and weave a tale that takes them on an adventure.
Hang up twinkling fairy lights to add ambiance to your fairy fantasy epic, or rattle some chains and don a white sheet to get into ghost stories. Just remember to know your audience—save the spooky stories for the older children because not all little ones can handle scary stuff yet.
9. Teach Your Kids to Protect the Planet
A backyard camping trip is the ideal time and place to get your kids into Earth-friendly habits. Try these easy actions:
- Explain and practice the Leave No Trace Principles with your kids.
- Show them how to cut down on waste with reusable water bottles and utensils.
- Have a garbage can and recycling bin on hand where your family can toss out trash and recycle aluminum cans, plastic containers, and other items.
- Teach kids how to prevent air pollution by not burning trash in the campfire.
It's also an excellent opportunity to show your kids how everyday choices, like the furniture you choose, can make a positive impact.
POLYWOOD furniture is sustainably made with Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber, a proprietary material that includes infinitely recyclable and reusable plastics. Our all-weather pieces keep waste out of landfills and in circulation, resulting in a healthier planet.
FAQs
What do I need for a backyard camping trip?
Here are the camping gear essentials your family will need to have a successful backyard campout:
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Bug spray
- Flashlights
- Comfortable seating, like folding chairs or Adirondack chairs
- A safe fire source, such as a fire pit table
- Snacks
- Board games and fun activities
What are the dangers of backyard camping?
Risks are involved with any outdoor activity, but with the right preparation, they can be easily avoided. Here's how to prevent a variety of camping conundrums before they start.
- Dress for the weather. Make sure your family bundles up when it's cold and wears light clothing when it's hot. Check your local weather report so you can preplan.
- Supervise young children. Toddlers and younger children are still learning the ways of the world and may not yet understand that it's not okay to wander off alone, touch hot coals, or eat dirt.
- Keep pests away. Use insect spray or screened tents to keep your camping spot free of pesky bugs.
- Practice fire safety. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave your campfire unattended. A POLYWOOD fire pit table offers a contained and safe way to enjoy a fire.
- When you're done, put the fire out. To ensure your campfire is completely extinguished, follow Smokey Bear’s instructions: Douse the embers with water until all sizzling subsides. If you don't have water, smother the embers in sand or dirt and stir them around with a fire poker until they're cool.
Is backyard camping fun?
Camping in your backyard offers a blend of fun and comfort, making it incredibly enjoyable for the whole family. You get to experience the magic of Mother Nature while still having easy access to indoor comforts like plumbing, electricity, and your own cozy beds.
It's a fantastic way for children to "test the waters" if it's their first time camping, building their confidence in a familiar environment. Plus, it's a budget-friendly activity that provides lasting memories without the need for extensive travel or expensive gear.
Make Lasting Memories with POLYWOOD
Creating a backyard camping adventure is a wonderful way to foster connection, explore nature, and make cherished memories with your family right at home. With POLYWOOD furniture, you can ensure these moments are enjoyed in comfort, style, and with the lasting durability you can trust.