5 best backyard camping ideas for kids: home adventures

Get the kids excited about camping once again by building a fire pit, cooking some camp food and setting up a tent in your backyard. Bad weather? No problem, most of these ideas work both indoors and outdoors.

Whether you are an experienced camper or this is your first time, camping with kids at home can be a fun and easy experience for the entire family. Unplug the kids from the tv and work with them to build the ultimate campsite at home. We’ve pulled together our favourite tent ideas for you to try for your next camping trip at home. Enjoy!

1. ‘The Classic’ DIY camping tent

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This classic tent design is a perfect one to try with the kids; all you need is a rope, some trees and a big sheet.

There are lots of ways to build a canopy and it is up to you whether you use a tarp or an old sheet. If you don’t have any trees, you just use fence posts or even hang it over the washing line!

Now that the hard work is done, fill the tent with blankets and pillows to keep everyone cosy throughout the night.

Top tip: give the kids some comfort by hanging some battery-powered fairy lights throughout the tent to keep them company throughout the night.

2. Wooden Tent

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A unique tent idea and bonding activity for both you and your children. Although it might take some time to complete, this design is straightforward to build, long-lasting and will keep your children busy for months on end.

The best thing about this more permanent structure is that you can really make it your own and as unique as you want them to be.

This original playhouse design can be used for camping at home, both indoors and out in the garden. Instructions on how to build and set up the tent can be found here.

3. Lounge Room Fort

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A perfect rainy day activity, building a fort in your living room inspires creativity and a cosy place to play camping games, enjoy some of those classic camping foods and drink hot choccy.

Stock your fort with books, magazines, games and if there’s any way to incorporate the family TV into your fort, it can really add a cozy home cinema feel to your experience.

If you haven't built an indoor tent before, here are some tips to help you along the way.

4. Teepees

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This one is a perfect option for both living room and backyard campouts; a teepee is easy to build and will provide endless entertainment for you and the kids.

Teepees are the perfect glamping experience for the little ones and can provide an amazing camping experience indoors for those who too young to camp outside alone. For full instructions and tips on how to build a teepee, click here.

5. Glam-ify your campsite

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If you prefer luxury camping or simply don’t have the time to build your own tent consider hiring one. Businesses such as Happy Glamper set up glamping tents for customers who are camping at home, another alternative is to build it yourself.

These canvas tents come with mattresses, warm doonas, linen, mats, lighting and everything you could possibly need to a night in luxury under the stars.

If you own some land, you might even consider buying one so that you are able to have campaign experiences all year round.

6. Set up a van in your backyard!

An easy option for those of you who don’t like tents: we can certainly help you out with one of our thousands of vans that are available for hire. You can book anything from camper trailers, motorhomes or caravans and have them either delivered to your house or a nearby campsite and camp in style.

Experience the joys of camping without compromising on a comfy mattress, running water and power. Explore our vans today.

Planning your next adventure?

Camplify has thousands of vans to choose from and has your next holiday under the stars covered. Search caravans, campers and motorhomes now!