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Summertime in Northern Canada is SHORT. Growing up in Northern Alberta, my siblings and I always made the absolute most of those few summer months and as summer turned into fall, one way to keep sleeping outside was backyard camping. I find it funny to look back now and realize that we would spend night after night going out to the tent at such a young age (we were all under 10) when our cozy beds were only steps away. Sleepovers with friends were ALWAYS more fun from the inside of a tent!

As a parent now, I’m excited to pass on this tradition to my kids as they get older. While they’re little, I’ll be joining them with the hope that this will help them boost their independence and foster their love of spending as many hours as possible outside.

But where to start? How do you get your kids on board? Follow these tips to help you ensure your kids will have the best possible experience camping in your backyard.

camping for all ages

It can be hard to tent it when your comfortable bed is a few steps away, but having the right set up and the right attitude can make the experience positive and memorable for the whole family. Not only is it fun - it is a great way to practice for camping trips and sleepovers away from home!

When camping with babies, toddlers, and young children be sure to remember their favourite stuffies, blankets, and other comfort items they take with them to bed at home. This will help give a more home-like feel to the tent. Also, let go of expectations. The unfamiliar environment may throw things off; It’s possible that they won’t feel settled, they may get up in the night and want to play (hey, camping is FUN!), or wake up early due to the morning sunlight. They key to your calm and their success is to roll with it. Chances are, each time, things will go a little more smoothly!

Once you and your kids are ready, let your older kids camp in the backyard alone. They will revel in the independence and it will increase the novelty of backyard camping. Give them a bedtime and ask them to stay with it but don’t enforce it. They may not go down at the requested time, but it will build their sense of autonomy if you trust them to take charge of their sleep. Just know - they may be extra tired the next morning!

Have a Sweet Set Up

The best part of backyard camping is the fact that you don’t have to rough it! Create a glamping experience with some custom additions.

Drag out an extension cord for power so you can provide lamps. Put down an outdoor rug and create a “nightstand” from a stump or footstool to balance the lamps (or a battery powered lantern) on.
Create a comfortable sleeping experience. Cots such as these Woods Lounger Cots or these Coleman Cots are a favorite for us. They have extra padding and provide more support than a leaky air mattress, plus - they’re quick to set up. Put them up in your tent and leave them there all summer! The space under the cot is also nice for storage.
If you really want to make it feel extra special, set up a TV area. Bring in an old school box TV (flat screens may be too delicate for glamping) or put a tablet in a freezer bag and tape it to a wall or hang it from a pole. Pocket projectors on a sheet are also a great way to go! Crazy Creeks make for easy seats in, or out of, the tent.

If you create a tent experience that is super special, your kids will be likely to go along with backyard camping and learn to really enjoy it.

Tips & Tricks

Check the Forecast. This is crucial! You may have kids who love sleeping in a tent while the rain patters, but others may wake up to a soggy sleeping bag and never want to repeat the experience again. A windy night might be scary for your kids in a tent. Wait for ideal weather conditions, particularly a clear night where they can also enjoy stargazing!

Beyond Gazing: Take your stargazing to the next level.

Designate a pee area. Sounds silly, but it’s probably in everyone’s best interest to designate a pee area somewhere close to the tent. Remind them not to pee on or too close to the tent. And - reiterate going Number 2 means going into the house!

Use Walkie Talkies. If your kids are old enough to camp alone in the backyard this will help you sleep more soundly. Get a couple walkie talkies and practice how to use them (make sure you’re in range) so that kids can check in with you and vice versa anytime through the night while maintaining some independence.

At the end of the day, backyard camping is meant to be laidback and fun. If your child wants to come in halfway through the night, that’s ok! Backyard camping is a great tool, not only for a unique stay-cation, but to iron out the kinks and for your kids to start to feel comfortable to camp away from home.

Happy camping!