Backyard Camping Ideas for Kids

August 7, 2025

Glitter Girls Backyard Camping Tent Playset with Stuffed Dog for 14-inch Dolls

Summer activities for kids don’t have to be a hassle! The Glitter Girls are amazing at throwing a party wherever they go – even if they stay at home. With just a few supplies and a little bit of set up, the campground of your dreams is available right in your own backyard. Keep reading for staycation ideas for kids that will make for the most sparkly evening at home!

Set Up Your Backyard Camping

First thing’s first when you’re camping in the backyard. Find a dry, flat spot to pitch your tent. Make the space extra special by hanging string lights, lanterns, and other decorations! The most important things are your essentials. Check out our packing list below!

You can use a fire pit to set up a campfire, or grab lanterns, outdoor lighting, and LED candles if you want to avoid fire.

Backyard Camping Packing List

Sleeping bag
Air mattress or sleeping mat
Pillows
Blankets
Flashlights
Snacks (There’s an easy smores recipe down below!)
Games
Your little one’s favorite toys for sleeping
Lantern
Bug Spray

Outdoor Games for Backyard Camping

Flashlight games are an easy way to create some fun after the sun goes down. Flashlight tag is loads of fun or try making shadow puppets with the glow of the flashlight against the tent!

You can tell stories around the campfire, they don’t even have to be scary! Try asking your little ones about their favorite part of the summer so far, or what they like most about spending time outside.

How about an after-dark scavenger hunt? Use our checklist to see what you can spot with flashlights. Kids will love discovering what critters come out at night.

Easy Smores Recipe

Skip the fuss of roasting marshmallows and make an easy smores dip to enjoy! You can use any size pan you want, just spray the bottom with cooking spray, and lay down your favorite bar of chocolate. Top the chocolate with marshmallows and then bake at 450 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Let the smores dip cool for 5 minutes and enjoy with graham crackers, pretzels, or fruit!

If the weather isn’t on your side, don’t sweat it! Backyard camping can easily become indoor camping magic. To put an extra special spin on things, make a blanket fort out of couch cushions and living room furniture and let that be your tent for the evening! Indoor camp games can include our Growth Mindset Activity Book, or watching a camp-themed movie.

Backyard Camping Tips

Is the weather nice enough to set up outside? Make sure you check the forecast to ensure the skies are clear!

Summer sure does get buggy 🦟 Keep your little ones bite-free with citronella candles and bug spray!

No backyard? No worries! Backyard camping can take place just as easily on a balcony or in a courtyard.

Looking to bring more outdoor adventure sparkle to your every day? Check out the Glitter Girls camping accessories, like the Campfire Playset, or the Tent & Sleeping Bag Set! Let us know how you like to backyard camp by tagging us @myglittergirls on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!