Camping in the Backyard: A Screen-Free Family Night Under the Stars
Let’s be honest—getting your family to unplug these days can feel like wrestling a raccoon into a car seat. Between summer schedules, screens everywhere, and our own work distractions, it’s tough to carve out true, present family time.
But here’s a wild idea that doesn’t involve plane tickets, gear hauls, or campsite reservations: camp in your own backyard. Yep—turn the space just beyond your patio into a memory-making, marshmallow-melting, device-free zone.
These backyard camping ideas for Indiana families are tested, simple, and fun enough to get even your most screen-obsessed tween involved.
Why Backyard Camping Wins (Especially in Indiana)
You don’t need to go far to get the benefits of camping. With backyard camping, you get:
No packing stress (forgot something? It’s 10 feet away)
A safe, fenced-in spot for younger kids or pets
Less expense than booking a campsite or cabin
Way less commitment—bail and go inside if someone melts down
Bonus: With Indiana’s summer temps in the 70s and low 80s at night, it’s perfect for sleeping under the stars—without the humidity of July or the chill of late fall.
What You’ll Need (Keep It Simple)
Don’t overthink it. This isn’t a National Geographic expedition. Just gather:
A tent or blanket fort
Sleeping bags or cozy blankets
Flashlights or camping lanterns
Bug spray or (even better) a treated yard from Blue Duck Pest Control
Snacks (s’mores, trail mix, popcorn)
A Bluetooth speaker for soft music or nature sounds
Printed activities (like scavenger hunts or story prompts)
That’s it! Let the kids help set it up—they’ll be more invested in the night.
Screen-Free Activities That Actually Work
Your goal: fun without phones. Here are tried-and-true ways to keep everyone off the screens and into the moment:
1. Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of items to find: something round, something fuzzy, a stick shaped like a letter, etc.
Great for early evening energy burn.
2. Campfire Story Chain
Start a story and let each person add a sentence or two. The sillier, the better.
3. Stargazing with a Twist
Use a free printable constellation guide and try to spot them—or just make up your own with silly names.
4. Glow Stick Games
Toss glow rings, play glow tag, or just make glow jewelry and dance in the dark. It's a hit with every age group.
5. Family “Campfire” Q&A
Each person draws a question from a jar:
“What’s your favorite memory this summer?”
“If you could camp anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
“What superpower would be most useful on a camping trip?”
You’ll be surprised what your kids share when there’s no screen between you.
What About the Bugs?
Let’s talk Indiana reality: mosquitoes, ants, and mystery crawlers love a backyard campsite.
Our secret? We had Blue Duck Pest Control treat our yard earlier this season, and the difference was night and day. No more itchy ankles while roasting marshmallows or chasing fireflies.
They use family-safe products that work fast and let us actually enjoy our yard. Worth every penny.
Can You Cheat and Go Inside?
Absolutely. That’s the beauty of backyard camping. If a storm rolls in or someone misses their bed, you just… walk inside. But honestly, we’ve found that once the kids are tucked into a tent with flashlights and giggles, they usually want to stay.
And if they do wake up early? Let them stomp barefoot in the dewy grass while you sip your coffee under the sunrise. That’s the good stuff.
The Takeaway: You Don’t Have to Go Far to Get Closer
Camping in the backyard isn’t just about tents and s’mores. It’s about presence. About being silly with your kids under string lights instead of stressing about tomorrow’s calendar. It’s about stories by flashlight, firefly chasing, and falling asleep to the sound of crickets instead of traffic.
You don’t need a reservation. Just a backyard, some bug spray, and the willingness to say: “Let’s make a night of it.”
