While spring might not be too far around the corner, there’s still quite a bit of winter to get through before it’s backpacking and camping season. But why wait? Experience the most fun parts of camping without the cold weather with an “at home” camping night. Here are some tips:

Use your Gear - the Kids Will Love it!

For kids, the best part of camping is the tent. Set one up inside so the little ones feel like they are embarking on an adventure. If a tent isn’t an option, rummage through the closet to find some big blankets to use for a fort. You can even go further and bring out the sleeping bags and pads.

S’mores and More S’mores!

Another must have item are S’mores. While the open fire makes it fun, kids will certainly compromise for this delicious inside recipe. All you need is a cast-iron skillet and ten minutes to make s’mores dip by Cook. Craft. Love. This one is so good, we suggest it for indoor and outdoor camping.

DIY Lanterns

When you’re camping, it gets dark much earlier than when you’re in the comfort of your own home. Bring the candles out and also make DIY lanterns. Simply pull your mason jars and glasses out of the cupboard, and provide glow sticks to place in them. Your friends and family can make cool designs and add different colors to their creations. Once it’s dark, keep the lights off and get the lanterns lit. 

Stories Around the Candlelight “Fire”

With camping comes the campfire, however that’s not exactly doable inside the home. For a fun alternative, gather multiple candles together and make a mock campfire. If you’re with the family, you can go around and tell spooky stories or talk about fun adventures. Enjoy the candlelight, conversation, and maybe even a cocktail. 😉