Missing your regular holiday activities? Got a tent*? With school holidays upon us perhaps some backyard camping is in order?

I have seen two friends this week set up some camping gear in the garden (not necessarily with children involved!) … and then I saw a great post on the Mums in Darebin Facebook group this week with someone asking for ideas to make the most of a backyard camping adventure … and the answers were pretty inspiring so I thought I could share them. Here we go …

• Pack your backpack 🎒 and take a ‘hike’ through Darebin Parklands and beyond (include your water bottle and some scroggin for an authentic snack)

• Print a map of the stars and see if you can find the constellations (or pull out your telescope if you have one) or download an app … there are some terrific ones to help you identify the universe

• Set up an outdoor fire pit and cook bananas and Nutella in foil, potatoes in foil (microwave first), marshmallows on a stick, sausages in a frying pan etc.

• Cook dinner on your Trangier (you could even dehydrate some food and rehydrate it for some extra fun if the prep. is what you love!). Maybe some Foster Clark custard with rehydrated apricots for dessert? Porridge 🥣 for breakfast is also pretty easy.

• Have a BBQ

• Set up an outdoor washing-up station for the dishes. Maybe some hand clothes washing could be fun too (for kids not adults obviously!)

• Make a bug 🕷 🐛 🐜 bingo sheet and see if you can find them all

• Create a scavenger hunt

• String up fairy lights to create some atmosphere

• Get out some torches 🔦 and play spotlight or make shadow puppets

• Tell stories and read stories all snuggled up in the tent

• Play cards and board games

• Get out your guitar or ukulele (or recorder!) and have a sing along outside (a treat for your neighbours)

• Set up an outdoor stage and host a concert

• Set up a moonlight cinema experience on your house/garage wall

The most interesting thing about the post was that they were taking time with the planning … asking friends and family for advice and ideas … stretching the joy out … because the anticipation and build up contributes to the fun right!

I hope you feel inspired.

* If you don’t have a tent, a trampoline is also great on a mild night … and I am sure the process of rigging up a protective roof - if you’re worried about getting damp - could fill at least half a day!