Camping is a fun outdoor activity for some families. However, the weather can easily ruin your plans. Summer thunderstorms can be intense, and it’s rarely fun to sleep in the rain. Then, there are the bugs to consider. From spiders to mosquitoes, they can leave you itchy or squealing in terror. As fun as an outdoor camping trip may sound, in practice, it may not be as enjoyable as you hope. This doesn’t mean giving up on the idea. Have you considered having an indoor camping trip?
Camping indoors lets you have fun without any unpleasant surprises. If you need some indoor camping ideas to ensure maximum fun, here are a few to help you get started.
10 Indoor Camping Ideas
Pitch a Tent
You don’t need to go outside to pitch a tent. Move some furniture around to make room and open up the tent. Once you have the tent set up, everyone will be in the mood for some camping fun. Don’t forget to grab some blankets or sleeping bags. You want to make the adventure as authentic as possible.
If you don’t have a tent, you can still camp indoors. You can use old sheets or blankets. Just drape the bedding over the furniture to create a tent-like structure. Get everyone to snuggle inside or around the tent and let the camping fun begin.
Build a Campfire
Since it’s summer, you probably don’t want to use the fireplace. If you don’t mind the heat, go ahead and grab some fuel. Once you have the fire going, gather around and start telling campfire stories. The stories can be as scary as you feel is appropriate for your campers’ age.
You can skip lighting a fire and get creative. All you need is some tissue and construction paper. Look for brown construction paper in various shades of brown. This will represent the logs. After crumpling up the construction paper, it’s time to create the flames. You’ll need red, orange, and yellow tissue paper. Some glue, tape, or even a stapler will attach the flames to the logs.
Make Smores
Some snacks are synonymous with camping, like smores. You can easily make the gooey snack indoors, including toasting the marshmallows. If you have gas burners, use a low flame to toast the marshmallows. If your stove is electric, turn to your microwave.
Within a few seconds, you can easily make this delicious camping treat.
Play Camping Games
You can find a variety of camping-themed games that will keep everyone laughing until it’s time to snuggle into their tent and sleeping bags. From bingo to charades and a fun Would You Rather game, by the time you finish playing, no one will remember you’re not camping in the wilderness.
If you want to stay at the low end of your camping budget. Hand out some paper and crayons. Have everyone draw pictures of things that make you think of camping. You can also gather up empty water bottles and add glow sticks. Turn the lights off and admire all of the colors.
Turn the Lights Off
Gather up your flashlights and get some batteries. Now, turn the lights off and have some fun in the dark. You can have a scavenger hunt or a shadow puppet show. Another fun indoor camping idea is to use the flashlight beam to create a limbo pole.
If you have enough space, you can also play flashlight tag. The rules are simple. If someone is ‘hit’ by a beam of light, they’re out of the game. Keep playing until one person is left standing. This is a great way to run off some excess energy before bedtime.
Read by Flashlight
You’ll need some camping-themed books like A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee. You’ll also need a flashlight. After all, you’re camping, and this means you can’t turn on the lights. Another fun indoor camping idea is to encourage everyone to make up a camping story. Before long, everyone will have the giggles listening to each other’s silly camping stories.
Keep Everyone Comfortable
Even though you’re camping, this doesn’t mean you need to rough it. Make sure everyone is comfortable. This may mean grabbing some extra blankets and pillows. Your indoor camping trip can also be a learning experience for little ones. Eventually, you may want them to enjoy spending time outside, and this can include camping. If they’re comfortable on an indoor camping trip, they’ll be more willing to try the activity outdoors.
Besides, if everyone sleeps comfortably, your morning will be a lot more pleasant. No one wants to wake up to a group of grumpy campers.
Create Stars with Lights
Grab a strand of small white lights. Chances are you have some packed away with your Christmas decorations. Drape the lights over a tent, sheet, or thin blanket. Light-colored fabrics work best.
Crawl into the tent and turn the lights on. Now you have the stars in your living room. You can take it a step further and take turns pretending to point out various constellations. If you’re not familiar with the night sky, just make up the constellations.
Have a Picnic
Think about your favorite picnic foods and throw a feast together. You can keep it simple with fruits, veggies, and sandwiches, or go all out with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob.
Remember to use paper plates; after all, you’re camping, and there isn’t a sink or dishwasher handy.
Invite Friends
Camping is always more fun with friends. Let your children invite a friend to share in the indoor fun. Remind their friends to ask their parents for some blankets or a sleeping bag. You want them to experience everything with your family.
Have Fun Camping Indoors this Summer
These indoor camping ideas should get you and your family off to a fun adventure without leaving your house. Whichever ideas you use, remember to have fun spending time together.
