One of the most rewarding experiences of many experiences as a parent is pitching the camping tent in the backyard and the whole family sleeping in it under the stars. It is so much fun and such a joy for the family to play "pretend hiking" with a camping tent and setting up a dome tent in the middle of your back yard. We have done this numerous times with our children and it never grows old. The best time of year to have the camping tent party is, well, any time of year!
camping tent, dome tent

Our family will usually pack up small items from inside the house and take them out to the camping tent to use as part of our adventure. We use flashlights, blankets, lots of snacks and bottled waters and a few good books to read aloud on our tent adventure. To us, it's so much better than being in the real woods because we're close to home if we need to run in the house quick to get something. There's nothing like roughing it in your own backyard!