In theory, my family likes to camp. We celebrated Holden’s first birthday with a camp-out barbecue bash. We camped in a big group when I was pregnant with Milo (pregnant camping is questionable). More often, we fall apart trying to reserve a spot, pack the gear, be healthy, and coordinate with friends.
One solution: Pitch a tent in your own backyard!
Alec reads to baby Holden in the tent
There are many benefits to this modified camping adventure:
- It’s great to do a practice run to see if you and your baby can handle it
- No such thing as forgotten gear
- No traffic or carsickness
- You can cook on your own grill for dinner (with cheater access to a fridge)
- You can bail really easily if needed
- Indoor toilets that are actually pretty clean
- Less laundry and dishes
If you’re so inspired, you can register with the Great American Backyard Campout and plan your night under the stars to coincide with a greater happening to support the National Wildlife Federation on June 25, 2011. Frankly, I think the benefit of being in your own back yard is that you can do it on your own terms and timeline. And even walk to a cafe for brunch!
Related activity: Go camping with a baby (includes kickass gear packing checklist).
Find more fun outdoorsy ideas on Babycenter for Big Day Out.
