Do you love camping, but not the packing, unpredictable weather, or walking a quarter mile to a bathroom in the dark with a toddler in tow?
Same.
Sometimes the hassle just outweighs the fun. That’s why I love a good backyard campout. It brings all the charm of camping — the gooey s’mores, the starry skies, the giggles wrapped in sleeping bags — right to your own lawn. And with National S’mores Day coming up on August 10, there’s no better moment to grab our Sweater Weather Box (a.k.a. The Smores Box) and plan the coziest night under the stars!
This box makes it easy to bring the campfire experience home. It comes packed with everything you need: fluffy marshmallows, rich chocolate bars, crunchy graham crackers, fun games and activities, and even a compact City Bonfire that produces real flames without the need for a big fire pit. It’s safe, simple, and sets the perfect scene for backyard fun.
Backyard Campout Tips
1. Set the Stage
Pitch a tent if you’ve got one — even if it’s just for the kids. Or, build a cozy blanket fort on the patio or under a tree. Bring out sleeping bags, plush pillows, and battery-powered lanterns for ambiance. A string of twinkle lights adds an extra touch of magic!
2. Fire It Up
No backyard fire pit? No problem. Our City Bonfire from the Sweater Weather Box is perfect for small spaces and safe enough for little hands to roast marshmallows (with adult supervision, of course!). Place it on a heat-safe surface, grab your roasting sticks, and let the marshmallow toasting begin.
3. Keep Them Entertained
One of the best parts of any campout is the laughter and bonding over games. Whether you want to keep it low-key or ramp up the excitement, having a few go-to activities makes all the difference. Here are some fun ideas to keep kids and adults entertained:
Classic Campfire Games:
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I Spy
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Two Truths and a Lie
Active Outdoor Games:
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Flashlight Tag
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Sack Races
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
Creative & Quiet Activities:
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Story Chain (everyone adds a sentence to a story)
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Shadow Puppets
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Campout Drawing or Journaling
4. Tell Stories Around the Fire
Storytelling around the fire is a timeless tradition that sparks imagination and connection. I love how stories can turn the simplest night into an unforgettable adventure. Sharing spooky, silly, or surprising tales keeps everyone engaged and creates moments worth remembering. Here are some prompts to get the stories flowing:
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What’s the scariest thing that ever happened to you?
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If you could be any animal for a day, what would you be and why?
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What’s your funniest camping mishap?
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If you discovered a secret door in your backyard, where would it lead?
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Who’s your favorite superhero, and what’s your superpower?
5. End with Some Star Gazing
When the games wind down and the sugar rush fades, lie back and look up. Use a stargazing app to identify constellations or simply make up your own stories about the shapes you see in the sky. It’s the perfect quiet ending to a night filled with laughter and connection.
Make This Summer Night One to Remember
You don’t need a packed SUV, a tent site reservation, or three days off work to enjoy the best parts of camping. All you need is your backyard, a little imagination, our Sweater Weather Box, and people you love.
So when August 10 rolls around, light the fire, roast the marshmallows, and make it a summer night to remember — right at home.
