Thrifty Thursday: The Great American Backyard Campout
Looking for an inexpensive overnight trip for your family that everyone will enjoy? Forget the posh hotel and the overcrowded water park. Family fun is right outside your door thanks to the National Wildlife Federation’s fifth annual Great American Backyard Campout being held across the country on Saturday, June 27.
You can register your campsite -- whether it is their own backyard or favorite campground -- at the NWF site, where you will also find suggested activities, recipes and wildlife guides.
Camping is such a fun activity for families and preschoolers especially. It's a great way to explore nature and teach lessons in responsibility. Be sure to pack well -- appropriate gear and clothing as well as plenty of snacks and activities, and talk to your preschooler ahead of time about what you'll be doing and where you will be going (if your trip will take you beyond the backyard).
Have you ever taken your preschooler camping?
Related: Free Weekends at National Parks
Thrifty Thursday on the About.com Parenting Channel:
My grandchildren, from preschoolers to teens, all love camping. One key, I think, is to have more than one kid. Each kid needs at least one peer. Borrow an extra kid if you have to. If each kid has another kid to hang out with, you won’t have to do much but monitor. There is literally no end to the things they can dream up to do.
My daughter did the Great American Campout with a friend last year and loved it!