Did you postpone, then finally cancel, your family vacation this year? While you and your kids, no doubt, feel disappointed, you can create a memorable holiday in the comfort of your home.
Why not enjoy a camping staycation with oodles of indoor fun for everyone? With no bugs or snakes to worry about, you can focus on vacation’s best part — spending time with those you love.
1. Toast Marshmallows Indoors
Did you think you needed a campfire to have s’mores? You can do so safely indoors with appliances already in your kitchen. If you have a gas stove, you can use the burner — although you may create quite the mess to clean later.
You can make s’mores in the broiler using the highest setting and placing the oven rack on the top rung. Assemble your treats, then roast them for 30 seconds or until charred and melty. If that seems like too much hassle, you can make a softer version in the microwave.
2. Ready the Telescope
One of the best parts of camping is gazing up at the stars. Take your telescope out on the back porch to identify various constellations once the sun goes down.
What if you don’t have such a device? You might be able to check-out a telescope from your local library. You could arrange for curbside pickup if lingering COVID-19 concerns keep you indoors.
3. Gather Around the Fire
One of the most spooktacular parts of camping is telling ghost stories around the fire. How can you bring one indoors? With winter on the way, you need an excuse to clean out your fireplace, anyway — why not do so before your staycation?
Alternatively, if you live in a warmer zone, you can cuddle around the outdoor firepit on your patio. If you don’t have one of those, either, hit your local dollar store for inexpensive battery-operated candles. Place them on a circular tray to create a “campfire” in your living room without the risk of embers scorching your sofa.
4. Provide Scrumptious Snacks
What’s a staycation camping trip without a few burgers and dogs? You can make this healthy version if you follow a vegan lifestyle or merely want a break from beef.
You’ll want ample finger food to keep you nourished into the wee hours. Mix up your favorite sides like potato and macaroni salad. With the refrigerator only footsteps away, you won’t have to worry about mayonnaise-based treats going funky in the heat.
5. Break Out the Board Games
The idea of an indoor camping staycation is to get you off your devices and spend time with those you love. As such, you should ban laptops, tablets and cellphones from your “campsite.”
What do you do for entertainment, then? Break out the board games. You can ease your need for human contact with a rousing round of Twister — assuming you don’t have any sick family members. Make up new Monopoly rules — who says you can’t let everyone win?
Create Indoor Staycation Camping Fun for Everyone With These Tips
The five tips above can help you create a memorable indoor staycation for your family. You don’t need plane tickets to unplug and enjoy the company of loved ones.
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