Garden adventure ideas for holidays at home

Children camping in the garden

by motherandbaby |
Published on

Given that we’re currently not allowed to leave the house, except for essential reasons, going away on holiday just is not an option for us at the moment.

But, as mums, we are nothing if not resourceful – and if we can’t make a holiday in the garden special, then no one can.

A garden holiday can be an exciting adventure for your children, whatever their age. Toddlers will love the different surroundings and magical experience, while older children can help organise the 'trip', plan events such as story telling and stage shows, and even help out with cooking on the camp stove.

There’s so much fun to be had in your own garden. You can set up scavenger hunts to find leaves, stones, twigs and bugs, helping everyone to learn more about nature – you could even order a bug spotting book before you embark on the adventure. Your older children can draw the insects, flowers and birds they see, while younger ones can look at colours and shapes.

You can create a reading corner to read within nature, do some cloud watching, have some sensory playtime, or fashion a magical fairy garden. You can adventure all day long in the garden with all sorts of toys and gear.

We’ve pulled together a list of stuff you’ll need if you’re going to enjoy an adventure in your back garden. For more ideas on garden activities for kids, check out our full list here.

And, if you want to camp overnight, we've got all the gear for that, too.

Best tent

This open-sided tent will provide young ones some shade while they’re in the garden, and allows supervising adults to have a good view of their activities. As it’s a pop-up, it’s really easy to put up and pack away, and takes up very little space.

Quieting Kids Teepee

Best teepee

This cotton canvas tepee with pine poles makes a great den for the little ones. It works both indoors and outdoors though it isn’t waterproof, so keep an eye on the weather. The tent measures in at 120cm deep, 120cm wide and 140cm tall, and is for children ages three and up.

Best tall teepee

Much like the Quieting Kids Teepee Play Tent, but for little ones who are a smidge taller. This teepee makes a really cosy den, and there’s a little internal pocket which will let the children store a few small toys and a book in there for a real hideaway feel. The tent measures in at 120cm deep, 120cm wide and 160cm tall, and is for children ages three and up.

Tent-Pop Up

Best indoor tent

This lovely little over-bed tent offers the chance to bring the outdoors in. The star design will bring story time alive, and is really relaxing to just sit under. It’s pop-up, so it’s quick to set up and pack away. Great for when the weather isn't good enough to camp outside.

Melissa u0026 Doug Sunny Patch Tootle Turtle Camping Tent

Best turtle tent

The Tootle Turtle Tent is not only fun to say, but is really exciting for children. The colourful and bright design is engaging, and it’s a nice child-friendly replica of larger adult tent setups. It’s well ventilated to keep it cool, but just be aware there are no anchor points, but if you’ve got it outside you can weigh it down inside with a few toys.

Best playhouse tent

If you’re looking for a play tent for a number of children, then look no further. The Cuddlesome tent offers plenty of room for play and sleepovers, is suitable for indoors and out, and has a wide selection of really great customisable features. These custom features include playmats, doormats, pillows, blankets and garlands. The tent measures 135cm wide, 120cm long and 120cm tall.

Best paddling pool

On the garden adventure, this paddling pool is a very exciting thing to come across – is it the sea, a lake or even a lagoon in the deep rainforest? Whatever they choose, they’ll have fun doing it.

Best sandpit
Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox
Price: £53.59
Alternative retailers
Target$44.99View offer
Walmart$120.03View offer
Newegg$218.09View offer

Add another dimension into outdoor play with a sandpit, allowing for beach-style building and creativity. Play sand sold separately.

Best red wagon
Radio Flyer W5 Little Red Toy Wagon
Price: £19.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$24.06View offer

If you’re going exploring, then you need to be able to take the right kit with you!

Best scavenger hunt kit
gofindit outdoor nature treasure hunt card game
Price: £12.50
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeT1dZWlNKTR5UXQ4dXxJLXl1RCwsGWkYVdkcRXA5bQhV4VENHSlwdZFECRFMMA1xAGioQDEcfe1hAARUmVV1dG1NYQBV%2FUVpbD1tTEUsIAw9XUVIFBQwB&x=v1&prdId=10261365532&barcode=VVIEAggNBFQMUwIGDgY%3D

Gofindit is a natural scavenger hunt which offers a great mix of fun, challenge excitement and learning. Pick one or more of the cards and find something in the garden that matches the description, be it furry, tiny or something the snaps. For up to six players.

Barbecue Grill Kids Cooking Toys

Best kids' BBQ

What camping trip is complete without a barbecue at the end of the day? Adults, it’s time get rehearsing your belly rubs and best “yum” reactions. This set has 32 accessories, including plates, cutlery, charcoal and food products.

Best kids' camera

Holidays need photos. If your little one is off adventuring around the garden, why not let them have free reign with their own camera? Plus, it’s really cute to see what kind of things kids want to take photos of (spoiler alert: it’s everything and it’s blurry).

Best gardening set

If you're gardening, then your little ones will want to be gardening too. This DIY set will provide children with a garden space of their own, where they can play and experiment with flowers and plants. Soil, seeds and growing tips are included.

Upgrow Walkie Talkie

Best walkie-talkie

One sure-fire way to turn a play in the garden into an adventure is with walkie talkies. They’re rechargeable too – so you won’t be hunting down fresh AA batteries all day long.

Best dress-up
Born Toys Deluxe Premium Washable Dress up Trunk Set

Rrp: £67.95

Price: £54.95
Alternative retailers
Walmart$48.95View offer

This set will really set a child’s imagination running – there are three costumes to choose from, either a gardener set, scientist set or explorer set, each with their own accessories. Suitable for ages three to eight.

Best bug set

This is a really playful way of getting children engaged with the natural world around them (and to not have a fear of creepy crawlies!). The equipment included will allow garden bugs to be caught and examined humanely before being released back into the wild.

Are you planning a garden camping trip? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

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