How to have a memorable holiday at home

Times are tough right now, financially speaking. We’re all feeling it, aren’t we? My husband and I recently paid $17.50 for two coffees—and while we nearly fainted, we tapped anyway. Because let’s face it: 6 a.m. with kids and no coffee? No, thank you.

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So, how can families create meaningful travel-like experiences without remortgaging the house or selling an organ? It’s a good question, and one my husband and I found ourselves pondering recently.

We’re fortunate enough to have a backyard, which I know isn’t the case for every family. But if you do have access to outdoor space, there are countless ways to reinvent it, creating beautiful memories and sweet family moments—camping being at the top of the list!

If a weekend getaway feels out of reach as we head into the Christmas break, don’t worry. Backyard camping is here to save the day. Dust off your can of Aerogard, put on some Paul Kelly, and prepare to go ‘off-grid’—without actually leaving your property.

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Our backyard camping adventure

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Last weekend, we decided to treat our kids to a weekend under the stars. At just 2 and 4 years old, they couldn’t have cared less whether we were camping in the backyard or the Kimberley ranges. For them, it wasn’t about the location—it was all about the accessories. The tent, the torches, the enamel plates, the plastic forks, the sleeping bags. Brushing their teeth on the grass. Eating dinner outside. Oh, and let’s not forget the marshmallows.

Here’s how we turned a simple backyard into an unforgettable family adventure:

Saturday afternoon: Setting up the camp

We pitched the tent, set up the beds, and created a cooking area. We used a camping stove and an actual fire—though it’s essential to check fire regulations in your area and avoid lighting fires on hot or windy days. Safety first!

Once the tent was up, the boys got into their pyjamas, we applied bug spray, and they joined in the fun of cooking dinner.

Dinner time: The classics

We kept it simple: sausages and chicken skewers with hot dog rolls and tomato sauce. Nothing fancy—just easy, classic camping fare.

As we ate, we played old favourites like Paul Kelly, Neil Diamond, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. There’s something so refreshing about being outside without the comforts of inside—no TV, no downlights, no aircon, no fridge. Just the open sky and each other.

Marshmallow magic

As the sun went down, we brought out the marshmallows. The kids found sticks from our big tree, and under our guidance, they roasted marshmallows over the fire. If you don’t have an open flame, you can make s’mores instead: use Arnott’s biscuits and a lighter to melt marshmallows between two. Easy and delicious!

After our marshmallow feast, our 2-year-old went back inside to his cot, while the rest of us played a few campfire games, listened to music, and enjoyed the fresh night air.

Sleeping under the stars

Around 8 p.m., we all climbed into the tent and snuggled into our sleeping bags. Full disclosure: I eventually joined the 2-year-old inside for bed, but as the kids grow older, we’ll aim for all four of us to sleep under the stars.

Sunday morning: Breakfast outdoors

At 6:30 a.m., it was time to chop some wood, relight the fire, and fry up bacon and eggs. Using proper camping equipment made the experience feel authentic—and even more fun.

We brewed a bitter long black in a camping coffee pot and enjoyed it in tin mugs, which somehow made it taste better!

By mid-morning, our 2-year-old had joined us outside, and we all soaked in the fresh air. No couches, no cartoons—just each other.

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Reinventing the space you have

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The simplicity of this weekend made it truly memorable.

If you don’t have access to a backyard, you can create a similar sense of adventure indoors. 

Pitch a tent in the living room, or simply lay out mattresses and sleeping bags for a cosy ‘camp-in.’ While it might be trickier to replicate the outdoor vibe, the excitement of breaking from routine and doing something new will still light up your children’s faces.

The key is to get creative and use your imagination to build an experience that feels like escapism—for your kids and yourself.

Why it works

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Camping at home doesn’t require ski slopes, the Amalfi Coast, or hotel kids’ clubs. Sure, those are wonderful luxuries, but it’s amazing how much joy can be found in reinventing the space you already have.

It’s the little touches—sleeping bags, torches, marshmallows—that create the magic. For our kids, it wasn’t about where we were but how different and exciting it felt.

Final thoughts

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I have to credit my husband for coming up with this wholesome weekend idea. When he first suggested cooking dinner and breakfast outside, I’ll admit I was sceptical. But he was absolutely right—those small, thoughtful details are what made it so special.

The newness, the adventure, the togetherness, and the laughs made this simple backyard camping trip one of our most memorable family weekends.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone (or house!) to create moments that your kids will remember forever.