Camp in your garden
Pitch a tent, make a simple evening meal and sleep outdoors in the safety of your own garden. Choose a level, clear patch on lawn or compacted soil; move furniture, toys and tools away and remove hazards such as sharp garden implements before pitching. Plan a simple cooking setup (camping stove or barbecue), keep flames supervised and agree a clear route back to the house for night visits. Make the night comfortable with insulated sleeping pads or cots, warm sleeping bags and layered blankets; test the setup in advance by spending a few hours or an evening in the tent so children become familiar with the space. Include low-effort activities such as stargazing, a short evening walk around the boundary, story time or simple games that finish before bedtime to help settle everyone. Consider weather and drainage: pitch with the tent door away from prevailing wind where possible, use a groundsheet, and store wet kit in waterproof bags. Check local bylaws or tenancy rules only if you plan to charge guests or host repeated public events; for a single private night the main issues are safety, neighbour consideration and permission if you do not own the land beneath the garden. Treat this as a learning exercise for broader camping: practise pitching and folding the tent, basic stove use and simple camp-first-aid; take notes on what kit you’d upgrade or borrow next time so future trips away from home are easier and safer.