Create a Cozy Indoor Campsite for Family Fun and Gourmet S’mores

Create a cozy indoor campsite for family fun in the winter

Looking for a fun way to keep the kids entertained during yet another weekend stuck indoors? An indoor “campsite” is a great place to read, relax and enjoy some yummy gourmet s’mores.

Midwest winters are loooonnng. Especially for families. I’ve started to run out of fresh ideas to keep the kids from bickering and/or completely trashing our house. Somehow, all those amazing toys they begged for at Christmastime have already lost their luster (I’m looking at you Play Monster My Fairy Garden). There’s been a lot of sibling bickering and whining for more television and iPad time. While they certainly get their fare share of both, its nice to have some other fun ideas up my sleeve that don’t involve screens.

So, when my editor from TheInspiredHome.com asked me to write an article reviewing a tabletop s’mores maker, I jumped at the chance. But instead of just making s’mores in our kitchen, we created an indoor campsite right in our living room. And it’s become the kids new favorite hang out spot.

A cozy play tent is the perfect spot for quiet play.

Lilly loves to sit and draw or read (or, lets be honest, use the iPad) in here. Since both kids are still pretty young, setting the tent up in the main part of our home has been really nice. It gives them an easy way to create space and solitute for themselves while still remaining close to the action.

Like any campsite, the most important item is the tent.  If you’re only planning to keep yours up for an afternoon or two, your tent can be as simple as an old sheet draped over a couple of dining chairs. Since we intend to keep our campsite set up for awhile, we went ahead an purchased a kid’s play tent. This one from the Target Pillowfort collection blends in nicely with our existing living room decor. Next we added a faux fur blanket as rug and a pile of throw pillows. Eventually, the kids even drug in their bean bag chairs. It helps define the space and makes the spot extra cosy. Finally we added lighting. I strung a set of inexpensive, battery powered string lights inside the tent, securing them with safety pins. And we added an adorable LED version of a camper’s lantern, just for fun. Then it was time for the kids to add all their favorite things: a basket of books, a cup full of crayons and pencils and a pile of Max’s most favorite toy cars.

Even better, on the day we set up camp, we had a yummy little s’mores party. Just like you’d do at a really campsite, we sang songs, laughed and enjoyed some super yummy, decadent s’mores treats.

Chocolate Banana Caramel S’more made with homemade Banana Marshmallows!

Visit TheInspiredHome.com to get the recipes for my Strawberry Nutella S’mores and Chocolate, Banana, Caramel S’mores made using my homemade fruity marshmallows. We’re looking forward to enjoying them as part of our family Valentine’s Day celebration next week.

Meanwhile, our little campsite is definitely everyone’s favorite hang out spot. At least until Spring

An adorable indoor campsite to keep the kids busy indoors during winter