Indoor camping
Illustration by Sam Hinton
Indoor camping can be a great way to feel cozy and have a little bit of adventure while having to stay inside. Whether you have a family or just want to do something fun with your partner, roomie, (or pets!) there are a lot of options.
Plan your shelter! If you have a tent you can totally use this, but it can also be fun to build a fort. Build up some blankets to make a shelter, string thing over couches and boxes.
Get comfy. This is maybe the most important step! Set up some sleeping pads and sleeping bags, or blankets and pillows. Make it as fluffy and cozy as you can!
Get some snacks - make some homemade s’mores or hotdogs. Pop some popcorn for a movie if it’s later at night and grab some candy.
Games - it’s the perfect time to play some boardgames. On rainy days camping we would often play cards to pass the time and it can be fun to take a technology break. Maybe even act like you have no service!
Lighting is very important! It can set a cozy and relaxing mood. Start off with some lanterns, flashlights, or low warm lighting. Maybe add some twinkle lights so you can feel like you are under the stars.
Bedtime stories. When camping I often end the night with a book, but you can also read aloud and enjoy sharing that with your fellow campers.
Stream nature. If you aren’t watching moves in your cozy set-up, consider playing some relaxing nature videos. Youtube has campfire videos, starry skies, rainy mountains, and forest sounds. Many of these run for hours so you can set them and relax.
Go outside. If you have a big enough patio or yard, consider setting up outside! Maybe go for a hike or walk before getting back to ‘camp’ and relaxing!