Back garden camping

[NightOwl101]

My 5 year old wants to camp out in the garden so as a little surprise next week we're going to next week, I got a little tent that said it's a 4 man but I'm not completely convinced but it's enough space for the two of us and the dog but I need some ideas how to make it fun and interesting for us both. I've got a fire pit type thing we can out marshmallows on and make s'mores but after that I'm stumped so please can MN help

Would they like some of the little fairy lights inside the tent?
Our Pound Shop and Home and Bargain had loads of different battery operated ones from fruit to flamingo and pumpkins or little lanterns.

Looking at the stars and moon if the sky is clear.

Moth spotting.

Bat spotting if you have them in your area.

Late night walk around the neighbourhood - if it’s a safe area - you get a different perspective being out at night and might spot some nocturnal animals or birds.

What a great idea
How about a mid night feast , sandwiches cut into fun shapes ( cookie cutter animal shapes?) Then toasted on the fire . Does he like bugs ? Collect a few the day / evening before draw a bulls eye one a large piece of paper put the bugs in the centre and race them across the lines . Each line the cross is worth x points . Millipeeds are great at this race ( fond memories wash over me )

if he's with you, I suspect he'll be ready to sleep around his normal time - so you need to bring stuff along for yourself, book, kindle etc.

Make sure you both know the 'rules' if either need the toilet, if you need to go will you leave him, for example?

Scavenger hunt possibly?

Disposable BBq for sausages?
Hot chocolate
There are Apps that help id stars and planets - point them at the sky and they can tell you what you are looking at.
Make sure you have sleeping bag and blankets incase it's chilly - especially in the early morning - help him sleep.
Remember tents don't keep out the light so be prepared for an early start.
Torches - head torches are great fun, and keep your hands free.

When my son insisted on this, I printed off a sign that read [our street] campsite, plot 1 and pinned it up next to the tent.
I also filled up a small water carrier so it felt a bit more authentic!
Fairy lights, as suggested above, are a good idea.

There's some great ideas here thank you!! I'm hoping sleep at a normal time but not to hopeful. The midnight feast is brilliant

For me, camping was always about card games by candle or gas light (camping lamps - I'm honestly not that old!) which made an amazing noise - obviously at five he's not up for poker or bridge, but a few games of snap or Uno whilst sitting in sleeping bags. Magic. Have lots of fun.