Keep food simple and fun during your backyard camping trip. Here are a few tried-and-true ideas that keep prep and cleanup to a minimum while keeping kids happy and full.

No-Fuss Favorites

• Taco-in-a-Bag: Toss taco meat and toppings into individual bags of chips.
• Chili Dogs in a Thermos: Keep hot chili in a thermos. Drop in cooked hot dogs. Pull them out and serve with buns, cheese, and onions.

Campfire Classics

• Monster Dogs: Slice uncooked hot dogs to make “arms and legs” that curl when grilled.
• S’mores: Classic and always a hit. Let kids assemble their own.

Sweet Treats

• Dirt Dessert: Layer pudding, crushed cookies, and gummy worms in cups.
• Homemade Ice Cream: Let the kids shake their own servings in resealable bags (just be ready to help with cleanup!).

Meals that double as entertainment make backyard camping extra fun—and easier for parents!