From enjoying a nearby hotel’s amenities to using your city as the backdrop for a scavenger hunt, staycationing options available to families working with tight budgets are plenty.

We were charmed by Jennifer Ward’s upcoming book, “Let’s Go Outside!” for its family-oriented ideas on getting reacquainted with backyard nature. Below is one of our favorites and, as spring deepens into summer, a great way to enjoy the fair weather.

Backyard Camping

Camping with your kids is a fun, sensory activity families can do together. Don’t know where to start? Click here to get some ideas.

Here are some of the neat things you can do:

1. Pitch your tent by day, and allow your kids to be a part of the process, from cozying up the tent with pillows and blankets, to picking the snacks. Get adventurous and see if you can construct your own backyard teepee tent. (Tip: Remember to have bug spray on hand, and consider using a cooler to store your goodies to keep ants away.)

2. When night falls, take a moment to listen to night sounds. Gaze up at the night sky, admire the stars and spot prominent celestial bodies using a homemade star-finder.

3. Talk the night away! Tell scary stories, read a favorite book out loud, play a board game, and share memories while making new ones together.

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The Buzz, ?What’s the Word?? – May 14-20, 2009