You don't have to travel to an exotic land or make reservations at a fancy hotel to take your family on an overnight getaway once the weekend rolls around. There's plenty of adventure to be had just beyond your back door!

Grab a tent, roll up your sleeping bags and head out into the backyard for an overnight “staycation" — and a whole lot of fun.

Backyard camping is a great way for you and your child to enjoy all the fun of an authentic camping trip combined with the little luxuries of home. This means no more long walks to the restroom, no unexpected visits from bears and, if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, you're only a few steps away from a warm, dry bed.

Kick-off your staycation by organizing a family trip to the grocery store to stock up on camp-friendly foods. Ask your fellow campers for input on what types of things they would like to cook and eat during the campout.

When you're ready to chow down, fire up the barbecue grill and get cooking! Hot dogs and hamburgers taste yummy no matter where your campsite is.

Once the sun goes down, gather around a backyard fire pit or one at a local park for ghost stories and marshmallow roasting. No camping trip is complete without a s'more or two! You can also create an indoor tent and use the microwave to create your yummy s'mores. 

After the fire has died down, take a nighttime nature walk around your neighborhood and go on a moonlit scavenger hunt. Challenge each other to spot the big dipper or the twinkling lights of an airplane in the nighttime sky.

Listen for crickets and frogs. Keep an eye out for the blinking blip of a lightning bug. Say hello to the man in the moon. Don't forget to bring a flashlight!

Creating happy memories doesn't mean spending lots of money. After all, smiles and giggles are free.

The simple act of planning an unexpected adventure in a familiar place is a great way to have some fun and turn a “staycation" into a “yaycation" that will be remembered for years to come.