Monday, June 29, 2020

Salt Lake City Among Top Cities

Salt Lake City Among Top Cities for Millennial Homebuyers

SALT LAKE CITY — As Americans continue making significant life decisions while the coronavirus pandemic marches on, a new study indicates Utah’s capital city boasts one of the best home markets available for young prospective homebuyers in these turbulent economic times caused by the outbreak.

The National Association of Realtors this month identified the top 10 metropolitan areas for millennial homebuyers during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing from the 100 largest metro statistical areas throughout the country. The study analyzed a number of factors including housing affordability, local employment conditions during the pandemic, the number of millennials in the individual metro areas and availability of housing inventory.

The markets — listed alphabetically — with the most favorable conditions for millennials are comprised of Austin-Round Rock, Texas; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas; Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa; Durham-Chapel Hill-Raleigh, North Carolina; Houston-the Woodlands, Texas; Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Indiana; Omaha, Nebraska/Council Bluffs, Iowa; Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona; Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington; and Salt Lake City.

“Record-low mortgage rates have improved housing affordability, bringing more buyers into the market, and multiple offers for starter homes could become common in these metro areas,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. “With relatively better employment conditions and a strong presence of millennials in these markets, more new home construction will be required to fully satisfy the housing demand as the economy reopens.”

Current Riverton resident Romina Harrison, 31, and her husband, 33, recently purchased a house in Sandy to have a little more room for their growing family. And while the pandemic did create some uncertainty for a time during their search, there were able to find a place that suited their needs at a price they could afford.

“We have two kids right now and we have a town house which we love, but we’re looking for more like a yard for the kids,” she said. “We kind of found a property that we really felt fit well for us and then the prices just didn’t seem like they were slowing down. As soon as we found something that fit us and that was in our budget, we kind of jumped on it right away.”

She said they had been planning for a little while and felt like they “were mostly prepared” for the moment when an appropriate opportunity arose and they could take advantage of it.

“There was a little bit of hesitation and a worry when (the pandemic) was going on,” Harrison said. “But thankfully, we weren’t worried about employment.”

A stay-at-home mom, she noted her family was fortunate that her husband’s career in the legal profession wasn’t affected by the economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus, which allowed them to pursue their goal of moving to a place they could settle into long term.

“Utah is a market where millennials — 25 to 34 year olds — of all the Western states we have the highest percentage of that age cohort that are homeowners; it’s like 50%,” said James Wood, Ivory Boyer Senior Fellow and economist at the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. “In California, it’s like 25% because of housing prices. Millennials here seem to own homes more at a higher rate than any of the major metro areas in the West.”

Locally, housing professionals attribute the improved market conditions to the state’s strong economy and low national cost of borrowing money.

“Housing affordability has increased,” said Christy Vail, Realtor and past president of the Utah Association of Realtors. “So, affordability locally here in Utah is about 13%. Where nationally, it’s only improved at about 9%. The reason for that is because of the interest rates.”

She said consistently low interest rates even during the downturn have kept homeownership in reach for many prospective buyers.

Nationwide, the typical household can afford to buy 40% of the homes currently listed for sale, compared to 34% a year earlier, according to the Realtors Affordability Distribution Score, a collaboration between the National Association of Realtors and realtor.com. The score measures the affordability of current for-sale homes overall in combination with different income levels. The data showed that affordability improved more this year in the top 10 metros than it did nationwide.

As an example, research indicated a household earning $100,000 in Dallas was able afford 56% of homes currently listed for sale compared to 45% last year in the same area.

According to April jobs data, employment fell by an average of almost 13% in the most populous metros compared to the prior year. But Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Salt Lake City saw employment decline 8% from the previous 12 months.

The report showed that on average the top 10 markets listed had fewer workers employed in industries that were most affected by the economic shutdown resulting from the pandemic. The Durham and Des Moines metros saw 15% and 17% of employees, respectively, work in sectors at greater risk from COVID-19. The average for the largest 100 metropolitan areas was 21%, according to the data.

Greater available inventory was an additional commonality among the top markets, the report stated. For Des Moines and Omaha, the number of active listings in April 2020 increased by 5% and 1%, respectively, according to realtor.com, while inventory dropped an average of 18% in the largest 100 metropolitan areas.

The study showed 30% of residents in those markets were millennials — who comprised the biggest homebuyer segments and who analysts expected to see purchase more homes.

“Nationally, millennials make up the largest share of homebuyers and these metropolitan areas, in particular, offer great opportunities to realize the dream of home ownership,” said National Association of Realtors President Vince Malta. “As states and cities begin to reopen, millennials will play a significant role in the housing market’s recovery.”

Written By Jason Lee - Published by the Deseret News- June 27, 2020
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Linda Secrist’s Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent

Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2018! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

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Thursday, June 25, 2020

Hello Summer! 3 Luxury Open House Tours, Saturday, June 27th

Hello Summer!

3 Luxury Open House Tours, Saturday, June 27th

"Stunning Cottonwood Heights Estate"

Saturday, June 27th, 2020

Open 1-3 PM

7311 S Milne Garden Cir

Cottonwood Heights, UT 84047

6,480 Sq Ft|5 Bedroom|6 Bath

Offered At $ 1,497,000

Hello Summer!- Stunning traditional estate with high end quality, soaring ceilings and a Chef's kitchen with premier appliances, gorgeous counters and custom cabinets adjacent to a very open and bright family and dining room. The main level boasts an impressive open two-story balcony with spiral staircase and beautiful custom woodwork throughout, an office and a one bedroom suite (not master). Upper level features a generous master retreat with elegance galore and two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bath. Off the family room you'll find a spacious covered sun deck for outdoor entertaining. The walk out lower level and patio leads you to the private yard surrounded by mature trees, lush landscaping and a newly installed waterfall. This home has a lower level second kitchen, an open rec room and an over-sized 3 car garage. All of this within walking distance to restaurants and shopping yet very private and serene. Excellent location with convenient freeway access and close proximity to world class ski resorts and hiking and biking trails. A true hidden gem. This home will surprise and delight any buyer. So much home and first time on the market.

Spectacular Sandy Estate With Sweeping Valley & Mountain Views

Saturday, June 27th

Open 11 AM - 1 PM

11254 S Eagle View Drive

Sandy, UT 84092

6,524 Sq Ft|6 Bedroom|7 Bath

Offered At: $1,690,000

Hello June! - Spectacular and totally updated estate with unobstructed sweeping valley and mountain views from every window! Soaring vaults, open and bright floorplan with beautiful hardwood and travertine flooring throughout. A prime 1.60 acres surrounded by million dollar luxury homes and only a 10 minute walk to the Rocky Mouth waterfall. Well-designed gourmet kitchen with thick marble counters, premier appliances and Walnut custom Peppertree cabinetry. Luxurious master suite and bath with steam shower, walk in closet and sitting area. Light and open walkout lower level with high ceilings and wet bar. Huge lot with an unusually flat private yard and perfect play area. Control 4 smart home with a Sonos sound system. 4 car attached garage and an additional heated 2 car detached garage. Only minutes from world class ski resorts, world renowned medical facilities, downtown SLC nightlife and the Salt Lake international airport. There has never been a better time to live in UTAH!

HIGHLAND DREAM HOME

Saturday, June 27th

Open 2-4 PM

6781 W Normandy Way

Highland, UT 84003

9,097 Sq Ft|5 Bedroom|8 Bath

Offered At: $1,349,000

Hello Summer!- Luxury@home gathering those you love! Stunning 1-acre transitional 2-story estate, gorgeous curb appeal, spectacular views! Custom built top quality DREAM HOME, every detail and finish thoughtfully designed to integrate and connect. Located in the prestigious Country French Estates, an incredible neighborhood. This perfect design spurs luxury and warmth in the open and light Living and Entertaining areas, with incredible views from the floor to ceiling windows. The Chef's gourmet kitchen is at the center, with a massive granite island, Wolf-Subzero appliances, hidden scullery and tons of custom cabinetry. Dream craft room with island and mudroom off the main garage. Gorgeous large covered porch entry connects the great room, living room and office... all with custom woodwork, tons of built-ins and hardwood flooring throughout. Spacious master retreat with spa-like bath, over-sized tub and steam shower to relax and a MASSIVE closet fit for a queen. Guests are spoiled with luxury hotel style ensuite bathrooms for each room. Large mature trees, beautiful 2-story waterfall, large sports pool and spa, massive covered deck and patio, and tons of convenient parking. Lower level boasts 10 ft ceiling open concept connecting - full kitchen - theater gathering living areas to the indoor/outdoor recreation areas...an entertainer's delight! Two outdoor granite staircases connect all levels, inspiring the lasting memories you deserve. The smart home system accommodates anything with sound, lights, and/or security. Backup NG generator! Six total stall heated garages with epoxy floors, RV parking, gorgeous paved circular drive with waterfall, neighbors crowned most amazing driveway & landscaping in area. Storage everywhere! This Luxury@Home hits all the marks! Schedule a private tour today!

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Tuesday, June 23, 2020

5 Ways to Save on Your Summer Air Conditioning Cost

Many of us associate the summer months with going to the nearest beach to cool off; however, not all of us get the chance to do that. More often than not, the best way to stay cool under the summer sun is to stay indoors and enjoy the cool air from your AC unit.

Related: 10 Ways to Save on Utility Bills This Summer

The problem with turning up your air conditioning for the whole summer is the massive energy bills you'll receive. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, air conditioning accounts for approximately 12 percent of home energy costs. These huge costs, though, don't mean you have to give up your AC. Here are five ways to save on energy costs this summer:

Lessen direct sunlight.
If you live in an area that gets a ton of direct sunlight, then you have to do your best to keep those rays out of your house in the summer. The hotter your home gets, the harder your AC unit is forced to work to maintain cool temperatures. This will, of course, be reflected in your subsequent energy bills.
The simplest way to keep the sun out of your house is to put up drapes, curtains or Venetian blinds on all the windows in your home. For more shade from the outside, planting trees and shrubs on the eastern and western parts of your property should do the trick.

Let your AC unit rest.
Summer days can get very hot. That doesn't mean, however, that every single summer day will clock in at oven-level temperatures. Some summer days can actually be very cool, especially if there’s a light rain. These cooler than usual summer days present you with an excellent opportunity to lower your air conditioning costs if you give your AC unit a break.

Don’t touch the thermostat.
Understandably, some people set their thermostat to 70 degrees or lower particularly when the thermometer is nearing its highest levels. If you’re one of those people, then you should be prepared for a massive increase in your next energy bill. Keeping your thermostat consistently at 78 degrees should be enough to keep you and your family cool (and your energy costs at a manageable level).

Ceiling fans + AC = energy savings.
Setting the thermostat at 78 degrees is enough to make most people feel comfortable, but if you run your ceiling fans at the same time, you can even adjust the thermostat to 80 or 81 degrees! Your family should still feel cool, but your air conditioning costs in the summer could be reduced by 15 - 25 percent.

Keep the air filter clean.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow to your AC unit, which will then work harder—and use up more energy in the process—to make up for it. Air filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly. The general rule of thumb for cleaning or replacing air filter is that you must do it approximately every 90 days.
Hopefully these tips will help you keep your air conditioning costs down this summer!

Written By By Stephanie Gordon
Posted on Aug 6 2018 - 12:24pm by Housecall

Stephanie Gordon is a content marketing specialist of New AC Unit.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

2 Father's Day Open House Tours, Saturday, June 20th, 2020

2 FATHER'S DAY OPEN HOUSE TOURS

SATURDAY, JUNE 20th, 2020

Father's Day is a day of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. The idea of a special day to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood was introduced from the United States. There, a woman called Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired by the American Mother's Day celebrations to plan a day to honor fathers. In the USA, Father's Day has been celebrated in June since 1910. The celebrations in the United Kingdom and other countries are thought to have been inspired by the American custom of Father's Day. This is in contrast to Mother's Day, which has a very different history in the United States and the United Kingdom. In any case, let's celebrate DAD this weekend! Why not find him the home of his dreams? We have 2 incredible homes to show him on Saturday, June 20th! See you There!

"Stunning Cottonwood Heights Estate"

Saturday, June 20th, 2020

Open 1-3 PM

7311 S Milne Garden Cir

Cottonwood Heights, UT 84047

6,480 Sq Ft|5 Bedroom|6 Bath

Offered At $ 1,497,000

Happy Fathers Day- Stunning traditional estate with high end quality, soaring ceilings and a Chef's kitchen with premier appliances, gorgeous counters and custom cabinets adjacent to a very open and bright family and dining room. The main level boasts an impressive open two-story balcony with spiral staircase and beautiful custom woodwork throughout, an office and a one bedroom suite (not master). Upper level features a generous master retreat with elegance galore and two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bath. Off the family room you'll find a spacious covered sun deck for outdoor entertaining. The walk out lower level and patio leads you to the private yard surrounded by mature trees, lush landscaping and a newly installed waterfall. This home has a lower level second kitchen, an open rec room and an over-sized 3 car garage. All of this within walking distance to restaurants and shopping yet very private and serene. Excellent location with convenient freeway access and close proximity to world class ski resorts and hiking and biking trails. A true hidden gem. This home will surprise and delight any buyer. So much home and first time on the market.

"Spectacular Remodel In Canyon Setting"

Saturday, June 20th, 2020

Open 1- 3 PM

3145 E Tolcate Hills Dr

Holladay, UT 84121

4,556 Sq Ft|5 Bedroom|4 Bath

Offered At: $1,190,000

HELLO JUNE- *New Price Reduced $50k*Gated Canyon setting with incredible mountain and valley views! This spectacular better than new and total remodel boasts new gorgeous custom entry doors, large new windows, new roof, beautiful main level hardwood flooring, custom woodwork and high-end finishes throughout. Light and open floor plan with soaring ceilings, gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, gas range, large center working island and a stainless farmhouse style sink. Main level luxurious master, custom closet, soaker tub and walk-out to a private deck with two additional spacious main level bedrooms. Oversized laundry room, fitness and theater room. Lower level Mother-in-law apartment with a private entrance, kitchen, living area, bedrooms and baths. Very secluded and private yard surrounded by mature tall trees and the tranquil sound of a seasonal stream.This home is close to everything with skiing, hiking and biking just minutes away.

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lindasecrist.com

Thursday, June 11, 2020

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY

2 LUXURY OPEN HOUSE TOURS

Saturday, June 13th, 2020

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY- The weather during the month of June in the Norther Hemisphere mild and the days have the longest daylight hours. In fact, it is the seasonal equivalent to December in the Southern Hemisphere. The extended hours of daylight provide more time for outdoor activities such as weddings, parties, family barbeque's and if you love to see beautiful homes; Open House Tours!

"Your Own Private Resort"

Saturday, June 13th, 2020

Open 2-4 PM

2392 W Old Rosebud Ln

South Jordan, UT 84095

5,468 Sq Ft|5 Bedroom|8 Baths

Offered At: $1,549,000

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY- Stunning Luxury Estate with Park-Like Resort living at its finest. This estate boasts soaring ceilings, exquisite wood moldings, travertine floors with custom wood inlay, tons of windows throughout allowing the natural light to flood the rooms and a dream Chef's kitchen with custom cabinets and gorgeous counters. Elegant main floor master suite with a custom walk in closet, second bedroom and office with courtyard views. Playroom above and 3 bedrooms down with a walk out lower level, a theater and huge family room that opens to the most magnificent backyard with superb landscaping. This home truly has it all! We're not done yet....The second extraordinary entertaining home (yes, you are getting 2 homes for the price of 1 and second home sq footage is not reflected in the total square footage) is over 6k sq ft and includes a custom theater area to match and a gorgeous second kitchen, a 1,200 sq ft wonderfully finished 2 bedroom apartment above with a kitchen, office, great room and storage.This second home is an ideal space to run your business or host huge gatherings with plenty of room for all. The glass wall completely opens up to provide seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining leading you to the salt water kidney shaped pool with built in slide and waterfall, wading area and hot tub, basketball court, fire-pits and an outdoor covered kitchen. Main home includes an oversize 3 car garage and second home includes a 1 car garage. Lots of parking for all of your guests and your toys! Square footage provided as a courtesy only, Buyer is advised to verify all information. Come tour this beauty...you'll fall in love!

1 ACRE STUNNING TRANSITIONAL ESTATE

Saturday, June 13th, 2020

Open 1-3 PM

6781 W Normandy Way

Highland, UT 84003

1.01 Acres

9,097 Sq Ft|5 Bedroom|8 Bath

Offered At $2,349,000

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY- Luxury@home gathering those you love! Stunning 1-acre transitional 2-story estate, gorgeous curb appeal, spectacular views! Custom built top quality DREAM HOME, every detail and finish thoughtfully designed to integrate and connect. Located in the prestigious Country French Estates, an incredible neighborhood. This perfect design spurs luxury and warmth in the open and light Living and Entertaining areas, with incredible views from the floor to ceiling windows. The Chef's gourmet kitchen is at the center, with a massive granite island, Wolf-Subzero appliances, hidden scullery and tons of custom cabinetry. Dream craft room with island and mudroom off the main garage. Gorgeous large covered porch entry connects the great room, living room and office... all with custom woodwork, tons of built-ins and hardwood flooring throughout. Spacious master retreat with spa-like bath, oversized tub and steam shower to relax and a MASSIVE closet fit for a queen. Guests are spoiled with luxury hotel style ensuite bathrooms for each room. Large mature trees, beautiful 2-story waterfall, large sports pool and spa, massive covered deck and patio, and tons of convenient parking. Lower level boasts 10 ft ceiling open concept connecting - full kitchen - theater gathering living areas to the indoor/outdoor recreation areas...an entertainer's delight! Two outdoor granite staircases connect all levels, inspiring the lasting memories you deserve. The smart home system accommodates anything with sound, lights, and/or security. Backup NG generator! Six total stall heated garages with epoxy floors, RV parking, gorgeous paved circular drive with waterfall, neighbors crowned most amazing driveway & landscaping in area. Storage everywhere! This Luxury@Home hits all the marks! Schedule a private tour today!

SEARCH ALL UTAH Homes

lindasecrist.com

Thursday, June 4, 2020

HELLO JUNE! 3 LUXURY OPEN HOUSE TOURS

Saturday, June 6, 2020

HELLO JUNE- The weather during the month of June in the Norther Hemisphere mild and the days have the longest daylight hours. In fact, it is the seasonal equivalent to December in the Southern Hemisphere. The extended hours of daylight provide more time for outdoor activities such as weddings, parties, family barbeque's and if you love to see beautiful homes; Open House Tours!

"Your Own Private Resort"

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Open 1-3 PM

2392 W Old Rosebud Ln

South Jordan, UT 84095

5,468 Sq Ft|5 Bedroom|8 Baths

Offered At: $1,549,000

HELLO JUNE- Stunning Luxury Estate with Park-Like Resort living at its finest. This estate boasts soaring ceilings, exquisite wood moldings, travertine floors with custom wood inlay, tons of windows throughout allowing the natural light to flood the rooms and a dream Chef's kitchen with custom cabinets and gorgeous counters. Elegant main floor master suite with a custom walk in closet, second bedroom and office with courtyard views. Playroom above and 3 bedrooms down with a walk out lower level, a theater and huge family room that opens to the most magnificent backyard with superb landscaping. This home truly has it all! We're not done yet....The second extraordinary entertaining home (yes, you are getting 2 homes for the price of 1 and second home sq footage is not reflected in the total square footage) is over 6k sq ft and includes a custom theater area to match and a gorgeous second kitchen, a 1,200 sq ft wonderfully finished 2 bedroom apartment above with a kitchen, office, great room and storage.This second home is an ideal space to run your business or host huge gatherings with plenty of room for all. The glass wall completely opens up to provide seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining leading you to the salt water kidney shaped pool with built in slide and waterfall, wading area and hot tub, basketball court, fire-pits and an outdoor covered kitchen. Main home includes an oversize 3 car garage and second home includes a 1 car garage. Lots of parking for all of your guests and your toys! Square footage provided as a courtesy only, Buyer is advised to verify all information. Come tour this beauty...you'll fall in love!

"Stunning Luxury Estate"

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Open 12-3 PM

HELLO JUNE- Stunning traditional estate with high end quality, soaring ceilings and a Chef's kitchen with premier appliances, gorgeous counters and custom cabinets adjacent to a very open and bright family and dining room. The main level boasts an impressive open two-story balcony with spiral staircase and beautiful custom woodwork throughout, an office and a one bedroom suite (not master). Upper level features a generous master retreat with elegance galore and two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bath. Off the family room you'll find a spacious covered sun deck for outdoor entertaining. The walk out lower level and patio leads you to the private yard surrounded by mature trees, lush landscaping and a newly installed waterfall. This home has a lower level second kitchen, an open rec room and an over-sized 3 car garage. All of this within walking distance to restaurants and shopping yet very private and serene. Excellent location with convenient freeway access and close proximity to world class ski resorts and hiking and biking trails. A true hidden gem. This home will surprise and delight any buyer. So much home and first time on the market.

"Spectacular Remodel In Canyon Setting"

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Open 11 AM - 2 PM

HELLO JUNE- *New Price Reduced $50k*Gated Canyon setting with incredible mountain and valley views! This spectacular better than new and total remodel boasts new gorgeous custom entry doors, large new windows, new roof, beautiful main level hardwood flooring, custom woodwork and high-end finishes throughout. Light and open floorplan with soaring ceilings, gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, gas range, large center working island and a stainless farmhouse style sink. Main level luxurious master, custom closet, soaker tub and walk-out to a private deck with two additional spacious main level bedrooms. Oversized laundry room, fitness and theater room. Lower level Mother-in-law apartment with a private entrance, kitchen, living area, bedrooms and baths. Very secluded and private yard surrounded by mature tall trees and the tranquil sound of a seasonal stream.This home is close to everything with skiing, hiking and biking just minutes away.

SEARCH ALL UTAH Homes

lindasecrist.com

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

TAKE YOUR FAMILY CAMPING THIS SUMMER

Many schools have been closed for the remainder of the academic year, but that doesn’t mean you have to jam pack every hour of your child’s days with lessons from the curriculum the teachers sent you. You can also use this time to explore your child’s interests, and incorporate some real life lessons that can’t be taught in classrooms.

With a number of national parks and campgrounds closed due to the pandemic, many family camping trips are canceled for the time being. But parents, there are still ways to take your kid on that camping excursion by crafting the perfect indoor adventure. And if you have tiny explorers, this is your chance to introduce them to their first camping trip.

Set Up Your Tent

Set the scene by pitching your camping tent in the backyard, or by clearing the living room or basement and setting up a pop-up tent for the kids there. Cozy up the spaces by padding them with blankets and pillows. If you’re planning on visiting the national parks once they reopen, consider investing in a quality tent that you can build and test out in your backyard for now.
Families of up to four will appreciate the ample space offered by this Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup. Its use of thick, 150D polyester makes this tent sturdy and tear proof while blocking out light in the morning, and its inverted seams prevent water from seeping in through its floors. The four person tent comfortably fits one queen sized airbed, but for even more room, upgrade to the six person version, which fits two queen sized airbeds. One big perk about this Coleman tent is that its poles are pre-assembled, making setup possible in as little as one minute—perfect for antsy children who just can’t wait to get inside.
If you’re setting up camp indoors, kids will love the Kiddey Kids Play Tent, designed with three openings for maximum ventilation and easy accessibility. Its double stitched fabric ensures durability and its waterproof tarp flooring makes this something you can use both indoors and outdoors, which can provide a shaded play area at the beaches and parks.

Watch for Wildlife

Take this opportunity to teach your kids about the local wildlife you might encounter on a camping trip and how to behave around them on a hike through the forest. To get the ball rolling, check out National Geographic Kids on YouTube, where your child can view short videos to learn about the wildlife and critters that live outdoors, and what their role is on this planet. Go out into the backyard afterwards, and try to identify some of these critters with your kids. The younger ones will also love a scavenger hunt using stuffed animal versions of the wildlife you just discussed.

Recreate a Campfire Dinner

Part of the fun of camping is being able to make your meal and eat it outdoors. This can easily be recreated in your backyard or on your patio using a camp stove, which will also shake up the dining routine a bit for the kids. Try the Camp Chef Everest, a two burner stove that provides plenty of cooking space for a family, and foldable wind guards to protect your flames from errant gusts. Don’t let its compact design fool you— it still has the surface area to handle large cookware, making this portable stove an excellent all around choice for both backyard campfire dinners and in-real-life campfire meals. Replicate the outdoor dining experience as closely as you can by spreading out a blanket and having dinner on your lawn or on the floor of your living room. End the meal by making s’mores for a fun dessert, a recipe simple enough for kids to take part in and assemble too.

See the Moon and Stars

Encourage your child’s love of learning by exploring the curiosities of the night sky together. Invite your child to gaze at the moon with this NASA-branded kids telescope, which provides an easy way for a beginner to get started, and doubles as an instrument that can be used to discover surrounding natural landscapes during the day. Complete the experience by sleeping under the stars, and if your tent is pitched indoors, then hang a set of twinkle lights from the ceiling or drape them over the tent to simulate the starry night sky.

Enjoy Campfire Time

A longstanding camp tradition is spending time together around an open fire and participating in sing-alongs. Cozy up around a backyard fire pit like the easy-to-use BioLite FirePit, but if space doesn’t allow, a real fire isn’t necessary; kids can always use their imagination.
You can also use your indoor fireplace, or build one by gathering branches for the base and crumpling up yellow, red, and orange tissue paper for the flames. Round out the night by singing campfire songs, or by reading camp themed bedtime stories, like A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee and Llama Llama Loves Camping.
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Written By: Vivian Chung, Published By "The Discover Blog"