I highly recommend actually going camping if you can find the time. We don't do it as often as we should but every time we do it's so great.

There's a campground near us (an hour or two to get there) that's only $15 per night and is safe enough that our only rule for the kids is they have to stay where we can see them... and it's a big clearing so they don't need to stay close to follow that rule.

Our kid loves being able to do whatever he wants, sometimes on his own, or playing with us, or with other kids at the campground. He can't have that freedom at home - there are too many things he wants to do that he's not allowed to do. Plus we like getting out of the house too - it's not all about the kids! You can be a better parent if you're enjoying yourself.