As May winds down and summer starts peeking around the corner, one of the best outdoor activities you can do is something simple, affordable, and full of memories: a backyard campout and firefly night.
By late May, Northeast Ohio evenings are usually mild enough to enjoy being outside without the heavy coats of spring. Set up a tent in the backyard, pull out some lawn chairs, or spread blankets across the grass and turn an ordinary evening into a mini outdoor adventure.
One of the best parts of this time of year? Fireflies are starting to appear. As dusk settles in, kids can watch the tiny flashes light up yards, parks, and tree lines all around Bedford. It’s one of those classic Ohio experiences that never really gets old, no matter your age.
Want to make the evening extra fun? Roast marshmallows over a small fire pit, tell stories, play flashlight tag, or use a star-gazing app to spot constellations. If camping overnight feels like too much work, even an hour or two outside after dinner can feel special this time of year.
For families who want to leave the backyard, Bedford Reservation is also beautiful in late May for an evening walk before sunset. The trails are green, birds are active, and temperatures are usually comfortable before summer humidity really kicks in.
Just remember to use bug spray, keep flashlights handy, and always supervise children around fires or near wooded areas after dark.
Sometimes the best family adventures happen close to home—and late May is the perfect time to enjoy them in Bedford.
Do You Know Bedford? Answer: Tinkers Creek.
