Get your warm clothes ready because summer is right around the corner.
As the sun ascends high in the sky and the days stretch longer, you may feel stirred to spend more time outside. What better place to answer that call than in the comfort and convenience of our own backyard?
Gather your favorite people, break out the sunscreen and start your summer adventure right with this list of easy activities in hand.
DIY water park:
When the summer sun is beaming down with extra intensity, there's no better way to beat the heat than with a backyard water park extravaganza. Transform your lawn into a playground of aquatic delights with sprinklers, slip 'n slides and inflatable pools galore.
Watch as children and adults alike play in the cool water. From daring dives to leisurely floats, let the cares of the world melt away as you surrender to the joy of summertime fun.
What you'll need:
Garden hose with sprinkler attachment
Slip 'n slide or inflatable pool
Water balloons or squirt guns for added excitement
Sunscreen and hats to stay protected from the sun
Towels and extra change of clothes for post-water park drying off
Outdoor movie night:
Experience the magic of the silver screen like never before with an outdoor movie night under the stars. Set up a projector, hang a sheet and transform your backyard into a cinematic oasis where imagination knows no bounds. From timeless classics to blockbuster hits, let Hollywood whisk you away on a journey into the world of cinema.
Snuggle up with loved ones, popcorn in hand, as you lose yourself in the magic of storytelling against a backdrop of twinkling stars. The memories made in the glow of the projector will linger long after the final scene has played out.
What you'll need:
Projector and screen (or a large white sheet)
Comfy seating options like blankets, cushions, or camping chairs
Popcorn maker or bags of popcorn
Cozy blankets for snuggling up during the movie
Bug-repellent candles or torches to keep pesky insects at bay
Picnic party:
Let’s set up a scene straight out of a storybook. Spread a cozy blanket out over the grass and unpack a basket filled with treats. Let your taste buds dance with delight as you throw back delicious eats, from finger sandwiches to juicy watermelon slices.
When the sun dips low on the horizon, you can savor the beauty of new memories made in the heart of your backyard.
What you'll need:
Picnic blanket
Basket or cooler filled with delicious snacks and drinks
Portable speakers for some background music
Sunscreen and bug spray for added comfort
Frisbee or ball for some post-picnic fun
Outdoor board games:
Step into a world where classic board games take on a larger-than-life charm under the open sky. Imagine towering Jenga blocks reaching toward the sky, a checkerboard drawn in chalk and feel the thrill of anticipation as bean bags sail through the air.
Here, every roll of the dice and every move of the game piece becomes a magic moment — a testament to the joy of shared experiences and the timeless allure of outdoor play.
What you’ll need:
Giant versions of classic board games like Jenga, Connect Four and Checkers
Chalk for drawing game boards directly onto the pavement or sidewalk
Bean bags for a game of outdoor Cornhole
Frisbees or flying discs for a friendly game of Frisbee Golf
DIY game pieces using rocks or sticks for games like Tic-Tac-Toe or Hopscotch
Pet photo shoot:
Celebrate the furry members of your family with a pet photo shoot that captures the essence of their playful spirits. Whether they're striking a pose or simply enjoying the freedom of the outdoors, each snapshot is a testament to the joy and companionship they bring into our lives.
Grab your camera, gather your pets and let their personalities shine as you immortalize their antics in a series of heartwarming photos. From candid shots to posed portraits, each image is a precious memento of the bond you share.
What you'll need:
Camera or smartphone with a good camera app
Ring light for pro-level lighting
Props like toys, costumes, or pet-friendly accessories
Treats to keep your furry friends focused and engaged
A comfortable and well-lit outdoor setting for the photoshoot
Patience and a sense of humor for capturing those perfect moments
Campout under the stars:
Trade the confines of your living room for the boundless expanse of the night sky with a backyard campout like no other. Pitch a tent, unfurl your sleeping bags and immerse yourself in the wonder of the great outdoors.
Whether you're sharing delicious snacks or sharing ghost stories by flashlight, each moment will be infused with adventure and possibility. When you drift off to sleep under a canopy of stars, you’ll know the world is yours to explore right in your backyard.
What you'll need:
Tent or camping gear
Sleeping bags or blankets
Flashlights or lanterns for nighttime illumination
Assorted snacks
With these enchanting activities at your fingertips, your backyard is more than just a patch of grass — it can become a portal to a world of adventure and possibility. So seize the day, embrace the moment and let the spirit of summer guide you on a journey of backyard bliss.
Up Next
LOADING