Homeowners know that a backyard can be an extension of your home, and with the right additions, it can be transformed into the perfect hangout spot for your family. From adding a fire pit, to creating a play area for the kids, to planting a garden, there are many ways to create a fun and functional space that you and your family can enjoy. In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how to turn any backyard into a fun family hangout spot.
Add a Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great addition to any backyard as it provides a warm and cozy atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy on chilly evenings. You can purchase a pre-made fire pit or create your own with bricks or stones. Just make sure to create a safe area around the fire pit by surrounding it with gravel or bricks. Don't forget to stock up on supplies to make s'mores!
Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting not only enhances the ambiance of your backyard, but also provides safety and security. Install some string lights or lanterns to add a warm, inviting glow to your backyard. Consider adding motion sensor lights near your backyard paths or entryways for added convenience and safety.
With so many options for backyard and outdoor lighting available today, your options are pretty limitless. There are many inexpensive solar powered garden and fence lights available that are great solutions to provide ambient lighting around your backyard space. You can also run powered lights to different areas of your yard for brighter lights if you want them. Just remember to bury any electrical wires you run and use the proper tools and equipment to get the job done safely.
Create a Comfortable Seating Area
Creating a comfortable seating area that can accommodate your family and guests is super important. Consider investing in a comfortable outdoor sofa and chairs, and add some cushions and throw pillows. Throw some blankets and outdoor curtains for a cozy, intimate feel. If you have space, add a small outdoor coffee table or side tables to hold drinks and snacks.
You also will want to consider adding some type of covering for your outdoor seating area. If your home doesn't have a roof overhanging your seating area, you can build or buy a simple pergola to offer some protection from the elements. Large umbrellas, or awnings, are great options as well. Whatever you choose, you'll be able to enjoy your outdoor seating in all types of weather if you have a roof over your head!
Create a Play Area for the Kids
If you have young children, creating a play area in your backyard is a great way to keep them entertained and active. You can create a simple play area by installing a swing set, slide, or sandbox. Or, you can get creative and build an obstacle course or treehouse.
There are so many pre-built and modular playscapes for kids today that finding the right one for you can be a little difficult. But start small, knowing you can add different things as needed and as your kids grow. Having their own space in the yard will not only make them excited to play outside, but it helps provide a "kids only" area that separates them from the adults when you're having a party and don't want to trip over running kids!
Incorporate Fun Backyard Games
Incorporate some fun backyard games that your family can enjoy. Add a custom cornhole set, badminton net, or volleyball net for some friendly competition. Consider building a horseshoe pit or buying a bocce ball set for an entertaining twist. You can also create a scavenger hunt or set up an outdoor movie night for the ultimate family fun.
Cornhole and horseshoes are great options because they don't take up a ton of space. All you need is an area about 30 feet long and 6 feet wide. If you go with horseshoes, you'll likely have to build out the pits to make it truly authentic, which means you'll have some boards, sand, and posts sticking up out of the ground all the time.
If you choose to go with cornhole, you can (and should!) take your boards inside when you finish playing. This means that setup is extremely quick and simple as you just need to drop the boards down, but when you're NOT playing cornhole your yard is back to being completely open. This can be great when it comes time to play larger games like volleyball or spikeball, or when it's time to mow the lawn. Nothing is in the way!
Why Cornhole is Great for Any Backyard
Cornhole is a classic backyard game that is enjoyed by many families and friends. It is a simple game that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. The game consists of two boards that measure 2 feet by 4 feet, each with a hole in the center. Teams of two players take turns throwing bean bags at the boards, trying to get them in the hole or on the board. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
One of the great things about cornhole is that it can be played in just about any backyard or outdoor space. The boards are relatively lightweight and easy to move, making it easy to set up a game wherever you please. Additionally, the game doesn't require a lot of equipment, which makes it a cost-effective option for families on a budget.
Another benefit of cornhole is that it can be customized to fit the personality of the players. Many people choose to decorate their boards with their favorite sports teams, logos, or images. Others choose to add LED lights or other unique features to make their boards stand out. This level of customization not only makes the game more enjoyable, but it also adds a personalized touch to your outdoor space.
Cornhole also has a competitive aspect that can make it even more fun for players. Although the game is relatively simple, there are many strategies that players can use to improve their chances of scoring. For example, some players choose to throw their bean bags with a spin to make them more accurate, while others prefer to shoot them straight. Additionally, players can adjust the distance between the boards to make the game more challenging.
Overall, cornhole is a great game to add to any backyard. It's easy to set up, customizable, and can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're playing a casual game with friends or hosting a backyard tournament, cornhole is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment for everyone involved. If you to freshen up on how the game works, you can easily learn more about corn hole rules from a number of sources.
Plant a Garden
Planting a garden is a great way to add beauty and functionality to your backyard. Not only will it add color and texture, but you can also plant herbs and vegetables that you can use in your cooking. Whether you choose to plant a flower garden, a vegetable garden, or a herb garden, make sure to do your research beforehand to ensure that you are planting the right plants for your climate.
Create an Outdoor Dining Area
Eating dinner outside can be a special treat for you and your family. Create an outdoor dining area by adding a table and chairs, or even by using a picnic table. To add some ambiance, hang outdoor string lights or create a centerpiece with candles or flowers.
Add Some Entertainment
Adding some entertainment options in your backyard is a great way to create a hangout spot that everyone can enjoy. Consider installing a projector and screen for outdoor movie nights, or adding an outdoor speaker system for music.
There are some solar powered options for this as well, but you'll really want to hard wire electrical these more robust entertainment options. If you don't have outside outlets on your home already, you can likely have an electrician come install some for a few hundred dollars. It will be well worth the investment when you're watching the game outside in the nice weather with a cold drink in your hand and food on the grill.
Enjoy Your Backyard With Friends and Family
Spending time outdoors with your family is a great way to bond, stay active, and create lasting memories. Creating a fun family hangout spot in your backyard doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By adding a few key elements such as a fire pit, a play area, a garden, an outdoor dining area, and some entertainment options, you can transform your backyard into a space that your whole family will love. Most importantly, don't forget the cornhole boards! So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and enjoy spending time with your loved ones in a fun and functional outdoor space.