Your backyard can be the center of summer fun with the right setup. If you’re searching for backyard makeover ideas it’s a great first step. We’ve gathered together some of our top recommendations for your new backyard oasis. Here are 9 great ideas to create the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience this summer.
1| Create Intimacy With Privacy Fencing
It’s great to get along with the neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little privacy as well. A folding privacy fence can offer the best of both worlds.
When you’re entertaining guests you can unfold the fence and when you’re ready to chat with the neighbors the fence can be folded away for next time.
If you’re not up to building a folding privacy fence yourself, you can purchase them prebuilt from any major hardware location or online.
2| Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
You can’t entertain without good food and what better way to do that than with your own outdoor kitchen and bar? Just like your kitchen inside the home, an outdoor kitchen and bar can be a center for activity in the summer.
If you’re good at DIY you can build outdoor countertops and cupboard space, but you can also buy them as Prefab items. The same is true for an outdoor bar. A BBQ is a great start, but an outdoor kitchen and bar will raise things to the next level.
3| Umbrellas and Gazebos
The sun on your face is a great feeling, but too much of it can quickly tire you out. You need to have a nice shady area in your yard to cool off and relax as you entertain guests.
There are dozens of options for creating shade in your outdoor entertainment space. At the top of the list are large patio umbrellas and Gazebos. Either one is a great option for your backyard. If you have a large patio you may even want both in different sections and that can help to make your space look more intimate and inviting.
Once you’ve chosen the ideal patio umbrella or gazebo for your outdoor entertainment space you can add your patio furniture to complete your space. Finish it off with some nice planters and plants and you have the perfect space to entertain in the shade.
4| Nighttime Lighting
The fun doesn’t have to end after sunset. Why not add some nighttime Lighting to your backyard? That way you and your guests can keep going well after dusk.
There are many different nighttime Lighting options. Adding String lights around your gazebo creates a nice effect. Solar lights that turn on automatically along pathways are also great for ambience.
Another option for outdoor lighting are Tiki torches. You can even add some citronella to your torches to help keep the bugs away and your guests comfortable.
5| Family Fun by the Fire
An outdoor fireplace is a staple of outdoor summer fun and it can really spruce up the look of your backyard as well. It’s also great for young kids that want to roast marshmallows or hotdogs.
If you really want to take your fire cooking to the next level you can add a grill over top. You can even find grills with handles which makes it easy to flip and cook your food more evenly.
Just remember to check your city’s fire regulations first. In some areas backyard fires are banned or restricted. You may need to choose an enclosed chiminea to comply with your local fire rules.
6| Pond and Waterfall
Turning your yard into the perfect spot for entertaining guests is all about the little details. Adding a pond and even a small waterfall is one of those details that can truly transform any backyard.
There’s something quite soothing about the sound of a Waterfall in the background. It’s also a great talking point for breaking the ice with guests. Add in some lily pads, lighting and maybe even some fish and you’ll create a great focal point that both guests and family can enjoy.
7| Shed Game Room
If you really want to create the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience why not turn your shed into a game room? Even if you have a small shed you can still take advantage of the space to create a summer games room for the family.
After you’ve cleaned out the shed and moved the lawnmower to the garage you’re ready to start on the transformation. This doesn’t have to be expensive. With a game table, a dart board and perhaps a foosball table (if you have the room) you can turn that dusty shed into a center for entertainment and fun.
8| Backyard Games
A shed isn’t the only option for outdoor games. If you prefer to keep the shed for yard tools and storage you can simply take the games outside.
These days there are so many outdoor games to choose from there’s bound to be at least one that your family will enjoy. Here are a few ideas to consider for your backyard games this summer:
- Cornhole
- Horseshoes
- Ladder Toss
- Giant Outdoor Jenga
- Yard Dice
9| Backyard Movies
There might not be a drive-in movie theater in your area, but who needs one when you have a great backyard? Mini projectors are widely available and affordable these days and there’s no reason you can’t use it outside for a fun movie night.
A quick and easy solution for a screen is to just secure an old white sheet to the side of your shed or fence. There are also all kinds of portable screens to choose from if you choose to purchase one instead. They even have inflatable projection screens these days.
Your Ultimate Outdoor Entertainment Experience Awaits
Now that you have some great ideas for how to create your outdoor entertainment experience there’s no reason your backyard can’t be the center of fun this summer. These suggestions are a great place to start planning your new and improved backyard experience.