7 Ways to Create a Backyard Vacation This Summer

Summer vacation has been going strong for over five weeks now. At this point in the season, most families are well into their summer vacation mode and have put the memories of #2 pencils, lunch boxes, and the early school bus well behind them.

As much as we enjoy the carefree, lazy days of summer, this is the point where most families start getting a bit antsy with one another and could use either a break from one another (let’s not forget—there are still five more weeks of summer vacation on tap!) or a total change of routine and scenery.

If separate vacations aren’t in your family’s plans, then shaking things up with a change in your usual summer routine could be just what you need to stay fresh and energized for the remaining days your family has to spend together before those school bells ring once more.

One way to do that is to take advantage of a space that’s very close to home—your own backyard. Mighty Mommy shares seven fun ways to create an exciting backyard vacation this summer.

Tip #1:  Create a Cool Pool

If your backyard space doesn’t include a much desired swimming pool, you can take steps to create your own cool spot to take a refreshing dip. There are lots of great deals on oversized, blow-up pools at the mid-point of the summer season. Last year, our family purchased a 10 x 30 easy set-up, above ground pool for less than $50!  True, we can’t do cannon balls and fancy flips off a diving board, but it’s just big enough to splash around in and get cooled off and because we just step off our deck into it, we can get refreshed instantly and then get back to our day.  And don’t forget the accessories, such as a beach ball to volley back and forth, masks so your kids can search for pennies and other little treasures—even a few squirt guns to add to all the splish-splashing fun. If you’re lucky enough to already have a pool check out these tips for How to Spend Less on Backyard Pool Maintenance. 

See Also: Cheap and Easy Birthday Party Ideas   Also, check out Modern Manners Guy’s Outdoor Swimming Pool Etiquette.

Tip #2:  Make an Outdoor Reading Nook

The bookworms in your family will take advantage of any cozy spot they can escape with their favorite author, yet there are also kids who need that extra nudge to pick up a book, especially during the summer. Turn a designated portion of your backyard into an inviting reading nook. One idea is to purchase a smaller inflatable pool and instead of filling it with water, blow it up and fill it with outdoor throw pillows. Your kids can relax in a contained area that is both cool and comfy. Setting up a couple of hammocks is also an inviting way to create a fun and relaxing spot to read during the day or lounge in the evening and gaze at the stars. And for a super cute idea that I discovered a few years ago on a crafter’s blog, you can also create individual hula hoop hideouts.  All you need is a hula hoop from the Dollar Store and an old sheet or soft blanket.  Here are the easy directions.  See Also: 5 Ways to Get Your Kids Reading

Tip #3:  Backyard Waterbed Retreat

Keeping cool in a pool isn’t the only way to stay refreshed on a hot summer’s day, you can also have tons of fun in your very own backyard waterbed, which is also referred to as a water blob. What is a “water blob,” and how do you make one? Simple. A water blob is a large piece of plastic sheeting (a clear thin tarp) filled with water. When it’s done, it makes a cool, dry play surface. For added fun, you can even turn on a sprinkler on top of the blob, which then turns it into something similar to the popular slip’n slide. There are many renditions of the “water blob” available on both Pinterest and the internet.  The one we made came from directions shared on PBS Parents.  The materials couldn’t be more simple: plastic sheeting and duct tape. 

Instructions:

Fold the plastic sheeting in half and tape the three open sides with duct tape. (It helps to have assistance!)

Insert the hose and fill the blob with water. When it’s full, tape the small opening shut and let the kids loose. 

If you like, you can add some blue food coloring for a little extra fun.

Tip #4:  Outdoor Movie Night

One of our family’s favorite ways to spend a balmy summer evening is to host an outdoor movie night in our backyard. We pick a family-fun flick, have plenty of popcorn and other treats on hand (including mosquito repellent), and settle in for a few hours of good-old fashion family fun. We use a heavy-duty white sheet that is tacked up to the back side of our garage wall for a screen and use a projector that we made a small investment in several years ago.  For more ideas on how to create your own spin on an outdoor movie night, visit my board on Pinterest called “Mighty Fun Summer Ideas.”

Tip #5:  Camp Out

While we’re on the subject of outdoor movie nights, you can take this one step further by having an actual camp out in your backyard. If your family isn’t regularly into camping, don’t think you have to invest a ton of money into camping gear. For our first camp out we borrowed a tent from a neighbor. You can also rent pop-up tents for a reasonable amount of money to see if it’s something your family enjoys before you make the investment. Or, if you’re a handy DIY type of person, you can construct your own tent with materials you might already have on hand.  Blow up mattresses are a fun and comfy addition to use along with sleeping bags. Of course, to make it an authentic camping experience, you’ll need lanterns/flashlights, bottled water, snacks. Glow necklaces and bracelets from the Dollar Store add a neat wow factor! You’ll also want favorite stuffed animals, insect repellent, and a good dose of imagination to share those awesome bedtime stories you’ll be telling as you listen to the crickets chirping away in your backyard.  See Also: Domestic CEO’s episode on How To Cook While Camping

Tip #6:  Al Fresco Dining

Dining on barbecued chicken or grilled hamburgers and hotdogs is a must during the summer, but even better is when you can enjoy the fresh taste of summer by eating outdoors.  Scheduling regular meal times outside can be a great way to connect as a family as well as take in a beautiful summer’s evening. Take advantage of your outdoor patio furniture for breaking bread together, and if you don’t have a set up like that or a picnic table in your yard, you can always use a card table and don it with a festive checked tablecloth and use easy-breezy paper goods to make clean-up a breeze.  A fun way to liven up your outdoor seating is to spray paint metal folding chairs in vibrant shades of teal, yellow, lime green and other bright colors. When your family is surrounded by lively colors, it just adds to the delicious fun you can share together.  See Also:  5 Tips to Make Meal Planning Easier

Tip #7:  Bring the Indoors Out

Sure backyards are great for playing on swingsets, tossing a ball around, and planning fun games like hide and seek, but they also make a great place to do some of your favorite indoor activities like arts and crafts, board games, chalkboard and painting, building castles with blocks and legos, having a tea party, and so much more.  Instead of doing some of the typical activities you would do inside in your family room or even at the kitchen island, gather up a few of your kid’s favorite toys and play things and bring them right outside to your patio or backyard. True, it might be a wee bit of extra work to tote things outside, but you’ll be giving your kids a whole new opportunity to express their creativity if they can paint a picture outdoors rather than their usual spot in the kitchen.  See Also:  10 Family Activities to do Before Labor Day.

How does your family enjoy your backyard space? Share them with us in the comments section at quickanddirtytips.com/mightymommy, post your ideas on the Mighty Mommy Facebook page. or email me at mommy@quickanddirtytips.com.

Also, visit my family-friendly boards at Pinterest.com/MightyMommyQDT.

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