You can’t blame families for wanting to max out every second of beautiful summer weather. Lavishing outdoor spaces with amenities makes it easier to relax, entertain, and keep the whole family busy — and happy. Here are some fun backyard ideas, from trendy stock pools to sports courts and pizza ovens, that can turn your backyard into a vacation destination in itself.
Stock Pool
Pools top almost everyone’s wish list when it comes to summer fun, but not every garden has the space for this feature. This city backyard features a budget friendly galvanized metal stock tank pool used for watering cattle, a cost-effective alternative to in-ground pools (and the lip is smooth and safe). The homeowners chose this pool because their kids could cool off in the summer without sacrificing their entire backyard footprint. At the end of the season, the family drains it and rolls it away to make room for a hockey rink.
Swing Chairs And Hammocks
Nothing captures the lazy days of summer like a gently sway perch, whether you’re reading a summer bestseller, or taking a pool break. A pair of hanging chairs are suspended on a pergola in Erin Feasby’s resort-inspired backyard.
Sport Court
In Montreal’s west end, homeowners Teresa Mihalik and her husband, Andrew Higgins wanted to reinvent their backyard with a spce where their son Owen and his friends could hang, shoot hoops or play a game of table tennis.
Outdoor Chalkboard
These homeowners had the same idea with an all-weather table-tennis table and a big chalkboard mounted on the fence to keep track of who’s winning.
Playhouse
Customize a DIY playhouse from a big box store and turn a yard corner into a kids’ zone. The addition of some fun numbers and a windowbox filled with bright blooms heightens the whimsey and visual appeal. A French-style wrought-iron fence cordons off the woodsy 25’ x 35’ garden, planted with a butterfly bush and edible berries.
Fire Feature
Fire features are a natural gathering spot. Even in the heart of the city, a live flame is ideal for mimicking campfire conviviality (and roasting ‘smores). Designer Sarah Keenleyside’s outdoor seating area has a built-in bench and stools to surround a contemporary fire pit.
Bocce Ball Court
In this Quebec garden, the bocce ball court “draws you into the magnificent native setting,” says landscape designer Nathalie Desjeans. It’s a game that almost anyone can play, and pulls the generations together — no special athletic talents required. “Now, it’s a real gathering place.”
Outdoor Bar
Create your own private hotspot with a designated outdoor bar. This version has a southern BBQ hut theme, complete with custom neon sign, and a row of bar stools for a restaurant feel.
Pizza Oven
Pizza night, anyone? A striking concrete fireplace doubles as a pizza oven in Michelle Hurley’s backyard, turning this outdoor living room into everyone’s favorite alfresco hang out spot.
Tropical Theme
You don’t need a pool to create a fun staycation vibe in your backyard. With splashes of electric turquoise and zesty yellow, fresh tropicals and palm leaf prints, you feel like you’ve escaped to California as soon as you step outside. “Every time I look at my yard, it makes me happy,” says Aly Velji. (cited)
