PART 1 – Backyard Vacations Ideas
If social distancing has hindered your travel plans this summer, we have a few ideas to turn your backyard into a vacation getaway without leaving home. Part 1 of our two-part article offers ideas that will require a low-to moderate investment that can turn your existing backyard or patio into your own vacation getaway.
Part 2 (coming soon) will give you inspiration if you’re considering making an investment in the construction of a new custom patio or outdoor living area. You'll find inspiration for making the most of your backyard vacation space by adding a stamped concrete patio and/or pool deck, installing a custom outdoor kitchen, adding an outdoor fireplace for chillier nights, installing a masonry fire pit, and more. Whether you have a modest budget or are in a position to invest in an elaborate outdoor living space, we hope this two-part backyard vacation ides will inspire you.
Gather and Party, or Relax and Renew
This might seem like a no-brainer, but having a cozy spot to lounge and a welcoming dining area is key to enjoying a staycation in your own backyard. To give your outdoor living area that vacation vibe, consider these:
Have a backyard cookout with a tropical theme and menu
Hang a reading chair in a cozy spot in your backyard
Purchase a hammock and let it lull you into that relaxing vacation feeling
Give your patio that resort atmosphere using tropical colors and patterns on furniture cushions and patio décor
Create a sand pit for the little ones and give them beach toys to play with
At your backyard cookout, swop out white paper plates with colorful non-breakable dinnerware
Invest in a portable bar on wheels and keep it stocked with your favorite libations
Surround your lounging and dining areas with potted tropical plants that can be taken indoors when the colder weather begins
If a nature-inspired campout is your preference invest in a fire pit and roast hot dogs, S’mores, and anything else that you can cook over an open fire
Turn your backyard into a relaxing retreat with using yoga mats, meditation music, or guided meditation recordings
Turn on the Water Works
Whether you have pool or not, you can still take advantage of bringing water to your backyard vacation without having to take a second mortgage on your house. Here are a few fun ideas:
Make your own slip and slide family fun in your backyard
Cool off by purchasing a pool whether it's a small wading pool or a larger above-ground pool
Turn on the music and have a sprinkler dance party
Bring out the squirt guns for the kids (and adults too)
Add a bird bath with solar fountains so there's always the sound of trickling water
Enjoy relaxing water sounds by installing a backyard pond and install it in a cozy corner of your backyard
Have an Outdoor Movie Night
Why not spend balmy summer nights outdoors with a movie night right in your own backyard. Here are a few tips:
Invest in an outdoor projection system and use a heavy-duty white sheet to use as a screen
Bring a large-screen TV outdoors (following electrical safety guidelines)
Arrange chairs as if you're in a movie theatre or spread out several large blankets on the grass and use tons of cushy pillows for comfort
Don't forget the bug repellent, popcorn, snacks, soft drinks for the kids (plus whatever adult beverage makes you happy)
Add Backyard Lighting for Ambience
Your outdoor living space will come alive at night with outdoor lighting.
Hang strands of string lights across your outdoor living space
Surround your patio with bamboo tiki torches
Scatter candles and lanterns around your backyard for a relaxing (even romantic) setting
Install solar lights on the border of walkways
Run rope lights under your deck rails for an overall subtle glow
Have a Campout Adventure
If you already have a tent, that’s great. But, if you don’t own one and are short on funds, you can always borrow a tent from a friend or family member. Or if you’re a DIY person, you can construct your own makeshift tent using items you may already have. If you'd like to breakaway from a traditional sleeping-bags-and-flashlights campout, here are a few ideas on how to add a little creativity to your backyard adventure:
Before dark, have a scavenger hunt, limbo contest, frisbee toss, lawn games, and even a family talent show
Invest in a store-bought tent or get creative and make your own
Make sure to have a crackling fire going, whether it's in a fire pit or an outdoor chiminea
Light up the inside of your tent with battery-powered fairy lights for a magical glow
Visit a dollar store and buy glow necklaces and bracelets for the kids
Lay down yoga mats or inflatable mattresses under traditional sleeping bags to make sleeping in the ‘wild’ more comfy
Conclusion
Wherever your backyard vacation takes you, the most important thing is to remember is to have fun and making new GOOD memories of this time while being together as a family. If you're ready to kick your backyard up a few notches, Gruttadaurio Masonry can transform average backyards into incredible outdoor living spaces. Give us a call to learn how we can make your backyard a vacation only steps away from your home. And, look for Part 2 of our Backyard Vacation ideas coming soon.