A backyard can be a perfect place for a family to spend time together and connect, but when all you have in your backyard is grass and a few toys, there are not so many options for family fun. If you want to use all the benefits that a backyard can give you, you need the right design.
If you’re just a bit on the creative side, you can turn a useless backyard into an extension of your home. It can be practical and functional, but also beautiful.
In this article, we’ll leave you with six ‘more than good’ ideas that can help you achieve that.
1. Build a Cosy Pergola
If you are the one who is looking for a simple solution to make a change, you need this idea. A pergola is probably one of the easiest ways to make your backyard look more like an outdoor room. It is very useful for protection from the sun, and families can also use it as a dining area.
Reasons why families love pergolas:
• Children can play and be protected from the sun on hot summer afternoons.
• Great place for family meals and board games outdoors.
• Adds beauty and value to your property. It blends perfectly function with beauty.
2. Create Raised Garden Beds
Gardening with children definitely doesn’t look the same in real life as in those influencer mom videos on Instagram. Sometimes it can be very enjoyable, but often it requires patience, and it takes time to learn them how to be responsible and to appreciate nature.
Raised garden beds are particularly kid-friendly because they simplify planting and make it easier for kids to reach the soil and/or help with the gardening.
3 reasons families enjoy raised beds:
• Parents teach children about the origin of their food, and make them feel proud because they have contributed to its growth.
• Parents, and especially grandparents, love raised beds because they don’t have to strain their backs so much.
• Raised beds drain well and can extend the growing season.
• They can be constructed from many materials, from untreated wood, recycled brick, to even galvanized metal.
3. Include a Playhouse or Hobby Barn
Every child dreams of a playhouse. It is where they can dream, role-play, and even have miniature tea parties. For parents, a hobby barn is a storage shed for tools, bikes, and outdoor gear, or a workshop for family projects.
If you’re going for larger structures/projects, then definitely use metal trusses for pole barns, sheds, playhouses, workshops, greenhouses, pavilions, carports, etc. Metal trusses help form a strong, durable framework that's also weather-resistant. This way you’re ensuring the building is safe and sound for years to come.
And regardless of the type of building you go for, today, while the kids are small, that structure could be have a (temporary) different use until they grow up. Or you could turn function into fun.
4. Build an Outdoor Movie or Dining Space
A movie night under the stars is a sure family bonding experience. The best part is that you really don’t need a lot to make that happen. One projector, an open wall or screen, and some comfy seating should be enough.
If your family loves toasted marshmallows, it would be nice to add a fire pit to the equation. You’re going to have a wonderful night under the stars with your loved ones.
What to include to create a special setup:
• Outdoor rugs and weatherproof cushions for warmth.
• Fairy lights or lanterns for atmosphere.
• Covered storage for electronics and accessories for seating.
5. Hang a Hammock or Porch Swing
There are a few things that are simply made for relaxation, as a hammock that’s softly rocking in the wind. You can have an old school hammock or a plush porch swing, depending on the style you like, but each option will be a welcoming place to read, nap, or just observe the children at play.
Options for placement:
• Between two substantial trees for a natural, shaded haven.
• As a feature of a pergola's design for increased elegance.
• In a flowered nook with hanging lanterns for added warmth.
6. Design a Family Workshop or Craft Studio
For those families that love creating something together, a workshop or craft shed in the backyard is just a perfect idea. It gives you a dedicated place for building, painting, or doing whatever you love to do in your free time.
3 family-friendly workshop ideas:
• DIY birdhouses and garden furniture.
• Seasonal work, like holiday crafts or flower arrangements.
• Woodworking and repair projects for older teens and adults.
Conclusion
As you can see, if you have an idea in mind for what activities you can use your backyard and you plan it thoughtfully, it can become so much more than just an outdoor space.
You can spend some quality time with your loved ones in your backyard and do things you enjoy the most together. Some ideas are great for parents' alone time, some ideas are perfect for kids, and some of them are going to create a special bond between the whole family.
Choose the ones that work for you and your family's lifestyle, and you are going to see big changes.
