Backyard Ideas: Fun Ways to Fix Up Your Yard

If you are lucky enough to have a backyard, don't let it go to waste! It is a shame to have a great yard if it never gets used. But what can you use your yard for? Whether you are looking to turn your backyard into a playground, escape, banquet hall, or storage shed, we have plenty of ideas to help you get the most out of your yard.

Food & Entertainment

Outdoor Grill or Barbecue

Probably the most obvious use for your backyard is for a grill, deck, or patio. After all, if you have the space you may as well show it off! A grill can make an awesome addition to any home and allows for easy entertainment. Whether you are looking to host an office party, birthday party, or 4th of July party, invite all your friends over for a grill-out or BBQ and you're sure to have a good time.

What you'll need:

• Gas or Charcoal Grill: Unsure of which grill fits your needs? Read our guide on Choosing Between Charcoal and Gas Grills.
• Grilling accessories: From a grill cover to grilling utensils to an apron, you're going to need a few accessories. When shopping for grill covers, keep in mind the climate you live in. Do you need something that can stand against a blizzard or just something to guard against light rain and sun?
• Cooler and Preparation Space: A cooler will help to keep your meat cold while you are waiting to cook it, and if you have a pull out counter or other prep space, you can get everything done while enjoying the company of your guests.
• Seating: Lawn chairs, picnic table, patio furniture -- what kind of feel are you going for? Things to consider: how many people you will be inviting over (will it be an entire office or just your family?), what kind of atmosphere you want (if everyone will be standing around and socializing, backyard furniture may be less important), and what type of aesthetic you like (New England cottage feel? Go for wood furniture, stylish but still low maintenance? Try wrought-iron)

Outdoor Kitchen

If you live in a warmer climate, why not spend as much time as you can outdoors? You play outdoors, eat outdoors, exercise outdoors -- why not cook outdoors? One helpful tip for bringing your kitchen or bar to the patio is to install a screen or overhead cover to guard against the elements. Don't forget to check out what kitchen appliances and bar supplies you'll need.

Campfire Pit

Why not go a little rustic? A campfire pit makes cooking fun again and is a great way to involve the kids. Gather round, sit, eat, tell stories, and bring back family night while enjoying your very own campfire. One important thing about campfires, however, is that they may not be allowed in all communities due to fire hazards. Make sure to check with your local community board or government before constructing your fire.

What you'll need:

• Shovel: Dig a shallow circle of dirt to serve as the pit for your campfire. Make sure it is large enough to keep your fire from spreading to the surrounding grass. A diameter of at least 2 feet should be good.
• Medium sized rocks: Here is what gives campfires their signature and their rustic feel. Gather a collection of medium sized rocks large enough to form the circumference of a small circle. Place these rocks surrounding the inner border of the pit you dug.
• Wood, Kindling, & Matches: Don't forget everything that you will need to start your fire! With a little bit of firewood, some kindling to start it off, and a few matches or a lighter, you should be fine.
• Sticks: Why build a campfire if you aren't going to make s'mores? For this you can either find sticks in your backyard, use a rotisserie cooking fork, or other long similar utensils.

*Don't want to make it yourself or you are afraid of the fire regulations? At Sears you can buy a contained steel or cast iron fire pit for greater style and ease!

Fun & Games

Turn on an episode of The Brady Bunch or My Three Sons and you see classic images of parents and kids playing in the backyard. Backyards have traditionally been for playtime, so why change what isn't broken? Here are some fun ways to enjoy the backyard with your kids or your entire family.

Campground

The kids want to go camping, but you would rather not deal with all the bugs, trees, and wildlife. Why not give them a dose of independence and let them camp on their own -- in the yard! If you live in a safe neighborhood, camping with your kids in the backyard or letting them stay alone is a great way to get away without leaving the comfort of your home.

What you'll need:

• Tent: tents come in all kinds of sizes so whether you have 2 kids or 10, Sears has a tent that is the right size for you.
• Sleeping Bags: Even in the middle of summer, it can get very cold at night. Make sure you and your kids stay warm with a summer weight sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are warm and can be easily stored away for later use. Not planning on camping that much? Sleeping bags are great for sleepovers and slumber parties too.
• Flashlights and Lanterns: Make sure you have a lamp to help you see once the sun goes down! Plus, what good is camping if you cant shine a flashlight on your chin for ghost stories?
• Bug Spray: When the sun starts to go, the mosquitoes start to come. Prepare yourself by spraying insect repellent on your body before you need it.
• Campfire: Why not get the whole experience? S'mores... hot dogs... ghost stories... see the tips in this guide for how to make your very own campfire.

Playground

Stock up on an assortment of games, sports equipment, etc. to help get your kids into the yard and away from the TV. Here are some popular suggestions.

What you'll need:

• Sports Equipment: Soccer balls, a wiffle ball and wiffle bat, a Badminton set, or horseshoes -- whatever your preferred sports, it's best to have an assortment of athletic equipment. That way, when you get tired of playing one game there is always somewhere else to go. With enough sports gear, you could keep your kids entertained for hours!
• Playground: What kid doesn't love a good swing set or jungle gym? And today, you can find just about any jungle gym you want. Wooden playgrounds, plastic, metal... playgrounds with swings, with slides, with monkey bars. Or what about a patio swing for yourself? Nobody said adults can't play too!

Escape

Life can be hectic sometimes, one option for your backyard is to turn it into a place for you, a place to get away and relax. Here are a few ways that you can do just that.

Oasis

Create your own oasis right at home in your backyard. Whether you are building a garden, sleeping in a hammock, or listening to a calm stream or pond, there are a million ways to find peace and quiet without even leaving your home.

What You'll Need:

• Hammock: There is something about hammocks that soothe and relax. Place a hammock between two shady trees or buy one that stands alone. Whichever you choose, curl up on your hammock with a book to read or nap and find instant tranquility.
• Water: Installing a small pond or rock fountain in your backyard will give it that zen-like quality you've been itching for. Find a ceramic fountain, bird fountain, rock fountain, or more at Sears, or pick up the supplies you need to make your very own pond.
• Garden: Some people find gardening calming, others find it tedious, yet you will be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't enjoy the end result. Whether you want to plant your own garden or hire someone to do it for you, a garden will add a touch of beauty and color to your yard. Not sure what you need or how to do it? Here you'll find a helpful Beginner's Guide to Garden Tools.

Water Play or Getaway

All right, I admit that a backyard pool may fall more under "Fun & Games" than escape, but hot tubs and saunas are most definitely great ways to relax and let off steam. Even a pool can be relaxing if you need it to be -- some people find that a few laps each morning make their day calmer (and whip them into shape!). But if you live in a place that gets cold or simply want to come home each day and unwind, a hot tub or sauna may be the investment for you.

Utility

One problem with all of the suggestions above: where on Earth are you going to keep everything? Never fear, we've got the answer and that answer is a storage shed! Outdoor storage comes in a variety of shapes and sizes so whether you are looking to store a few soccer balls or an entire grill, you'll have no problem finding the shed for you. But that isn't all an outdoor storage shed could be good for. Is your garage getting cluttered? Want to make more room for your car? Keep bicycles, lawn mowers, and much more in your garden shed instead!