Summer is here! Check out these fun things to do in your backyard this summer from outdoor games to backyard picnics and dining al fresco. I have even included some of our favorite grilling recipes.
Fun Things To Do In Your Backyard This Summer
The kids are out of school and we’re excited to make the most of the summer by spending lots of time outdoors. This past couple of months staying at home we’ve found lots of ways to enjoy spending time in our backyard beyond just grilling.
Cooking outside
Summer is the perfect time to take full advantage of grilling. We love grilling everything from steak to veggies and even pizza. And we don’t just grill lunch and dinner, there are also lots of great breakfast and brunch recipes you can make on the grill to change things around.
Easy Grilling Recipes
Check out some of our favorite grilling recipes, you’re sure to find some great ideas here:
And don’t forget dessert! From grilled pound cake to s’mores, cooking dessert is more fun when over the grill or fire pit!
Fun and games
Enjoy a backyard picnic
Cool Off With Backyard Pool Fun
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, summer is the perfect time to turn your backyard into a mini water park. From classic pool games like Marco Polo and water balloon tosses to relaxing floats and inflatable obstacle courses, there are endless ways to keep cool and stay entertained.
Before diving in, make sure the water temperature is safe and comfortable—especially for young kids—by using a pool thermometer. It’s a small but essential tool that helps you avoid water that’s too chilly or too warm. You can also set up a shady area nearby with towels, sunscreen, and snacks so that everyone has a place to take breaks and stay hydrated.
If you don’t have a full-size pool, an inflatable or kiddie pool can still offer hours of fun. Add pool noodles, floating toys, and waterproof games to keep kids engaged all day long.
Backyard Nature Exploration
Backyards aren’t just for games and grilling—they’re also a great place for a little everyday adventure. Take time to explore nature with your kids by going on mini scavenger hunts, observing birds, or even starting a nature journal. You can collect leaves, rocks, or bugs (gently!) and look them up together online.
Another fun idea is to plant a small garden or create a space that attracts butterflies. Starting a butterfly garden is a great way to bring more color and life to your backyard while supporting local pollinators. Not sure where to start? Check out my article: A Guide To Building A Butterfly Garden In Florida for native plant ideas and tips on creating the perfect habitat.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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I have it but in common and I must say that I use it less than I would like, although in summer it is really a breath of fresh air!
I am looking forward to do some barbecues in my garden. I am currently working on getting it nice and ready for summer, with new flower beds and a dedicated grilling area.
These are some great ideas. We love to grill out over the summer. In fact, we’re doing it on Friday for my birthday!
I cant wait for BBQ weather! Im so excited
I love the backyard picnic idea is so fun and so romantic. These are some cute ideas to do in our backyard.
Given that this summer is so unique in so many different ways, and all the families are trying to explore new and exciting ways to spend time at home, this post is very relevant to all.
These are some fun things to do. Thanks for the link to the sweepstakes. I’m going to enter now!
Such fun ideas to enjoy summer. I love that you can do it all without going anywhere!
After reading this, I really wish if I had a backyard. These are real fun activities to do.
We hang out outside as much as possible in the summer as I live in the NorthEast and the nice weather does not last very long so I soak it up! Love these tips and they are all wonderful tings to do in the backyard …. I also love camping out and having a camp out session which can be really fun for the kiddos.
Summer is here, so this is a great chance to spend more time in the backyard. I will look into Bic lighters for lighting my grill up. Thanks for the information.
Love the idea of a backyard picnic … perfect for the family specially during the lockdown.
omg these things really sounds amazing to do in this summer..Thanks for sharing them..will surely try these out..Loved this…
I love to BBQ outside and run around with the grandkids.
I need to make better use of my backgarden this year, especially as we are still locked down at the minute.
We just love grilling out all Summer long. We have several Bic lighters to help light the grill, our favorite brand of lighter!!!
Those are all great ideas when you have a back yard. When you just have a balcony then you have to get really creative.
Outside cooking is really the best thing to do outside with the family. I wish this pandemic end soon so I can invite the family over lunch.
Every summer, we have two big parties, one for our friends and another for the family. There is enough room to set up a long table to arrange the food, a barbecue pit at one end and an inflatable pool for the kids in another corner. Sadly, none of that is going to happen this summer, and the very thought is heart-wrenching.