5 Great Things You Can Do to Your Backyard

There is nothing better than the South Sound area during the summer. The summer season is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, and what better place to do so than your backyard? Whether you have a small patio, a lush garden, or just a patch of green space, your backyard can be a fantastic summer oasis. In this blog, we'll explore five easy, inexpensive, and fun activities to help you make the most of your backyard during the sunny months.

1. Outdoor Movie Night

Transform your backyard into a cozy outdoor cinema for a memorable movie night under the stars. All you need is a white sheet or a projector screen, a projector (you can find budget-friendly options online), some comfy blankets and pillows, and your favorite snacks. Invite friends and family to share the experience or enjoy it solo. Pick a classic film, a recent blockbuster, or even a series of your favorite TV shows. As the sun sets, the magic of the silver screen will enhance the summer ambiance, making it a delightful evening for everyone.

2. DIY BBQ Party

Summer and barbecues go hand in hand! Instead of dining out at expensive restaurants, host your DIY BBQ party in the backyard. You don't need an elaborate setup; a simple charcoal grill or gas grill will do the trick. Prepare a variety of marinated meats, veggie skewers, and some tasty side dishes. Encourage your guests to bring their favorite BBQ items or potluck dishes to add to the fun and variety. Apart from the delicious food, a backyard BBQ's camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere will make it an unforgettable experience.

3. Garden Picnic and Board Games: Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the garden with your loved ones. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and refreshing beverages. Spread out a picnic blanket and set up a table for the food. To add a playful touch, include classic board games like chess, Scrabble, or card games. The fresh air and the beauty of nature will elevate the joy of playing these games. This activity is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds with family and friends.

4. Stargazing and Night Sky Exploration

Summer nights in Olympia are one-of-a-kind. The combination of surrounding natural beauty, shimmering waterfront, and clear skies for stargazing, make our area one of the best spots for night sky exploration. In fact, the summer season is the perfect time to turn your backyard into an astronomical observatory! During clear summer nights, stargazing can be an incredibly rewarding and educational experience. Grab a telescope or just lay back on a reclining chair to observe the constellations and celestial objects above. You can also use astronomy apps on your smartphone to identify stars, planets, and other fascinating astronomical phenomena. Learning about the vastness of the universe and sharing this moment with others is a humbling and awe-inspiring activity.

5. DIY Water Games and Cooling Fun

While the temperatures in the South Sound area don’t reach “pressure cooker” levels, days still call for relief in the water. You can beat the summer heat with various DIY water games and activities. Set up a sprinkler or a water hose to run through for a quick cool down. Organize water balloon fights or make your slip-and-slide with a tarp and some soapy water. If you have a small inflatable pool, that can be a great way to relax and have some fun in the sun. Water games are enjoyable for kids and can bring out the inner child in adults too!

Your backyard can be the ultimate summer playground without breaking the bank. These five easy, inexpensive, and fun activities allow you to create lasting memories and savor the warmest season of the year right in your own outdoor haven. Whether you're watching a movie under the stars, having a BBQ party with friends, enjoying a garden picnic, stargazing, or indulging in water games, your backyard offers endless possibilities for summer enjoyment. So, get creative, gather your loved ones, and make the most of this sun-kissed season right at home!