17 Budget-Friendly Activity Ideas for Backyards
Many homeowners want to turn their backyards into a fun and inviting place. It can be a place for family gatherings, kids’ play, and catching up with friends. You might try planning a treasure hunt, creating a DIY mini-golf course, or enjoying a stargazing night with warm blankets. These ideas give everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors in different ways.
This list of backyard activity ideas explores various ways to make the most of your space. Whether thinking of fun for toddlers and school-aged kids or designing a backyard that matches your preferences, here are some budget-friendly activity ideas for using your yard.
Scavenger Hunt
A backyard scavenger hunt can include clues and hidden treasures throughout the property. It encourages exploration and problem-solving as a team!
Create a Sensory Path
Like a maze, a sensory path can be very basic or elaborate. Outdoor sensory paths appeal to kids who are still learning about new environments and textures. Fill the path with different areas of rocks, wood, gravel, cement, plants, and more.
BBQ with a Charcoal Grill
Turn your backyard into a BBQ party around your best charcoal grills. Cook up your favorite meats and veggies for family and friends in the afternoon, evening, or night. Show off your cooking skills behind a smoky charcoal barbecue!
Set Up an Obstacle Course
An obstacle course can be easily set up using dollar-store items and inexpensive materials. Pool noodles, hula hoops, buckets, and cones are just the start. Easy obstacle course maps are available online, or you can create your own.
Buy Some Lawn Games
The easiest alternative to an obstacle course is lawn games. Lawn bowling, frisbee, mini-golf, cornhole, and other games are affordable, readily available in a rush, and easy to set up.
Set Up a Garden Area
Craft a garden area in your backyard, complete with your favorite vegetables, herbs, flowers, and greenery. There are many ways to build and tend to a garden during the growing season. The possibilities are endless.
Install a Zip Line
Are you feeling adventurous? Grab some sturdy rope and a pulley system. A simple zipline from one end of the yard to the other may be the most fun your kids will have in the yard this season.
Backyard Movie Night
Use a blank wall, throw up a white sheet, or buy a projector screen for a movie night under the stars. Invite friends and family, or consider a private screening for you and your loved ones. Add popcorn and cozy seats, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable night.
Children’s Picnic Area
If you have kids, set up an activity area in the backyard with a picnic table in the shade. From there, you can have outdoor picnics, coloring and crafts outside, and more. Turn your backyard into the best play area your kids will ever have.
Water Play Area
Try a water play area with sprinklers, inflatable pools, or a slip-and-slide. A water playground can wreak havoc on a lawn, but if you can take care of the aftermath, this activity idea can be a runaway hit for the summer.
Go Camping
Camping in your backyard can be fun! Set up tents and a small fire pit, and grab your sleeping bags if permitted. Enjoy the full camping experience without leaving your property. This is perfect for busy parents who want to squeeze in something fun with their kids during the week.
Build a Clubhouse
A treehouse, clubhouse, or hideout is perfect for a kid-friendly backyard. While it may take some time to build, if your kids are old enough, involve them as well. All you need are some wood planks and a simple design.
Play Set
For a kid who can’t slow down, buy a play set for swinging, climbing, seeingsawing, or sliding down. Find one with the color, style, and features that best suit you, your family, and your home.
Hang a Hammock
Even if you don’t have two sturdy trees, a hammock stand in your backyard offers the same cozy experience. You can read, nap, or enjoy the outdoors whenever the mood strikes.
Backyard Sports
Turn your backyard into a mini sports arena! Set up some soccer nets, volleyball or badminton nets, a neighborhood baseball game, or an easy capture-the-flag game. If you want to go all-out, create a hockey rink in the winter.
Backyard Fire Pit
Using a fire pit as the yard’s centerpiece, build it out with outdoor benches, architecture, and décor. In the evening, there’s no better place to be than around the fire, cooking s’mores and hot dogs and sharing songs and stories.
Host a Tea Party
Convert your backyard into the perfect tea party setting. Tables, flowers, pastries, and teas are easy to prepare, whether it’s a gathering for adults or kids.
