Fun Ways to Spend More Time in your Yard this Summer
Nature can help reduce anxiety, promote creativity, and contribute to heart health. Time spent in your yard is especially important for those who are confined to their desks and the blue light of their computers. Studies show that people who spend between 2 to 3 hours a week outside had a significantly greater likelihood of reporting good health or high well-being compared to the week before. Need some creative ways to pass the time? Keep on reading!
Show your competitive side with lawn games.
When was the last time you played cornhole, Twister, or giant Jenga? Easy DIY projects can turn a normal board game into a backyard-sized tournament that’s fun for all ages. Using some paint and scrap wood or cardboard, you can make your own lawn dominoes or a memory game. Other games include giant connect four, tin can bowling, and backyard scrabble. Get creative and have fun!
Cool off in the heat.
Everyone knows about the classic sprinkler entertainment, but what about adding some PVC piping and pool noodles? You can make your own water blasters that will shoot water over 30 feet. Want to get even more elaborate? Using the same piping and pool noodles along with a few extra supplies like sponges and rope, you can construct your own kiddie car wash for the young ones to run through on their own two feet, or the plastic cars that have been sitting in the garage.
Take a day trip to Hawaii with a DIY luau and tiki bar.
You can repurpose an old table or buy some cheap lumber to make your own tiki bar. Decorate it with hanging lights and colorful garlands, then put on your finest grass skirt and flower lei. Practice your mixology skills with Mai Tais and mojitos, or pick out a few key tropical ingredients and have a cocktail competition with your friends. What could you make using pineapple, coconut, and passionfruit syrup?
Plant your own fence garden.
Paint some recycled tin cans and punch small holes in the bottom for drainage. Then, use screws to attach the tins to your fence in any pattern you like (we suggest alternating heights). Fill the cans halfway with soil and add your favorite flowers and herbs. You can even grow your own basil, mint, rosemary, or lavender to garnish the cocktails at your personal backyard tiki bar. Have fun!
