20 Ways to Enjoy Your Backyard Beyond the Pool

Your backyard is more than just a place for swimming. When you want to relax or switch things up, there are plenty of simple ways to enjoy your outdoor space. You could fire up the grill for a weekend BBQ, hang a hammock for an afternoon nap, or sit in the shade with a good book. Evenings are perfect for setting up an outdoor movie night with a projector or gathering around a fire pit to roast marshmallows and share stories.

If you enjoy staying active, try yard games like cornhole or bocce ball, or roll out a yoga mat for a peaceful morning stretch. Gardening is another great way to spend time outside. Plant a few herbs or flowers, or build a raised bed to grow your own vegetables. Add some bird feeders and watch the local wildlife stop by.

For a cozy vibe, hang string lights, set up a picnic table for outdoor meals, or create a space to relax with a morning coffee while listening to nature. Whether you're hosting a backyard brunch, playing board games with friends, or simply watching the sunset with your favorite drink, your backyard can be a peaceful escape or a lively gathering place.

 

[Henry Graham]

Not gonna lie, I barely touch the pool sometimes, I’m more into just lying out on this beat-up lawn chair I’ve had for years. Sun hits it just right mid-afternoon, and I’ll just sit there with a drink or a snack and kinda zone out. Sometimes music, sometimes nothing

I’ve also been using the fence to hang random stuff… wind chimes, a little hanging planter I forgot to water half the time lol. Not fancy, but I like it

Tried reading out there, but I get too distracted, so now I just kinda sit, people watch if the neighbours are out, or watch the sky change colours before dinner. low effort, but I swear it clears my head better than any app ever has.

 

[Michael Young]

I went for the lazy route: I’ve got this inflatable pool chair that floats in the kiddie pool, so it’s kind of like a mini spa without the fancy jets. It’s like luxury for my back on a budget. Anyone else live their best life with inflatable furniture?

 

[Ethan Wells]

Honestly, sometimes I barely use the pool at all. I’ll just set up a lounge chair or hammock, grab a drink or a snack, and zone out while listening to music or watching the sky. Even simple stuff, like tossing out a few wind chimes or potted plants, makes the backyard feel chill. Low effort, but it’s surprisingly relaxing.

 

[David Wilson]

I’m the same way, half the time I don’t even make it into the pool. I’ve got this old hammock strung up between two trees, and that’s my go-to spot. I’ll just grab a cold drink, put on some mellow tunes, and let the breeze do its thing. Sometimes I end up dozing off mid-afternoon, which honestly feels like peak summer living. Thinking of adding a few solar lights around the area to keep the vibe going after sunset.