Have you decided to stay close to home this summer? Some families opt for a “staycation” where they visit local places without having to pack a bag. You can do the same, even in your own backyard! Read on for some great ideas for you and your family to have a backyard summer adventure!
Themed BBQ party
Don’t just throw shrimp on the barbie. Take it to the next level by choosing a theme that’s fun for everyone. Make your own decorations, dress the part, and of course plan your themed menu around what you throw on the bbq. Don’t forget to add some music to your party! Possibilities include
- Hawaiin/Island theme
- Fairy/Garden theme
- Fiesta theme (Water balloon pinatas will go great with this theme!)
Camping night
Set up the tent and grab those sleeping bags. Settle in for the night or maybe the entire weekend and do some fun family camping activities with the entire family like
- Roast marshmallows
- Tell stories around the fire
- Do some star gazing
Water Fun
Have a water-filled fun day! When it’s really hot outside, water games are the way to stay cool in summer. Here are some water-themed games you can set up as different stations or maybe create your own obstacle race for the family to try.
- Water Pinatas - Hang up some decorated water balloons, grab some blindfolds and a bat, and see who can whack the water balloon first! (Goes great with a Mexican fiesta theme bbq party!)
- Slip and slide baseball - Set it up like a baseball field, some slip-and-slide mats, and some mini inflatable tubs as bases. You must slide to your bases and back to home!
- Set up an inflatable pool - Find those water toys, jump in, and splash away!
- Water gun tag - A regular game of tag using water guns!
- Water balloon dodgeball - Prep your water balloons, divide into teams, and see who can avoid getting wet the longest.
Outdoor Movie Marathon
If you’ve got a projector, you can set up a makeshift screen with a sheet on your backyard fence or hang it on a rope across. Grab a blanket and some comfy cushions or use your patio furniture to set up a mini theatre in your very own backyard. Don’t forget to grab your popcorn, snacks, and drinks!
Backyard Scavenger Hunt
This one will take a bit of planning, but it’s sure to add hours of fun. Find some treasures to hide. (You can make this themed base or just some random “treasures” to find.) Make up the clues for each item and then hide them around your backyard. Have a surprise celebration at the end when everyone returns with their treasures!
Giant Obstacle Course
Set up before-hand an obstacle course of different stations. They must complete the game or task before moving forward. Depending on how many people you have, there can be individual or team races. Some stations can include
- Ring toss
- Bowling
- Water Balloon or Bean Bag Toss
Or check out this video for easy DIY ideas:
Whatever you decide, get the whole family in on the planning process. You can take any regular game or activity and take it to the next level to make it more challenging. Here’s to more great family fun days at home with your family this summer!
This article has been written by homeschooling staff writers of The Canadian Schoolhouse (TCS). Enjoy more of our content from TCS contributors and staff writers by visiting our Front Door page that has content on our monthly theme and links to all our content sections.
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).