Summertime in Ontario is a beautiful thing, and anyone who has spent a summer here will have many cherished memories tucked away. Long days in the sun followed by gorgeous sorbet sunsets. Backyard get-togethers with friends and family, music floating through the warm air and smoky tendrils drifting up from the BBQ. Visits to the local park, splash pad or pool, with kids splashing around in water wings and learning how to dive. Reading a good book in the shade of a tall tree. Setting up a tent in the backyard for the little ones, or venturing further afield for a camping trip in one of Ontario’s many incredible provincial parks. Trying to catch fireflies. Making s’mores. The simple things.

Summer is fleeting, though, so we’ve got to make the most of the season. There’s no better time for outdoor living, and if you’ve got a backyard then you’re in luck! Having a backyard means that your kids have a place to play just outside the back door, that your dog can run free at a moment’s notice and that relaxing outdoors is always within easy reach.

Today, we’ve got some unique ways to help you make the most of your backyard for the rest of the summer. Enjoy that summertime backyard lifestyle with these fun ideas:

Clockwise from top left: backyard decal (photo via Imagine Backyard Living), DIY hanging planters (photo via Country Living), string lights and backyard lanterns.

Next-Level Backyard Decor

Get creative with your backyard decor — there are so many options beyond patio furniture and pillows! Good decor will make your backyard more inviting and is a fantastic way to improve the ambiance at your next BBQ or party. Lighting is always a great idea and there are plenty of stylish options available, like string lights, torches and lanterns. Try incorporating fun, festive accents like coloured flags for a birthday party or long weekend get-together, or invest in backyard decals to truly transform your space. Bird baths or feeders, wind spinners, outdoor wall art and planters (we love these DIY hanging planters) are also great ways to add colour and personality to your backyard.

Clockwise from top left: badminton, croquet, playing boules and DIY giant Jenga (photo via Lemon Thistle).

Games Central

Turning your backyard into a fun games space is a great way to ensure that it gets plenty of use this summer, and best of all, both kids and adults love games! Add a court for playing bocce ball or the French bowling game boules, a shuffleboard court or a putting green for golf lovers. Giant games of Jenga (you can also turn this into a DIY project), four in a row and inflatable bowling are other fun options to bring out your friends’ and family members’ competitive spirit, as are classic favourites such as badminton and croquet.

Whether for everyday fun or a BBQ with friends, these games are crowd pleasers that everyone will enjoy. Let the games begin!

Clockwise from top left: Fragrant Lily of the Valley, relaxing with coffee, portable planters (photo via Good Housekeeping) and enjoying time in a backyard hammock.

Relaxation Station

Another sure way to make sure that your backyard is getting plenty of use this summer is to create a relaxing nook that encourages people to spend time there. There’s no better place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening cocktail, to read a book on a breezy summer afternoon or to sit and relax while the kids dash through the sprinkler.

A hammock is always a welcome addition (don’t have two trees handy? You can get one with a stand), and you can’t go wrong with comfortable seating such as lounge chairs. Wind chimes, water features such as fountains and comfortable benches add whimsy and a touch of calm, turning your backyard into a peaceful oasis. An awning or umbrella can also be a great addition to protect you from the sun. For the ultimate refuge, consider planting some of your favourite flowers so that you can enjoy their beautiful colours and fragrances, or keep it simple with some portable planters (these are easy to DIY).

What are your favourite ways to make the most of your backyard? Join us on social media to let us know! And make sure to LIKE us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Instagram for insider info, new releases, special events and more.