Think of your favorite vacation. Maybe it was lounging by the side of the pool or perhaps it was spent enjoying great al fresco food? These memories will provide the starting point for your backyard staycation ideas and garden decorating ideas.
These travel-themed staycation ideas cost little to nothing, can fit into a day or weekend, and don’t even require leaving your house or yard. Most work for a big family, couples, or even solo staycationers.
Backyard Beach Vacation
You can pull this one off with just a patio if you need to, but the more space the better. A pool will make it extra authentic! Turn your backyard into a beach oasis and spend the whole day chillaxing as you would on the sand.
Start with the setting — an oversized towel or lawn chair to nap on under the sun, a splash pool or sandbox for the kids to play in, oversized floats propped up here and there, the scent of sunscreen, the sounds of beach pop, and that big pile of magazines you’ve been storing.
You’ll want to stay outside as much as possible, so pack a cooler with sandwiches, lemonade and fresh fruit. And for the most authentic beach picnic experience, pretend to shoo a seagull away from your lunch every few seconds.
Cultural Theme Day
Pick a destination — country, state, city, or island — and plan a whole day to learn about it and celebrate the local culture. If it’s one you’ve been to, you can recreate your favorite vacation moments by pulling out your souvenirs, flipping through old photos, and cooking the best meal you ate there.
If it’s somewhere still on the bucket list, start the adventure by researching the culture, food and history.
Set the scene in your house by decorating a space to remind you of your chosen destination, even if it’s totally cheesy. Dress how you would if you were visiting, whether that’s beachwear for the Greek Islands or a wool sweater to go Nordic.
Fill the day with cooking dishes that are popular in your theme country, playing music the region is famous for, and reading books and watching movies set in the destination. You could even learn a few phrases in the local language and practice them on family members.
Film Festival
Level up vegging out to the TV by turning it into a film festival. Let everyone participate and pick a movie, or stick to a theme like 1996 Oscar nominations, films set in Paris, cheesy rom-coms, movies starring Tom Hanks — you get the idea.
You can do this loads of different ways. Make it a slumber party sesh with pillows, popcorn and pajamas. Create a “drive-in” setting with blankets and burgers in the backyard. Go Hollywood and glam up to pose on the red carpet. Or, if you’re binging a movie series, you could even dress as your favorite characters and make foods that fit the theme.
Olympic Games
Who needs the hassle of traveling to the actual Olympics when you can recreate the games in your own backyard. This works best with a family or group unless you’re really competitive with your significant other.
With the right equipment and space, you can play actual games like table tennis, basketball, touch football, cricket, croquet, and cornhole. But, don’t be afraid to get creative with sack races, trampoline tumbling, outdoor Jenga, DIY obstacle courses or whatever else you make up.
Create A Restaurant Inspired Al Fresco Dining Space
One of the best parts of going on vacation is the food. Translate this experience into your backyard staycation ideas with outdoor kitchen ideas and, of course, stylish outdoor dining ideas. Channel restaurant design by creating a dedicated cooking area and pairing with an elegant dining table and chairs. Treat yourself to your favorite global cuisines or perhaps try something new to really embrace the backyard staycation ethos.
Hope these ideas inspire you this summer to create your own epic Backyard Staycation. Have fun!