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There's no need to hop in your car and drive several miles through the sweltering heat to enjoy a little outdoor summer fun. If you've got a backyard or a neighborhood park, the entertainment possibilities are endless. Not only will you save time and money in the long run, but you'll quickly become the cool house on the block, which should earn you some points with your teenagers. All it takes is the right equipment.
With these four activities, you can turn your backyard into your own personal summer oasis, impress your friends, make some memories — and even burn a few calories in the process.
Cornhole
The bean bag-tossing game of cornhole has become a staple at picnics, barbecues, tailgating parties and other outdoor gatherings over the past several years. Due to its massive popularity across the country, it even became an official sport in 2005, according to the American Cornhole Organization. And now this simple yet satisfying game can be a go-to backyard activity whenever you've got visitors or antsy kids who just want to throw things.
When it comes to choosing the right set, quality is key. This cornhole set folds in half and includes convenient carrying handles and a bean bag carrying pouch for easy transportation and storage. If you're a stickler for the official rules, you'll be happy to know that it includes eight regulation-size bean bags as well as a 27-foot measuring cord to set the boards at regulation distance. The target holes are 6 inches in diameter and you can also use the foldable legs to set the playing surface to regulation height.
Plus, if your kids forget to put it away one night and it gets soaked by the sprinklers, don't worry — it's made from all-weather, UV-protected, high-density polyethylene.
It's a great way to pass — or rather, toss — the time. And who knows? Maybe you'll hone those skills so well that you'll wind up joining the American Cornhole Association.
Tetherball
Take it back to your elementary school days with a tetherball set for the backyard. You'll be amazed at how many calories you'll burn playing — and laughing while you're playing. In just 30 minutes, Lifetime Products learned that a 150-pound person can burn about 136 calories!
Unlike your elementary tetherball set, this one comes with base stabilizers for greater support and balance, heavy-duty construction that can handle aggressive play, a 72-inch nylon cord with a steel attachment hook and a high-quality, 8-inch soft play tetherball. Since it easily rolls anywhere you want, you can play on sand, grass or concrete. The pump and needle are included, too.
Pickleball
Pickleball has truly taken the world by storm, so it's only natural that you'd want to bring that fun into your own backyard. It's a low-cost, fun activity that also happens to be way easier than golf or tennis, according to several Quora users.
If you get a good set, you can play during any time of the year. This pickleball set features four top-of-the-line graphite paddles and a high-quality net and base that are made to maintain regulation height and width while you compete. It includes three outdoor pickleballs and one indoor pickleball, so you can play a match in rain or shine! The mental, physical and social benefits alone are worth it.
Stainless Steel Poolside Basketball Hoop
This last suggestion combines two summer favorites: swimming and basketball. If you've already got a pool in the backyard, take the fun to the next level with this stainless steel poolside basketball hoop. It's got a 44-inch backboard, extra thick powder coating and, most importantly, it's rust-resistant.
For more backyard fun ideas, check out the whole selection of Lifetime Products. They have games for parents, teenagers and young children alike that are made from quality materials and built to last. Check out the full selection of outdoor play equipment at lifetime.com.
