Turn these easy backyard projects into a family activity. Check out which furniture pieces you and the kids can make for the next DIY weekend!
18 Easy Backyard Projects To Make & Enjoy With The Family
Easy backyard projects are made even easier with more pairs of helping hands. What are you waiting for? Round up the family and pick a DIY project to start off with!
1. Pallet Planters
I’ve got 12 creative DIY pallet planters you and your family can choose from! Whether you’re in the mood for something to save floor space, or something to upcycle, this roundup is the one for you!
Tip: When making a chicken wire planter, carefully mold the chicken wire into a cone shape for an easier project.
2. Tiki Torches
These tiki torches make great accent pieces for luaus and barbecues.
Tip: Reduce potential spills by using a funnel when pouring the fuel into the bottles.
3. Easy Mason Jar Lanterns
Looking for another craft to use your mason jars in? Why not turn them into lanterns you can hang from the patio?
Tip: Remember to twist the ends of the wire tightly to prevent the lantern from falling to the ground.
4. Outdoor Drapes
Give your backyard ample shade by placing in a rod of outdoor drapes.
Tip: Don’t stress too much about cutting perfect circles for the holes on your drapes. The grommets will help cover up any mistakes. By the way, you can totally use the grommets as a stencil for your circles too!
5. Tire Teeter Totter
Upcycle an old tire into a tire teeter totter with this tutorial. I've got to say, the hardest part of making the teeter totter was cutting the tire in half. Luckily, I had Dave help me with this project.
Dave’s tip: Cut off the corners of your seat board and sand it well to get rid of sharp edges and possible splinters.
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6. Tree Swing
When making a DIY tree swing, it’s best to make sure the weight limit of your rope is big enough for a workable swing.
Dave’s tip: Use a double running bowline knot to tie the swing to the high branch.
7. Garden Stepping Stones
I love how these garden stepping stones are fully customizable. That being said, you can choose to imprint the hands of your family, add mosaic tiles, or even stamp some letters on. The choice is yours.
8. Collapsible Fence Table
This collapsible fence table is a great way of adding a table without sacrificing on space. The secret lies in attaching the surface of the table to a wall. Once attached, you can lift up or collapse the table as needed.
Dave's tip: Use tee hinges to screw the table board onto the fence.
9. Outdoor Seating
I love how the concrete blocks are painted in a bright color. They help give a pop of vibrance to the backyard. Start by making sure the ground is level and place your concrete blocks in place. I recommend using 4 blocks on each side and having 2 additional layers on top of each side.
Tip: Add a cushion on top of the wood frame for extra comfort.
10. Seashore Wind Chimes
Show off the lovely seashells you’ve collected in your last family beach trip when you DIY a wind chime. Simply punch 2 small holes on either side of the seashells, insert the string through the holes, and then tie the string to a stick of driftwood.
11. Hammock
Make a hammock with some cord and a few yards of fabric. This tutorial has both a sew and no-sew method. If you choose to do the latter, make sure the cords are tightly tied.
12. Fairy Garden
Your kids will love making this DIY fairy garden. Simply layer on a handful of sand, then position the garden accents, such as the rocks and seashells. You can also finish off the project with a sign saying “Fairy Tide Pool” just for kicks.
13. Stick Wall Hanging
This project is super simple, you wouldn’t even believe it. Start off by telling your kids to look for sticks they’d like to use for the wall hanging. Once the sticks are gathered, paint on a design, and then tie the sticks together with some string. That’s all it takes!
14. Tower Garden Planter Bird Bath
Teach your kids the importance of taking care of animals by setting up a bath for the birds. You can also tell them to water the plants of the bird bath daily to teach a lesson on responsibility.
Tip: Don't forget to tilt the pots as you insert them through the pole.
15. Garden Mirror
Make your backyard look more spacious by setting up a garden mirror. This tutorial upcycles a pair of broken windows for their garden mirrors, which makes it yet another upcycling project to admire!
16. Bubble Fountain
Fountains add such joy to a backyard. I, for one, can’t resist the gentle sounds of the water trickling from the fountain down to the edges — it’s just so calming. See the benefits a fountain can give you and your family when you make one for your next DIY afternoon.
Dave’s tip: Use a spur-point or dowel drill bit when drilling into the plastic pot. Also, be sure the hole you drill will fit the pump power cord for your fountain.
17. DIY Outdoor Movie Screen
Make movie night a weekly habit with the family with this DIY outdoor movie screen. Start by mounting the curtain hanging wire onto two trees. Then, build your frame and then attach the sheet to the frame. Hang the framed sheet to your hanging wire with some hooks and eye screws, and secure it with bungee cords.
Tip: Build your frame according to your preferred viewing ratio.
18. Minion Fire Pit!
This might not be so easy, but we know the kids would LOVE a minion fire pit in your backyard! This one was made from a 30 gallon propane tank. You can find similar styles by this Artist on Etsy.
Feeling adventurous? Learn how to make a fun zip line for your next set of easy backyard projects:
Making these easy backyard projects will definitely bring your family closer together. Who knows, you all might even want to turn DIY afternoons into a regular family habit or tradition.
Which easy backyard projects are you planning to make for your next DIY project? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more ways to keep the kids busy? These projects will help entertain them!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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