Decorating & Design
9 Backyard Ideas That Will Make Your Outdoor Space More Fun
Updated on May 20, 2025
You can’t blame families for wanting to maximize every second of beautiful weather. Lavishing outdoor spaces with amenities makes it easier to relax, entertain, and keep the whole family busy — and happy. Here are some fun backyard ideas, from trendy stock pools to sports courts and pizza ovens, that can turn your backyard into a vacation destination in its own right.
Stock Pool
Pools top almost everyone’s wish list when it comes to summer fun, but not every backyard has the space. This city backyard features a budget-friendly galvanized metal stock tank pool. Traditionally used for watering cattle, it’s a cost-effective alternative to in-ground pools (and the lip is smooth and safe). The homeowners chose this pool so their kids could cool off, and because the tank takes up a small footprint. At the end of the season, the family drains it and rolls it away.
Swing Chairs And Hammocks
A pair of hanging chairs are suspended on a pergola in this resort-inspired backyard. They’re the perfect spot to enjoy a good read, strike up a lively conversation or enjoy a tasty poolside beverage.
Sport Court
In Montreal’s west end, homeowners Teresa Mihalik and her husband, Andrew Higgins, wanted to reinvent their backyard, making it a space where their son and his friends could hang. Now, the family can shoot hoops or play a game of table tennis any day of the week.
Outdoor Chalkboard
These homeowners had the same idea, choosing to add an all-weather table-tennis table and a big chalkboard mounted to the fence in their backyard. Not only can the family enjoy a friendly game now and then, but the clever chalkboard also helps them keep track of who’s winning.
Bocce Ball Court
In this Quebec garden, the bocce ball court “draws you into the magnificent native setting,” says landscape designer Nathalie Desjeans. It’s a game that almost anyone can play, and pulls the generations together — no special athletic talents required. “Now, it’s a real gathering place.”
Fire Feature
Fire features are a natural gathering spot. Even in the heart of the city, a live flame is ideal for mimicking campfire conviviality (and roasting s’mores). Designer Sarah Keenleyside’s outdoor seating area has a built-in bench and stools to surround a contemporary fire pit.
Outdoor Bar
Create your own private oasis with a designated outdoor bar. This version has a barbecue hut theme, complete with a custom neon sign, and a row of bar stools for a restaurant feel.
Pizza Oven
Pizza night, anyone? A striking concrete fireplace doubles as a pizza oven in Michelle Hurley’s backyard, turning this outdoor living room into everyone’s favourite alfresco hang out spot.
Playhouse
Customize a DIY playhouse from a big box store and turn a yard corner into a kids’ zone. The addition of some fun numbers and a window box filled with bright blooms heightens the whimsy and visual appeal. A French-style wrought-iron fence cordons off the woodsy 25’ x 35’ garden, planted with a butterfly bush and edible berries.