Since we’re all stuck at home right now and it’s unclear when we’ll be able to enjoy all being out in public again with no restrictions, many of us are looking for ways to make our homes more enjoyable.

For those lucky enough to have a backyard, there are some DIY projects that can make this green space every bit as entertaining as the park or the pool. Some are fairly simple (or you can make them more simple with fewer tools and more ingenuity) and others are rather elaborate.

But since many of us may have a lot of time on our hands this summer, perhaps the sky’s the limit for backyard fun (or at least projects).

Here are 15 ideas you can use as inspiration to make your yard the perfect warm-weather retreat.

1. Backyard bowling alley

We might never have thought to build a bowling alley in our backyard, but this is a fantastic idea!

It’s certainly not a simple project (and you’re better off not playing when your neighbors are trying to sleep) but it’s certainly worth a try if you’re handy!

You can find more information here.

2. Pallet swing

Do you have a big, sturdy tree in your backyard?

Imagine lounging around on this comfy swing. You’ll look like you walked right into an Anthropologie catalog!

For more information on building this dreamy daytime bed, click here. An air mattress and some old, vintage linens add extra fun.

3. Outdoor theater

With events already canceled throughout the early summer, we might have to make our own entertainment for a while.

Why not set up a backyard movie theater for the kids (or the adults!)?

You can use a sheet or buy a screen online and this website has lots of photos on ways to set it up for maximum family enjoyment – it doesn’t have to be this elaborate!

4. Family firepit

Enjoying the outdoors at night sometimes requires a bit of extra warmth (or light).

Instead of splurging on a pricey firepit, why not build your own?

You can find more instructions here.

5. The perfect pergola

The folks at The Created Home built this stunning outdoor pergola for under $200!

Yes, it takes some tools and hard work, but the result is a place in your yard where you can’t wait to take a seat.

You can click here for instructions and a stunning photo of it all lit up at night. (It’s complicated, but you can certainly imagine ways to do something similar with less math.)

6. Keep it clean with simple storage

When kids use the yard, it can often look like a tornado hit it after they come in for dinner.

If you want your backyard to double as your sanctuary, you need an easy and attractive place to keep all the extra “stuff” that you don’t want to look at when it’s not being used.

We like this simple idea for storing supplies and kids’ toys.

Some chalk paint and cheap shelving and containers are all you need to make it happen (well, not the cleaning part).

7. Backyard cabana

How about a nice shady place to read a book this summer?

We’re obsessed with this DIY cabana. It’s like a fort for adults! Just add an ice bucket to the corner and you can rosé all day!

Yes, it requires some woodworking, but the results are worth the effort!

You can find more information here.

8. Upcycled pallet grill

We don’t know where people are getting all of these pallets to do DIY projects with, but we have to admit that some of them are wildly creative.

Take this backyard grill for example. You still need extra materials (you know, like a grill), but it’s certainly nicer than a tiny grill on the ground.

9. Backyard herb garden

Some of us are inveterate gardeners – and others are unpremeditated plant murderers.

Chances are if you’re a gardener, you’ve got this whole thing down (but if you don’t, there are some instructions for raised beds here).

For those of us without the space or time, an upright herb garden can be a great place to start – and even if you’re not a chef you can plant mint or lemon balm for tea (or tisane, as the herbal stuff is called).

You can get creative with vessels, locations, and ways of making it vertical using stuff you have at home. Sometimes any greenery will do your soul some good.

10. Privacy screen

Sharing your backyard with family? Tired of sharing every space in your house with family?

We feel you.

Sometimes it’s nice to feel like you have just a bit of your own space and this moveable privacy fence allows you to make that a different place in the yard every day!

11 . Create a place to set your drink

Patio furniture is expensive! And maybe you don’t have the budget for that this year.

Some linens over a flat surface on top of some paver stones (or whatever else holds it up) can be just fine, but we also love this creative idea that looks like it came straight from Crate and Barrel or Pier 1.

Using a spare tire, some glue, and some rope, and a round cutout to fill in the hole, you can create something all your own.

Here are some instructions if you don’t feel handy enough to give it a whirl on your own.

12. Light it up

If you plan to spend some time in the yard this summer, nighttime can be a great time to relax without having to worry about whether everything looks perfect.

Aside from a few bug-repelling candles, this might be a great time to break out the holiday lights and create a dreamy escape.

You don’t have to go full Griswold family (especially if you have neighbors), but this can be a great idea even if you just have a bit of space on a patio. Keep is dreamy, not tacky.

13. Stage a performance

Backyard talent show, anyone?

If you’ve got kids and home who like to ham it up (or who you need to convince to practice their instruments over the summer), building them a proper place to do it might make a big difference.

There’s no need to build stairs or make it too elaborate, but if you can make a wooden deck or set up paver stones and add a few stakes, then you can string enough lights to make it look like a show.

Short on cash? Get out the Christmas decorations!

14. Meditation spot/zen garden

You know what’s overrated? Grass.

Need some quiet time to meditate or just think? Try creating your own little zen garden in a spot in the yard.

A good Japanese rock garden will even give you something to do – raking or sweeping the stones into patterns is very calming.

15. Convert your shed into a playhouse

Is your backyard shed just storing things you don’t need but haven’t had a chance to get rid of? Can you store some of those implements in the garage instead?

Set that stuff out to the road, clean out the space, and give kiddies a new place to play this summer (as long as it’s safe and stable!).

Just don’t shut them in there in the heat!

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We all need a little extra space right now and a place that can serve as a retreat.

Consider upgrading your backyard to make it another room in your house with some of these projects.

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