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28 things that'll have you spending so much time in your backyard

28 Things That'll Have You Spending *So Much* Time In Your Backyard
28 Things That'll Have You Spending *So Much* Time In Your Backyard

Summer isn't over yet. Until then, you and this hammock (OK, *and* this cooling neck fan) will be attached at the hip.

1. A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality.

Promising review: "This is an amazing hammock! The bright colors, the sturdiness and the very easy setup. It took myself and my sister in law about five minutes to setup. I put this hammock in my backyard, had some visitors for a couple of weeks and they used it very very regularly, to read, sleep, and just lounge. The only thing that may bother some people is that when lying in it the sides come over and wrap you like a cocoon. But I love it!!" —Juliet, Florida

Get it from Amazon for $124.99+ (available in 12 colors/patterns; also available in two other fabric types).

2. A pack of motion-activated lights, because the fun doesn't have to stop just because the sun went down. They come equipped with solar panels, letting you light up all those shadowy corners without adding a cent to your electricity bill. 

Promising review: "I purchased these to cover the side of my house. Installation was easy and I left them outside for two days to charge. The light coverage was about what I expected from them and do the job well. The motion sensitivity covers all the side and lights turn on. It has rained about three times and still work great and hoping they last for a long time." —J. Argueta

Get a set of four from Amazon for $29.99

3. And a pack of solar-powered stake lights to put an end to your nights of tiptoeing down a dark walkway, fearing a misstep might send you tumbling. These lights are both practical and a magical upgrade for your walkway, offering two fantastic lighting options: classic white for a sophisticated glow, or vibrant multicolored lights sure to make every night feel like a celebration. 

Promising review: "These are incredible!! I like using the color feature in winter when it's drab outside, but once my gardens bloom, I stick to white. I have purchased these five times, and it's going to be six. I bought the first set two years ago and just purchased my newest set. I put the old ones right next to the sets I just purchased and had never changed the batteries on the original ones...they were still bright so I never needed to. They are beautiful!!" —mosey 

Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $32.48

4. A sprinkle of fast-growing grass seed *with* fertilizer that'll turn your patchy yard into a lush paradise. This formula can help bring your lawn back to life and minimize the effects of those unsightly bald spots, digging disasters, and worn-down high-traffic areas. Watch as your lawn transforms into a picturesque Windows home screen, complete with grass swaying in the wind.

One 5.6-pound bag provides about 615 sq. ft. of new lawn coverage, or up to 1,845 sq. ft. if you're overseeding.

Promising reviews: "Before and after [above] of using the Rapid Grass + extra fertilizer for lawn bald spots from Sunday. This before and after is only 10 days of growth. I also applied a thin layer of top soil to let the grass root more." —Chandler C.

"Have a dog who destroys the spot she likes to go. We rotate and use this and the grass comes back great and full." —Lindsey

Get a 5.6-pound bag from Amazon for $28.99.

Related: "26 Walking-Friendly Shoes That’ll Make You Wanna Spend More Time On Your Feet"

5. A patio table mosquito net enclosure acting as a personal bouncer, making sure those winged party crashers aren’t buzzing around ruining the mood. And! When those uninvited guests aren’t around, you can simply tie back the netting to open up the space.

Promising review: “We bought this for a rather large umbrella over our table in the back yard, and used it for the first time last night. We were less concerned about mosquitoes because we have a service to eliminate them — it's the bees that were disturbing our outdoor meals and events. My wife hosted a few friends last night, and they all fell in love with this. They've all been fighting with bees lately, and they were not bothered once by any bugs. Every friend bought the netting on the spot. Also, when you're inside the netting sitting on chairs, it's almost as if the netting is invisible; most of the time you can't tell whether it's even there, especially at night.” —Sara Olshanky

Get it from Amazon for $32.99.

6. Plus, a set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets if you plan on spending most evenings lounging around outside, a cold sweet tea in hand, but you can't stand sticky, smelly bug sprays. With these bracelets, you can forget about constantly reapplying spray; plus, they're super cute, easy to wear, and — most importantly — keep mosquitoes at bay without the need for harsh chemicals.

Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action. 

Promising review: "No complaints, I'm just satisfied. It worked. We were surprised that such a small bracelet could keep us bug-free, but it did." —M. A. Cooper

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $9.99

7. And a garbage guard for when you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your evening...when all of a sudden, you hear this agitating, grating noise of flies buzzing around the garbage can. This little gizmo sticks inside your garbage can and releases an odorless vapor that keeps bugs at bay for a whopping four months.

Promising review: "Got an outdoor can, the kind the mechanical arm on the garbage truck picks up and tips over, with the lid opening by gravity. Placed this on the inside of the lid, near the hinge to lessen the chances of it being scraped off during emptying and no flies/maggots! No apparent odor, just seems to put a big hurt on the fly party that used to be my trash can (litter box contents, remnants of meat, etc)." —Michael E. Bradley

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

8. A portable 120-inch screen ready to make outdoor movie nights feel like a cinematic experience. Set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector (compatible with TV sticks, your phone, and more) and enjoy entertainment under the stars with family and friends, creating unforgettable memories in the comfort of your own backyard.

Promising review: "I bought this screen to watch movies outside on my deck. It was easy to assemble, so easy I didn’t even need to look at the directions. I assembled by myself. It came with bags to fill with sand to place on the base of each leg, but I ended up using large bags of rice I had instead and it worked fine. It also came with strings to secure each end in case of wind which I did and it was a breezy day and it held up great." —Sfat

Get it from Amazon for $63.99.

9. tree swing that beckons both kids and adults alike with playful swinging under the treetops and moments of serene, gentle swaying that can calm even the busiest of minds. It can hold to 440 pounds, withstand the elements, and reviewers say it’s pretty easy to put together.

Promising reviews: "This swing is so worth it! I recently bought my first house and bought this for my nieces/nephews. Not only do the kiddos love it but so do us adults!!! I’m about 130 pounds and have sat on it with my nieces and swung with no problem. My fiance and dad have both sat on it as well. It’s very sturdy. Easy to put together. It will keep your household entertained anytime you go outside." —Angelina

"Fun for grownups, too! We purchased this for our little grandchildren to enjoy and then discovered that with the high load capacity, we could swing with them, too! The product is sturdy, was easy to assemble, hang, and adjust the lengths of the ropes. It’s a great addition to our front yard and immediately became a neighborhood kid magnet, too! It’s only been up for a couple of weeks but has enjoyed hours of playtime." —Richard S

Get it from Amazon for $38.99.

10. An adjustable Ninja Warrior obstacle course, aka a fantastic (and cheaper) alternative to a standard swing set. Think: a day filled of climbing, swinging, flipping, and balancing. You may not know exactly what the kiddos are training for, but at least we can confidently say they will be prepared.

It's designed for ages 3+. For setup, you'll need two mature trees or pillars that are spaced 39 to 42 feet apart.

Promising review: "I really can't say enough good things about this obstacle course I purchased for my five children. It was so much easier to install than I had originally thought it would be. It came with detailed instructions and pictures that made me feel confident in getting it set up. It's a double-line design course, and it has two 50-foot slacklines and comes with 10 different attachments. So there are really endless possibilities when it comes to all the different variations and ways it can be set up and played with, including taking off all the attachments leaving just the slackline to walk, and practicing your balance from one side all the way across to the other side which is one of the activities my kids really enjoy doing. It's actually very good for strengthening your core, so your kids are getting some exercise without even knowing it. Not to mention it's done wonders for getting their heads out of their video games and getting them up and outside using their imaginations and having fun!" —•••BaRBiE•••

Get it from Amazon for $149.98+ (available in two sizes and a smaller set).

11. An umbrella light offering a lovely blend of style and functionality. Now you'll have overhead lighting while enjoying a meal under the stars or playing a board game with the fam.

Promising review: "When I bought this, it was totally on a whim. I was convinced that because it was so inexpensive, it would be a cheap piece of junk! Was I wrong! It does a great job of lighting up the table with the three different settings. AND, if you turn it upside-down, you can further vary the brightness. (Sometimes you just want a hint of a glow, rather than a spotlight in your face.) I'm very happy with this, especially since I left it out all summer long with no issues. It was hidden under a closed umbrella, but I'm sure it got a little damp with rainwater and it survived! For just $10, it is such an easy solution for my patio that has no electricity, and therefore, needs something battery powered." —LouiseN

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

Related: "35 Products That’ll Stick In Your Memory Like That One Song You Just Can’t Shake"

12. An outdoor misting system to attach under your awning, patio table umbrella, or pergola so that cool mist gently envelops you on a warm day. Just screw one end onto your garden hose and clip the rest around your preferred outdoor lounging area. No sweat (literally).

Promising review: "I love spending time outside, and we entertain on our patio, too. But when it's over 100 degrees outside, nobody feels like visiting. Until now!! I bought one and liked it so much I ordered another to cover both patios. They lower the temps to a more moderate level in just moments and don't use a 100 gallons of water doing it! I put mine along the top of our privacy fence and then put a fan in behind it and made it almost like having an AC unit outside. They're easy to put up and take down and come with convenient hanging hooks! I read the reviews people wrote about the heads getting stopped up, and they WILL, but as a plumber I'll tell you a trick to keeping them working like new: vinegar. Just remove the heads and soak then in a little straight vinegar then use a small bristle brush like a toothbrush or nail brush rinse them off and replace them in the mister tubing, and they should be like brand new." —Sonya Combs

Get it from Amazon for $16.96 (also available in multi-packs).

13. Or an adjustable mister ready to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease.

The mister comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsical detail.

Promising review: "I didn't really expect this mister to be worth anything, but I was really wrong. I live in South Texas, so I purchased a canopy for my western facing patio and it was still to hot to sit outside. I thought I would give this a try and I couldn't believe it. We sat outside on a 98 degree day all afternoon with just this mister! It works perfect and well worth every penny I paid for it. If this one ever breaks, I will buy another one right away. It can be adjusted to how much mist come out. Even my dogs sit out under the canopy and let the mister spray them. I would never have another summer without one." —Sheila

Get it from Amazon for $21.82 (colors may vary).

14. A stainless-steel grill insert because the weather is finally nice out, so we’re going to seize every chance to savor the outdoors. With this, you can transform your kettle grill into a fancy pizza oven for a delightful family dinner al fresco.

Promising review: "I really researched and shopped around before I purchased this from Amazon. I cooked my first pizza on it and it came out like a pro!! We will be using this especially during the summer as it pretty much stay in the triple digits here (the Mojave Desert). I cannot believe it took less than 10 minutes to bake an entire pizza. I recommend that you go to the KettlePizza website to get pointers from some of the celebrity chefs that they have videos of. These pointers really did help me to cook a perfect pizza!" —Kim Suzanne

Get it from Amazon for $144.95.

15. A discreet outdoor Wi-Fi extender that attaches to a wall or pole to instantly expand your network's reach. Now you can stream your favorite movies, groove to playlists, or scroll through TikTok while soaking up some sun — *without* having to run up your data.

Promising review: "I must say, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this, but after setting it up, I was absolutely amazed. I hooked it up just outside the back door at our main house, and I have incredible service in the garage apartment. Can run all computers, TV. It really is a wonderful device and definitely worth the money!" —Texas 

Get it from Amazon for $39.99

16. A slatted privacy screen equipped with a built-in planter box along the bottom, giving you your own secluded nook while blocking out the less-than-pleasant views of your neighbor's tool shed, garbage cans, and AC units.

If you like the look of those hanging rainbow flower pots above, here's a similar set that would look great on this fence!

Promising reviews: "We have a neighbor who keeps her Christmas light on year-round. This gives us privacy on our patio but it doesn’t completely block, which is fine with us. I love the idea that I can plant my garden." —Sandy912

"I normally hate assembling things but the instructions were so clear and the pieces fit so perfectly, it really was a breeze. The screen is well-made and sturdy. I hung flower pots on it as well as putting pots in the bottom. It’s holding up extremely well to the four or five times a week the flowers get watered. Hasn’t tipped or moved despite some recent high winds. Very happy with the look and quality!" —Lynn L.

Get it from Amazon for $174.77+ (available in two sizes and a variety of styles, including vinyl and cedar wood options).

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17. Or a roll of faux ivy to give your fence a makeover, creating a lush green barrier to keep nosy neighbors out of your business. Or! You can drape these vibrant vines over your pergola — as the sun plays peek-a-boo through the leaves, your space will be bathed in a soft, dappled light, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon Customer

Get a roll from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too.

18. An outdoor drink stakes set here to secure a spot for your cold drinks if your chair lacks a cup holder. (Like come on, reeeally?!) No more worrying about spills or having to awkwardly hold onto your beverage when you need to stand up. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, making it easy for everyone to remember which drink is theirs. 

Outdoor drink holders with spiral designs hold various beverage containers on a grassy lawn
Amazon

Promising review: "We put them out by the firepit immediately and everyone loves them, plus the different colors help keep track of whose is whose if you get up and forget." —Amanda

Get a set of six from Amazon for $42.95.

19. An easy-to-install hummingbird feeder turning your plain window into your very own birdwatching paradise. You'll get a front-row seat to those colorful little aviators buzzing about before your very eyes.

Sweet Feeders is a family-owned small business that toured with their feeders at state fairs across Texas before moving the business online in 2017.

Promising review: "I have to admit, it took a few weeks for the hummingbirds to find this feeder, but now that they visit it frequently, this beautiful feeder is a source of continual joy. Easy to use, lovely to look at on its own, and a true wonder to watch the hummingbirds feed a few inches away. The perspective this feeder offers is wondrous. I have already purchased one for a friend who lives in a much more wooded region and she had hummingbirds feeding at it faster than I did. It's artsy, easy, genius and fun!" —Tristram

Get it from Sweet Feeders on Amazon Handmade for $30.99 (available in two finishes).

20. Some solar-powered outdoor string lights to create a dreamy atmosphere in your yard without being confined to the nearest outlet. When draped over trees or around railings, these elegant lights mimic a twinkling night sky, offering a soft, romantic glow that's perfect for any outdoor occasion.

Promising review: "I have had these lights up [for five months]. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love." —D Kelly

Get a set from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in warm or soft light, three wattage options, and three lengths).

21. And a pack of solar-powered garden lights so your outdoor space can feel like a magical wonderland with tiny little fairies dancing in the breeze. With bendy stems and weighted bases, they're designed to sway gracefully, creating a mesmerizing display without the hassle of plugs or switches. 

Promising review: "As the sun sets and the evening breeze gently rustles through your garden, these lights come to life, casting a warm, enchanting glow that transforms your outdoor space into a magical haven." —April

Get a pack from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in packs of two, four, six, eight, or 10).

22. A side table cooler designed to keep your drinks ice cold and at your fingertips while lounging outside. As a bonus, just raise the lid up and the cooler becomes a sleek cocktail table.

Promising review: "This product is the bomb, so much so we purchased a second one... Had outdoor game day with our children and this kept everyone outdoors. Easy access to beverages for all ages. Would definitely recommend to any outdoor party goers." —Leslie A. McClendon

Get it from Amazon for $79.49+ (available in brown or grey).

23. A stunning glassworks wind chime for creating a symphony of colorful sights and soothing sounds with every gentle breeze.

Promising review: "This is definitely the most beautiful wind chime I've ever seen, and I love the sound, too. The packaging was nice, all glass pieces were well protected. I will definitely consider buying again as gifts." —Anita J.

Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in 10 color combinations).

Related: "20 Sets Of Cooling Sheets To Make Sleeping Hot A Thing Of The Past"

24. A massive pack of wildflower seeds here to convert your plain green lawn into a vibrant tapestry of colors. These aren't just any flowers; they're the kind that even those of us without a green thumb can grow with ease. Your garden will get a rainbow makeover that'll make every glance out the window or stroll in the yard a delightful experience.

Promising review: "It is early July, and I could not be more pleased with this seed mixture. Almost every day since April, I have had new surprises in my garden. I have enjoyed alyssum, Chinese forget-me-not, zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds. I am beginning to see more forget-me-nots, poppies, pineapple sage, and Armeria. I am a beekeeper and, hence, was trying to plant some flowers the bees would like. I have an unbelievable number of pollinators busy among the flowers all day long. Today, I saw a hummingbird!! I am hoping to have these flowers self-seed and to have even more lovelies next year!" —Bio Teacher

Get it from Amazon for $12.65+ (available in two sizes and as annuals or perennials). 

25. An elevated dog bed with a canopy, the perfect setup for some quality outdoor chill time together. Your pup will be living their best life beside you in the backyard, all shaded, comfy, and relaxed.

By the way, some reviewers say this elevated bed is great for cats, too!

Promising review: "I am so happy that I bought this for my pup!! We hang out together outside and I don't worry about bugs/ants from the ground getting to him, he loves to lay on the hammock as I call it and he looks like a king! The other great part was it took NO TOOLS and I had it together under 15 minutes (and I'm not the savviest)." —Mary

Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in two sizes).

26. A basket weave cotton throw blanket perfect for both indoor and outdoor lounging. It'll be your cozy companion when you refuse to let a slight evening chill interrupt your outdoor relaxation. It's machine washable, making it easy to keep clean, and it'll instantly elevate the look and feel of your space.

Promising review: "This is an outdoor blanket, so I didn’t expect it to be super soft, but it really is very nice. Excellent quality. We put ours on the screened-in patio on outdoor furniture where it might get rain/sun/etc., and it’s been just fine. Highly recommend because it looks really good." —Cathy 

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in 10 colors). 

27. A hands-free, bladeless personal fan that you can wear around your neck, with not one but *two* fans pointing directly at your face. Picture yourself strolling through sun-soaked streets, hiking trails, or lounging at an outdoor event with a gentle, refreshing breeze keeping you cool and comfortable. No more overheating or desperate searches for shade.

The rechargeable fan lasts for up to 16 hours on the lowest speed, and it has five different speed settings. Reviewers say it's especially great for people who work outside all day and still need their hands free to do tasks.

Promising reviews: "I live in South Florida, and I wear this to cool off when I get home after a hot day or if I’m sitting outside briefly. I have long hair, and it really takes the edge off. Satisfied customer here." —Gwen Filosa Media

"This is a lightweight fan that produces a strong breeze. Even if it is only moving hot air, at least it helps keep you cool. It was nearly 90 degrees the day that I used it, and it lasted for at least nine hours. Highly recommended for theme parks or other locations where there's little shade and lots of heat!" —Blondegrandma

Get it from Amazon for $27.19+ (available in five colors).

28. A splurge-worthy yet functional pop-up tent making your yard the place to be rain or shine. Its waterproof cover can weather all the elements while sporting a cool ventilation feature that keeps the vibe chill and breezy. Just deck it out with some comfy furniture, a chic outdoor rug, and piles of pillows and blankets, and boom — you've just created a peaceful sanctuary. 

It has two large entrance doors and even internal hooks for hanging coats and bags.

Promising review: "It keeps cold wind and leaves out and some heat in. There are zip vents at top to let in fresh air and two zipper doors. This has extended the season for hot tub use, we were able to set up in early March in Chicago area. Would also be fun for around a small picnic table and to sit outside in the rain." —Lisa F1969

Get it from Amazon for $134.85+ (available in five sizes).

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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