Lemonade: It's not just for cooling off this summer. For those of us who've had the ultimate lemon of putting on pause our summer travel plans, consider making lemonade by tricking out your backyard for the perfect summer staycation in these fun and novel ways:
Create an entertainment oasis: After months cooped up inside, take your entertainment outdoors. Invest in cozy outdoor chairs and couches to create a living room, and amp it up by stringing some cafe lights for a starry night effect that the whole family will enjoy. Entertain littler kids with stories about fairies and other tales of whimsy, or pick up a projector and speakers and host a movie screening party in your own backyard.
Relocating the kitchen outdoors is another great way to celebrate summer (and hone your grill skills!). Upgrade your outdoor grill or invest in a smoker or dedicated pizza oven and churn out culinary delights for midnight munching. Check out options available at The BBQ Barn in Arlington.
Looking for a signature way to light up your living area? Check out the eco-friendly Beer Can Candles by Medford resident Loren Wherry, which are available at Maxima Gift Center in Arlington Center.
DIY Water Park: Your annual trip to Water Country may be canceled, but you can still cool off in the comfort of your own backyard. Ocean State Job Lots and Christmas Tree Shops have limited supplies of small, hard-plastic and larger inflatable pools for kids of all ages.
Kick it old-school with a Slip-and-Slide from any number of on-line retailers or, make your own with a sheet of plastic and pool noodles, as seen here on the DIY Network. Water balloon fights, sprinkler obstacle courses, or the super-soaker Nerf water guns are all great ways to have a fun time while beating the heat.
Already have a pool? Create a cabana-like atmosphere by adding a canopy or a pergola, and some outdoor plants from 4Squares favorite, Mahoney's Garden Center. Or if you're feeling really fancy, check out the jacuzzi and hot tub options from Lowe's. Finish off the area with an outdoor bar cart, and enjoy a resort-style getaway steps away from home.
Lawn Game Olympics: No Summer Olympics? No problem! Install a volleyball net that can double for badminton and get competitive with your kids and neighbors (at a distance of course!).
Corn hole and bocce are timeless options for outdoor play, but if you want to go bigger (literally) then Backyard Yardzee or a Jumbo Domino Set are fun ways to pass summer afternoons and evenings.
End an active day with a cold, sweet treat from Frozen Hoagies, the ultimate ice cream sandwich store! Order ahead for pick up at either the Winchester or Somerville location, or surprise your loved ones and book their truck to drive right up to your house!
What are some of your stay-cation secrets? Helping homeowners love the way they live in Medford is my specialty, and introducing first-time homebuyers to all of Medford’s wonder is my passion. If you or someone you know is looking to purchase in Medford, I’d love to help them find the home of their dreams. Contact me for a consultation today!