With the warmer weather upon us, it’s time to start making plans for summer!

In order to make enduring memories for yourself, your children, and the people you spend time with, think about turning your backyard into a warmer-weather haven. From hosting s’mores nights around a fire table to swaying gently in a rope hammock, there’s plenty of summer bucket list activities you can do within the confines of your own deck and backyard.

Read on for some of our summer bucket list ideas, from backyard activities to ones that require you to venture out a little bit. Get inspired, and make your own summer bucket list this season!

1. Relax in a Hammock: There’s something truly serene about swaying gently in a rope hammock, feeling the breeze on your skin as you drift off into a peaceful nap or lose yourself in a good book. Investing in a quality rope hammock can instantly elevate your outdoor relaxation game. Look for hammocks made from durable materials like cotton or polyester rope, with sturdy metal or wooden frames for added stability. Add some outdoor throw pillows to your hammock for when you opt for an outdoor nap. Not only will this boost comfort, but also bring color into your outdoor space. Whether you prefer to hang it between two trees or set it up on a hammock stand, a rope hammock is sure to become your favorite spot for unwinding after a long day.

2. Enjoy a Family Movie Night Outside: Use a projector, white sheet, and some cozy outdoor seating to transform your backyard into an impromptu outdoor movie theater. Enjoy a family movie night outside beneath the stars by setting up comfortable blankets and pillows and popping some fresh popcorn.

3. Go Camping in the Backyard: Maximize your backyard space by creating your own campsite at home. Set up a tent in the backyard for a night of camping under the stars. Roast marshmallows using a fire pit table, tell stories, and enjoy the magic of sleeping outdoors without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

4. Roast Marshmallows Around a Fire Table: Bring the warmth and ambiance of a campfire right to your backyard with a stylish fire table. Perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family, a fire table serves as both a functional heating source and a striking centerpiece for your outdoor space. Hosting an outdoor s'mores night using a fire table is the perfect way to enjoy the weather and bring family together. Prepare all the necessary ingredients for s’mores, including marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, and any additional toppings or fillings you desire. Place them on a decorative table or tray near the fire table for easy access. When your marshmallows have roasted to your heart's content, it’s time to assemble and pass around to share!

5. Outdoor Picnic and Yard Games: Looking for a casual and fun party idea this summer? Consider a backyard picnic. Pack a picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, and spread out a blanket in the backyard for a leisurely meal in the fresh air. The kids will love it as much as they’d love a picnic away from home, and it’s much easier to pop inside for any forgotten condiments or beverages. Set up some outdoor yard games to keep the party going throughout the afternoon.

6. Lounge Outside: No patio furniture collection is complete without a comfortable outdoor lounge chair where you can kick back and soak up the sun. To ensure comfort and longevity, look for chairs with padded cushions, weather-resistant materials, and adjustable reclining settings. Having a special place to decompress outside is crucial to making the most of the season, whether you choose a sleek chaise lounge for a more modern aesthetic or a traditional Adirondack chair for a rustic cabin feel. Once you have your setup determined, all you need is a new beach read and some lemonade for a perfect, bucket-list worthy afternoon outdoors.

7. Enjoy Your Meal in Comfort: Make the most of dining with an outdoor dining set that combines style and functionality. Whether you have a spacious deck or a cozy balcony, there are plenty of options available to suit your space and seating needs. For long, leisurely dinners with loved ones, choose a table made of weather-resistant materials like teak or aluminum and pair it with cozy chairs or benches.

8. Let’s Get Crafty: Bonus - weather resistant tables are also crafty kid proof! Gather supplies like paints, markers, glitter, and paper, and set up tables or blankets for a fun night of crafting stations under the stars. With the freedom to get messy outdoors, kids can explore their creativity in a fun and relaxed environment. Add some snacks, drinks, and soft music for a magical evening of crafting under the open sky.