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5 Simple (and Cheap) Backyard Renovation Ideas

Looking for easy ways to make your yard a fun place to hang out? Check out our favorite quick renovations!
5 Backyard Renovations
Updated: May 20, 2023

Looking to spruce up your backyard? There are a whole bunch of ways to create an inviting oasis without breaking the bank—or your back. Here are five ways to update your yard so your family enjoys it all summer long.

Build a Fire Pit

Backyard Renovations: Fire Pit

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What’s better than s'mores cooked over an open flame? Backyards aren’t meant for day use only. A great fire pit extends your time outdoors. Gina from The Shabby Creek Cottage shows you how to build your own backyard fire pit in just under an hour.

Make Your Own Party (or Practice!) Games

Backyard Renovations: Football

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Looking for some great party games? Brad from Fix This Build That provides a step-by-step tutorial to building your own football toss game that will liven up any party. Football not your favorite sport? No problem — this board makes for great pitching practice, too.

More: Top 10 Backyard Party Games

Embrace a Kids-Only Zone

Backyard Renovations: Outdoor Play Space

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If you avoid spending time outdoors because your yard is strewn with kids’ toys, corral them in a centralized location. Sarah from SweetLilYou created a play place for her daughter with just some wood, an artificial turf mat they already owned, and a bit of sweat equity.

More: 7 Fun Driveway and Sidewalk Games for Kids

Create Ambiance With Lighting

Backyard Renovations: Light Canopy

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A lack of outdoor lighting means late-night family dinners or get-togethers with friends on your deck. By the same token, a harsh spotlight can make for some unpleasant ambiance. Brent and Courtney from Gray House Studio can teach you how to make a canopy of string lights to set the scene for fun summer nights.

Games for Family Fun

Backyard Renovations: Tetherball

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There’s no need to go out and buy a ton of yard games to have a little family fun. Save yourself half the store price (or more, if you have any of the materials on hand!) and create your own family tetherball set. Kierste from SimplyKierste provides simple instructions to build your own, and you can let your kids help you, too.

Looking for more easy ways to spruce up your home? Check out our favorite decorating ideas from Target!

Erin Ollila

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