The average American child spends
about 1,200 hours a
year with their eyes on a screen.
Deficiencies in Vitamin D, which we
get from exposure to sunlight, are on the increase. Research shows that a lack
of outside time decreases brain function in people aged over 45. Staying
indoors too much harms our mental health, leading to depression.
These issues and symptoms point to
an epidemic of indoor living. Simply put, we all need to get out from under our
roofs more–a lot more.
Below, we’ve created a list of
exciting backyard accessories guaranteed to get you and your family out the
door.
1.
An Inflatable Movie Screen
Level up your Netflix-and-chill and
get a backyard projector screen.
On balmy summer evenings, you can
settle into a beanbag on your patio or lawn–a glass of chilled wine or iced tea
in hand–and watch a movie.
Both small and large-scale outdoor
screens are available for home use, usually between 4 and 40 feet in width.
Whether you’re watching with three people or your whole neighborhood, you can
find a screen that fits your “what to do in the backyard” needs.
Best of all, if it’s really blowing
a gale, pouring buckets of rain, or super snowy outside, you can bring your
screen indoors.
2.
A Fire Pit
Are you wondering how to have fun at
home once the sun goes down? Imagine sitting around a warming fire pit,
toasting marshmallows for smores, and sharing tall tales or spooky ghost
stories.
Today, bespoke fire pits are all the
rage. Ask a local craftsman to incorporate images that are meaningful to your
family into the ironwork.
Just be sure to teach your children
the rules around fire safety. Use cleaner-burning
fuels, don’t let family members inhale the smoke, and take precautions to
control the embers if you live near a forest.
3.
A Trampoline
When it comes to enjoying outdoor
activities, nothing beats bouncing on a trampoline. It’s an activity young and
old can get into–for fun and exercise.
Trampolines, invented in the early
1930s, were initially used to train astronauts. It wasn’t until later in the
decade that they became a backyard fixture. Early trampolines didn’t have much
in the way of padding, so jumpers got injured when they inevitably bounced onto
the springs or lawn.
Nowadays, parents are looking for
the safest jumping options. Websites like sportzbits.com
sell trampolines fitted with padded poles and sturdy netting designed to
prevent injuries and falls.
4.
A Vegetable Garden
Gardening is one of those backyard
activities with a myriad of benefits. Research shows that gardening reduces
stress, improves health, and teaches children responsibility.
Your garden could be as small as a
few old buckets filled with soil and lettuce seedlings, or your raised beds
could fill your entire backyard.
If you’re new to gardening, get a
gardening kit. These all-in-one packages contain planters, seeds, fertilizer,
plant labels, and simple tools–everything you need to grow your green thumb.
Creativity
Counts in Backyard Accessories
When choosing backyard accessories,
focus on fun toys and products that will encourage exercise and learning.
Sometimes you don’t even need to buy anything! Creative activities like
wildlife scavenger hunts and pavement chalk drawing will have the whole family
enjoying the outdoors.
Are you keen on more exciting tips
and tricks on what to do at home?
Browse the other articles on our blog today.
