Summer adventures without leaving your backyard

WITH A FEW

supplies and some inspiration, your backyard can be the site of a summer adventure. Here are a few ways to slip into vacation mode without even leaving home.

Take a camping trip

Whether all the campsites at your favourite park are full or you just want to skip the traffic jam heading out of town, you can recreate the fun of a camping trip in the convenience of your backyard. Invite friends to pitch tents and then spend the evening grilling, having sing-a-longs, making smores, playing games, telling ghost stories, and stargazing.

With the security of electricity and the convenience of indoor plumbing just a hop, skip and a jump away, this is a great idea for families with young kids who have never camped before or anybody who prefers the luxuries of “glamping.”

Go for a dip

Love swimming but want to dodge crowds and avoid locker room hassles? Turn your backyard into your own swim club. Nearly any backyard can accommodate an easy-tosetup pool.

Movie night

Enjoy your favourite stars under the stars. With a simple projector set-up, you can be the host with the most by turning your backyard into a movie theatre. Pick a crowd-pleasing summer classic and get the neighbours involved. If you’re short on seating, consider inviting guests to set up their own blankets and lawn chairs and make it a potluck picnic.

If you want something exciting to do but are not in the mood to travel, just remember to look no farther than the backyard. With a little imagination, there are plenty of adventures to be had on any budget and in any sized space.