The place to be this summer? Your own outdoor oasis

As the days grow longer and temperatures warm up, many Americans are feeling hopeful. The U.S. kicked off a massive vaccine rollout that has seen hundreds of millions of doses administered, and so far, most Americans who are 65 and older have received at least one

vaccine dose.

Despite this, crowded music festivals, Fourth of July parades, big family reunions and jam-packed theme parks are still far away.

Some Americans 18 and older are still not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, and case rates are spiking in some states as more contagious variants of COVID-19 spread and safety measures are lifted. So one of the safest and most satisfying things you can do this summer is simply soak up the sun.

For most, summer 2021 will look a lot like summer 2020: enjoying as much time as possible outside, safely socializing with a small circle of friends and family. Patio furniture sales soared after lockdowns began last year, along with sales of canopies, outdoor pizza ovens and fire pits as people looked to extend their living spaces outside and create their own personal oasis. With swimming pools and playgrounds closed and vacation plans canceled, families invested in above-ground pools, hot tubs, playground sets, trampolines and outdoor bars and projectors.

The demand for backyard toys will only continue into 2021. In fact, this year will be the “Year of the Yard,” according to a study by the International