Home Decorating Outdoor Living 10 Ideas to Turn a Boring Backyard Into a Summer Oasis (No Pool Necessary) These must-haves make an ordinary backyard feel like a mini vacation. By Emily Hsieh Emily Hsieh Emily Hsieh has written about home décor at Real Simple since 2014. Her work has been published in Redbook, Food & Wine Magazine, and other publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 28, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Thayer Allyson Gowdy No pool? No problem. Create a cooling oasis with some clever water-centric activities. Amp up the joy of running through sprinklers by tossing beach balls back and forth through the spray. A water table filled with plastic bowls, measuring cups, and floating toys will keep toddlers engaged for hours (or close to it). Offer extra shade with umbrellas: If half your yard is shaded, estimate one umbrella per eight to 10 people; if you have zero coverage, go with one umbrella per five or six people. Once the shade and sprinklers are set, get ready for summer fun. 5 Virtual Services for Your Most Beautiful Backyard Ever 01 of 09 Enchanted Sprinkler Target $30, target.com The only thing better than a sprinkler in the summertime? How about a sprinkler that's also a giant inflatable unicorn. Talk about magical! 02 of 09 Oversized Umbrella World Market $105, worldmarket.com As you watch your kids splash in the sprinkler, lounge under this luxurious striped umbrella. It will protect you from the sun—and make you feel like you're on a tropical island. 03 of 09 Bubble Machine amazon.com $43, amazon.com Want to really wow your kids? Order this bubble machine, which magically whips up thousands (yes, thousands!) of bubbles per minute on the highest speed setting. 04 of 09 Balloon Bunch Target $25 for 265+, target.com Water balloon fights are fun, but the prep required to fill dozens of balloons is not. A quick solution? Just hook up the hose to these self-sealing balloons and turn on the water—they do the rest of the work for you. 05 of 09 Vibrant Hose amazon.com $42, acehardware.com If you're building an at-home water park in your own backyard, you're going to want to upgrade your ugly outdoor hose. This vibrant yellow option does the trick. 06 of 09 Gas Grill Williams-Sonoma $1000, williams-sonoma.com This powerful gas grill heats up quickly (in just 5 minutes or less), while flame control taps let you select a precise heat setting. The fact that it comes in three stylish colors, including orange, is just an added bonus. 07 of 09 Teak Sling Chair Serena & Lily $398, serenaandlily.com Lounge in style in a beautiful teak sling chair, available in your choice of nine fabric options to match your outdoor space. 08 of 09 Play Station crateandbarrel.com $399, crateandbarrel.com The surefire way to have a fun summer (no vacation necessary): order this sand and water table for your kids. It will provide hours of fun, and it doesn't even require leaving the backyard. 09 of 09 Pretty Petals Sprinkler Bed Bath & Beyond $13, target.com This flower-themed sprinkler is a must-have on the hottest summer days. Plus, it easily connects to a garden hose and is small enough to stash away when not in use. And did we mention it's only 13 bucks? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit