As the temperatures soar and summer kicks into high gear, spending time in your backyard can become a sweltering affair — especially
if you have a north-facing home! Not to mention, Colorado’s sun can be intense.
However, with a little creativity and some simple additions, you can transform your outdoor space into a refreshing oasis where you can beat the heat and enjoy the summer to the fullest. From shade sails to outdoor fans, and misting stations to kiddie pools, let’s explore a number of ways to stay cool in your backyard and make the most of the sunny season!
Install a Shade Sail or Umbrella
Shade sails are an excellent addition to any backyard, providing protection from the scorching sun. These versatile and stylish fabric canopies can be suspended over patios, decks, or any outdoor seating area to create ample shade and reduce the temperature by several degrees. A more affordable option is a shade umbrella or canopy, which offers a portable and flexible solution to combat the sun’s rays. Place them over your outdoor dining area, lounge chairs or kiddie pool to provide instant shade and keep you cool during the hottest hours of the day.
Install Misters
Install misters in your backyard to provide immediate relief from the heat. These simple and effective systems release a fine mist of water into the air, creating a refreshing and cooling effect. Whether you’re lounging on your patio or hosting a backyard gathering, misters can significantly reduce the ambient temperature. They are easy to install and can be strategically positioned to target specific areas, such as seating areas or play zones. If you don’t want to invest in misters, you can set up a DIY misting station instead. Simply attach misting nozzles to a garden hose and position them strategically around your seating area. As the water evaporates, it will create a cooling effect that can make a significant difference on hot summer days.
Add a Water Feature
A water feature not only adds a touch of tranquility to your backyard but also helps lower the temperature. Consider installing a small fountain, a birdbath, or a modern water wall. The sound of trickling water and the refreshing mist will create a soothing ambiance while keeping you cool.
Invest in Outdoor Fans
Outdoor fans are a game-changer when it comes to staying cool in your backyard. They improve air circulation, provide a gentle breeze, and help alleviate the stifling heat. Choose fans designed for outdoor use and strategically place them in areas where you spend the most time.
Design a Cool Lounge Area
Create a comfortable lounge area with outdoor furniture that promotes relaxation and helps beat the heat. Opt for materials that don’t retain heat, such as wicker or mesh, and add plush cushions covered in light, breathable fabrics. Consider incorporating a hammock or a suspended daybed for ultimate relaxation and maximum air circulation.
Set Up a Refreshing Beverage Station
Stay hydrated by setting up a refreshing beverage station in your backyard. Fill a large ice bucket with a variety of cold beverages, such as sparkling water, beer and soda, or set up a pitcher with lemonade or iced tea. Take it to the next level by creating your own infused water using fresh fruits or herbs for an extra burst of flavor!
Get a Kiddie Pool
No one is too old for a kiddie pool! Set up a small kiddie pool to dip your feet into or a larger pop-up pool that can fit the whole family. Enhance the experience by adding floating toys, inflatable rafts, and water-friendly games. This is the perfect place to lounge with a book or splash around with water games!
Glide Down a Slip ‘n Slide
Turn your backyard into your very own water park with a slip ‘n slide! This is an especially good idea if you have any sort of slope in your yard. Unroll the slippery mat, attach it to a garden hose, and let the fun begin. As you glide down the wet surface, the refreshing water will keep you cool and the thrill will keep you laughing. Make it even more exciting by adding soap or setting up water sprinklers along the slide’s path.
Plant Shade Trees
Strategically planting shade trees in your backyard can have long-term benefits. Not only do they provide natural shade, but they also help cool the surrounding air through the process of evapotranspiration. Consider trees like red maple, bur oak, or birch, which offer a good balance of shade and aesthetics — and are native to Colorado!
Design a Refreshing Outdoor Shower
Installing an outdoor shower is a fantastic way to cool down while enjoying the outdoors — and it helps keep dirt and sweat out of the house! Whether it’s a simple shower head attached to a garden hose or an elaborate shower structure, rinsing off with cool water can be invigorating and help you maintain a comfortable body temperature.
Host a Water Balloon Battle
Turn cooling off into a game by hosting a thrilling water balloon battle with friends and family. Fill up balloons with water and let the battle commence. Divide into teams, create forts, and unleash a splashing frenzy. Just make sure to clean up the balloon remnants afterward to keep your backyard tidy — and to keep the birds and other wildlife safe.
Create a Water Table for Little Ones
For younger children, a water table provides hours of sensory play and refreshing delight. Fill a shallow bin on a table with water, add floating toys, and let them splash, pour, and explore. It’s a fantastic way for kids to cool off while engaging in imaginative play and developing their fine motor skills.
Make DIY Water Sprinklers
Sometimes, the best and easiest way to cool off is simple: just run through the sprinklers! But if you don’t have a sprinkler system, you can create your own DIY water sprinklers using materials readily available at home. Attach a garden hose to a PVC pipe or drill small holes into a plastic bottle. Set up these homemade sprinklers throughout your backyard, creating water arches to run through.
