No matter how big or small your backyard is, you can transform it into an amazing space to have fun in, relax in, or do both at once. Backyards can become a sanctuary for you and your family. They are the perfect place to spend time with family, friends, or even alone.
There are so many ways that you can turn your backyard into a mini oasis, from building kid-friendly treehouses, to putting in a “beachside” pool, to adding adorable furniture and yard accents here and there. We recently found 60 backyards that are jaw-dropping and inspire creativity and practicality at the same time.
Check out these 60 brilliant backyards that will make you want to take up a DIY project today. Don’t definitely don’t want to miss #26, #35, and #55.
1) Ride your own backyard roller coaster
After retiring, John Ivers decided to build this roller coaster in his backyard for his grandkids. It’s called the “Blue Flash.” He told
Roadside America, “I just thought one day, ‘Man, a roller coaster coming down the side of that shed would be pretty neat.”
2) Escape to your own fairytale castle
This livable, 350-square-foot backyard castle was built in Dudweiler, Germany, by Heinz and Hildegard Schonewolf. It reportedly took almost 40 years to build.
3) Want your own Harry Potter treehouse?
These amazing Harry Potter treehouses were built by J.K. Rowling herself for her kids in 2012. They feature spiral staircases, secret tunnels, and trap doors.
4) Feature this amazing teapot fountain
Water features are so much fun. And this one looks like a magical floating teapot. You can learn how to make on
here.
5) An inspired looney luge
One Long Island, New York, dad actually built this insane luge in his backyard. “I had an idea to build a snow luge in my backyard so my family could have a fun place to go and play in the snow,” he wrote on his
YouTube account.
6) Screen your own pool party movies
Build an inflatable movie screen for your next pool party. This screen, which is 16 by 13 feet inflates in about five minutes.
Make your own oversized backyard checkers set at ground level. You can team up kids against parents or play with your neighbors or other family members during a weekend barbeque.
8) Build a DIY wire railing
Bulky wooden fences can cheapen the look of your porch. You can easily create a safe wire fence that will give your outdoor space a more modern look. Learn how to build one
here.
9) Have your own backyard movie theater
Creating a home theater doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re making one in your backyard. There are lots of different ways to go about this. Get the details
here.
10) Play in a backyard wiffle ball stadium
This backyard wiffle ball stadium, called Riley Field, hosts leagues and tournaments. It’s located in Mumford, New York.
11) Relax in this oversized hammock
If you enjoy your relaxation time, then this oversized hammock is just what you need. And it can fit up to 20 people!
This awesome lazy river is built right in the backyard. You can get on your floaty and cruise around the water on a warm day.
13) A must-have rolling grill/drink cart
Having an outdoor grill/bar cart can make entertaining a lot easier. There are a lot of different designs but this one can be made after a trip to Home Depot. Get the instructions on how to make it
here.
14) Create your own secret hideaway
Have a secret little place in your backyard will make it feel special. Use steps and shrubbery to create your secret spot. Make sure you leave some cushion to get cozy.
15) Play in an ice hockey rink
A backyard ice hockey rink complete with a Zamboni? Now that’s a dedicated hockey fan!
16) Bike and skate in your backyard
If your passion is to bike or skate, build your own bike/skate park in your backyard. This massive “park” was built by Mike Spinner, a pro-BMX rider. It features 11,000-square-feet of space in his backyard.
17) Display a hanging herb garden
This chicken wire herb garden is a great way to create division in your garden. It also creates a wonderful focal display. Learn how to make one
here.
18) Create an outdoor bar
Your house will be the most fun on the block if you have a bar. Problem is, people might never want to leave! You can get DIY designs and instructions
here.
19) Relax around your own serenity pond
Add some more fun details to your yard by creating a small serenity pond. All you really need is a small pool liner, some stone, and a bit of elbow grease. You can then surround the pond with gorgeous shrubbery and flowers.
Oh My Creative has the step-by-step instructions.
20) DIY backyard water slide
One family got extremely creative with this backyard DIY waterslide. Looks like both the adults and kids are having equal fun!
21) Backyard water slide #2
Here’s a different waterslide option that takes an adrenaline rush to the next level! But you could always make your own slide at a smaller scale that will still make the entire family happy.
22) Build a modern outdoor playhouse
Playhouses don’t have to look ugly and cartoony. You can make an outdoor playhouse for kids that you’ll want to hang out in too. Get the details on this one
here.
23) Impress guests with this beer/drink cooler table
Never get up to get a drink again. Just make yourself a table with a built-in beer/wine cooler. Get the instructions
here.
24) Hang a solar light chandelier
Another fun chandelier project is to make one using solar lights from the dollar store and a chandelier base from a secondhand store. Just remove the wiring from the base if it’s an electric one and secure the solar lights where the lightbulbs or candles would go. It will charge during the day and let off a nice glow during the evening.
25) Build an ultimate treehouse
Steve and Jeri Wakefield of Dallas built this amazing treehouse for their grandsons. It includes a climbing wall, slide, and even a zipline! It looks more like a mansion than a treehouse!
26) Transport yourself back to the Old West
It’s entirely possible to create another world in your backyard. This Old West-inspired backyard was built by dentist Jimmy Helms, who lives in Texas. He spent about 14 years building it.
27) Relax in your own outdoor lounge area
Nothing is more magical than lounging. You can create inexpensive lounge furniture with pallets and or cinder blocks. You’ll find tons of ideas and tutorials with a few internet searches. Learn how to make the one below
here.
28) Make your own DIY soaking pool
Have you dreamed of having a pool? You can! Just head to the farm store and purchase a large metal tub, line it, and add a filtering system behind a fence and this DIY project is sure to impress. A Stroll Through Life made this one and
explains how they did it.
29) Add marbles to your fence
Make your fence fun. You can do so by drilling holes into it and shoving marbles in the holes. The sun will shine through them and look super pretty.
Thrill your kids with this Dr. Seuss-inspired treehouse. This creative undertaking is sure to make your backyard the hit of the neighborhood.
31) Turn your backyard into The Shire
J. R. R. Tolkien fans will love this backyard that features a life-size guest Hobbit house! The house pictured here was built by Architect Peter Archer for a Tolkien fan.
32) Display colorful paper lanterns
Lanterns will bring some light to your backyard without having to plug anything in. Colorful paper lanterns will brighten up the whole backyard. It will create a fairytale-like atmosphere.
33) Add beauty and function with a floating island deck
If you have a cluster of trees in your yard, make a shady oasis underneath by creating a “floating island” deck. Once completed, you can throw down pillows and some flower planters, and then relax underneath the swaying branches and leaves. Head over to
Poppytalk for more info.
This archaic-looking
fire pit is definitely an attention grabber but in a quaint, Bob the Builder sort of way. What’s really great about this rustic campfire is that it only take a couple of hours to complete. That means you can start roasting marshmallows and telling scary ghost stories by nightfall!
35) Be a star in your own backyard
This awesome backyard stage will allow your family’s inner thespian to come out. This particular stage is called the Napa Valley Theater and is made from redwood lumber.
36) Swing on this epic swing set
While this backyard swing set is quite unique — it’s built on the edge of a cliff in Baños, Ecuador — you can build your own in your backyard that’s much safer!
37) Make your own DIY Pergola
You have to have some craftsmanship for this project. But it’s way less expensive to build one yourself. Get some plans for different pergola designs
here.
38) Make your own pebble mosaic centerpiece
This is sort of like building a sandcastle in your yard, but the grains of sand are pebbles and you get to walk all over it when you’re done! Even if you don’t have a creative bone in your body, this
guide will teach you how to make a beautiful backyard pebble mosaic like the one pictured.
39) Make these Alice In Wonderland toadstools
Here’s something both kids and adults alike will fall in love with. This fun toadstool looks like it came straight out of “Alice In Wonderland!” The “mushroom cap” seats on these are made from old wooden salad bowls, which have been spray painted and placed onto tree logs. If you are “curiouser and curiouser” about how to make one of these cute stools for your garden, check out this
tutorial.
40) Make your own backyard pirate ship
This play pirate ship from PoshTots costs a pretty penny, $52,000 to be exact. But you could also get creative and build your own ship for a lot less and create a wonderful play area for your kids in the backyard.
41) Check out this backyard spaceship
Jon Howell built this super cool spaceship for his son in their backyard. It features realistic rocket simulations thanks to about 800 LEDs that form dozens of numeric displays on 14 control panels.
42) Build a backyard beach
You can create a whole new world in your own backyard. Just turn it into a beach. Learn how
here.
43) Add a fancy picnic table
Why have a boring picnic table when you can have a really cool-looking one. All it takes is a coat of paint and some creativity. You can find lots of fun ideas
here.
44) Add an outdoor shower
Need to rinse all that sand off or shower after a dip in the pool or Jacuzzi? Create a simple outdoor shower. Learn this simple design
here.
45) Build an ultimate windmill playhouse
This amazing windmill playhouse costs $38,000. But you could build a DIY one for a lot less.
46) Enjoy a backyard sandy beach pool
Forget going to a resort for a beach-side vacation. This pool shows off a sandy beach entry that mimics the best seaside villa.
47) Your children will love this kiddie car wash
Backyards should be fun. And what’s more fun than a kiddie car wash sprinkler? Learn how to make one
here.
48) Add planter lamp posts
If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, take it vertical! Install some 4×4 posts into the ground, and add a hanger for a planter. Display whatever happens to be in season for a bit of extra beauty to look at while sitting in your yard.
49) Add pinecones for yard bedding
If pine cones fall in or nearby yard, collect them and use them as decorative bedding for your flower bed or around your shrubs. Plus, it helps keep the critters out of your garden because they’re pokey on their sensitive paw pads.
50) Turn your backyard into a ‘city’
If you have a favorite city, such as London, Sydney, or New York, build a recreation in your backyard. Gerard Brion did. He built a huge model of Paris, France, in his yard using recycled materials.
This cool backyard train track features a riding train that never gets boring. In this picture, Charlie is riding on a train that his granddad built for him in the backyard.
52) How about a DIY greenhouse?
You can grow all sorts of beautiful plants and herbs in a DIY greenhouse. You can make one from old windows or other reclaimed materials. You’ll find different tutorials
here.
53) Add DIY grapevine balls
Creating DIY grapevine balls is a beautiful way to add subtle lighting to your backyard. Grapevine is very easy to work with and has a natural look that is perfect for being displayed outside.
Lynne Knowlton shows you how to make your own.
Who said decks had to be plain and boring? Liven yours up by painting it a bright, eye-catching color or get creative with a fun pattern or mural. Just be sure to use paint meant for the outdoors, so it doesn’t wash off or fade.
55) Imagine this pool in your backyard
If you’ve got some time and money, this background pool, or one like it, could be yours. This see-through, stylish above-ground pool was designed by Andres Remy Architects.
56) DIY reading nook/playhouse
This tented playhouse gives your kids, and maybe even you, a private area to relax and read in the backyard. Fill it with books, a comfy beanbag chair, and some odds and ends, and you’ll have your own relaxation area just a few feet from your house.
57) Tree benches add atmosphere
Sitting under a tree and receiving its beautiful shade is a gift. One that you can receive over and over again if you create a tree bench. Learn how to build one
here.
58) Create a magical awning-style canopy
A gorgeous project that will make your backyard look like something straight out of a magazine is this gorgeous canopy. Not only does the canopy provide shelter while dining in the backyard, but adding lights and candles gives it that magical touch.
The Created Home has all the instructions you need.
59) Guide guests with a stone walkway
No fantasy backyard is complete without a stone walkway. Hardware stores sell concrete molds to create fun stone shapes that give a faux historical look with very little effort. Get creative with your very own unique patterns.
HGTV has a tutorial.
60) Jump on an in-ground trampoline
This in-ground trampoline is a majorly creative idea, and it makes using a trampoline safer. It’s also easier to use because it’s level with the ground.
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Whether you love sports, swimming, dining with friends and family, or just lounging around, these 60 backyards are sure to inspire your own creative DIY project.
