Keeping everyone entertained in your backyard isn’t often the easiest task, especially when there’s a bunch of kids. While adults do “boring” things like cook and talk, kids need an outlet for all of their energy. Who knows, the adults may want to have some “kids of all ages” fun as well! As you think about how to optimize your outdoor living spaces, it’s good to look for some new ideas in backyard entertainment. Here are some backyard designs for Old Westbury and Port Washington, NY, homes centered around gaming options.
Sport and Game Courts
There are plenty of activities that are far too large for a backyard. However, you’d be surprised at how much fun you can fit into your backyard with a multipurpose sport and game court.
Smaller backyards will often incorporate a half-size court instead of a full-size court that could take up a significant part of the backyard. It’s still plenty big enough for practicing the sport. Basketball courts, batting cages, and tennis backboards are three examples of sport courts that can be shrunk to fit a smaller backyard.
A custom sport and game court for your backyard could be designed with the favorite activities of your family in mind. It may be tennis or badminton, soccer or hockey, lacrosse or basketball, football or golf or baseball practice cages, the list goes on and on and on. Some sport courts are intended to be multipurpose, which can help ensure that everyone’s favorite activity is accommodated.
Inground Pool
An inground pool can be the most exciting feature of any backyard. Kids and adults alike can spend the summer floating, splashing around, and burning energy til well after the sun goes down. Pools can be well-integrated for sport and game activities, such as water polo, basketball H-O-R-S-E, or an extended match of Marco Polo.
As you plan out your entertainment space, be sure to include the limitless potential of your inground pool. Features such as a waterfall with a “secret” grotto behind the cascade of water offer up even more entertainment opportunities for young and old alike.
Game Areas
For a much smaller space available, consider whether an unused area on the side of the house would be appropriate for designating fun activities, or a longer section of the fence where a much more narrow game can take place. These games require much less of a wide area and instead require just a linear area. It’s also a great way to keep your backyard looking elegant, while the fun and games happen in a side yard where otherwise people hardly ever go.
Think of backyard classics like bocce ball, horseshoes, lawn darts, lawn bowling, shuffleboard, or even archery. This area can even be designed to be interchangeable between various games.
Mini Golf
Few games are more fun for the whole family than mini golf and you can dedicate as much of your backyard as you want to this endlessly entertaining pastime. Each mini golf area is completely customizable and can follow whatever theme you see fit. It can be as easy or as challenging as what would make your family happy.
If there isn’t enough space for mini golf, consider adding a putting green to help hone your golf swing. It will take a small amount of space, really just enough for the safe swing of a golf club. Place a catchment net at the end of the putting green to avoid showering your neighbors with errant golf balls.
Related: NEED A NEW LOOK? TRY THESE 3 LANDSCAPE DESIGN IDEAS FOR YOUR BACKYARD IN MANHASSET AND SETAUKET, NY
