Backyards come in many shapes and sizes, but if there is one thing that most will have in common, it’s the memories that a family can create in one. They are something that many of us have – but little take full advantage of all year round.
In summer, your backyard can be everything from a place to play cricket with the kids – to a tropical oasis that you spend by the pool on Sundays. In winter, braving the cold and venturing out into your backyard isn’t always as easy – leaving you and the kids cooped up by the heater or rugged up on the couch. However, there are many ways that a family can enjoy the backyard during winter, and better yet, make the most of this chilly time!
Here are five of our favourite ways to reap the benefits of your backyard in the colder months.
1. Soak Up The Sun
First and foremost, don’t let the cool breeze fool you. The sun is still beaming, the birds are still chirping, and it’s guaranteed that even a few minutes of sunshine is going to warm you up and make you feel fuzzy inside. There are endless ways to enjoy the sun in winter, and we couldn’t possibly list them all, but as a rule of thumb, consider what you love to do and what will entice you to get out and about.
You could modify the rules of your family’s favourite sport so that you can play safely in a smaller space or start a veggie garden with all of your favourite winter greens. Get a yoga mat or two and stretch in the morning, or drink a coffee while you soak up the morning rays. Regardless of what it is that gets you outside, find something that you love to do every day, and catch a few minutes of sunshine while you do it.
2. Bring The Fire
What can you do when night time rolls around? This is another winter trick – don’t let it fool you. Cool temperatures are PERFECT fire weather! Permitting that fires are not restricted in your area, a fire-pit can be a real memory-maker for the family, and it’s a more versatile purchase than you think.
You can make campfire dinners from the comfort of your home, and you can roast marshmallows and tell stories with the family; you can even just start one for the sake of warmth and entertainment! It’s the gift that continues to give every single day. Plus, if you’ve got a big backyard with lots of trees, you can also make an activity out of foraging for firewood!
3. Master The BBQ
If you consider yourself a bit of a Master Chef, winter can be an excellent time to master the barbeque as well. Everybody thinks of barbecuing as a summer activity, but winter is the only time you can spend hours perfecting a dish without getting too hot and sweaty. Winter is an excellent time to invest in the barbeque of your dreams and perfect your favourite dish ready for those hot summer nights!
The family will love getting to help out with an exciting new way of cooking dinner, and the barbeque itself will provide a source of warmth in the cool air. It’s a win-win situation!
4. Get Cosy
Instead of rugging up on the couch inside, why not rug up on the couch outside? A daybed or an outdoor sofa can really change the game when it comes to taking advantage of your backyard during winter.
All it takes is a comfy piece of furniture, a couple of pillows and a big fuzzy blanket, and you’ve got yourself a lovely little oasis to read a book, do some work or eat some food. It’s a simple yet efficient addition to any backyard and is guaranteed to get you outside at least a few more times throughout the colder months.
5. Heat It Up
Last but not least, heat it. Let’s face it, no matter how hard a lot of us try, getting outside during winter can be a bit of a struggle – and that’s okay. Thankfully, there are several ways to heat your outdoor space without having to pick up a new hobby or change the layout of your outdoor space.
Insulating your patio and adding heating are two of the best ways to get the whole family outside during winter. Insulating your deck will help keep the warmth of the entertainment space in and the cool breeze out. Adding a heating element or system will increase the amount of heat floating around in the area. Individually, these are both great ways to improve the winter use of your backyard, but together, they’re a powerhouse combination!
Make The Most Of Your Backyard This Winter
Looking to make the most of your backyard all year round? SEQ Patio Group can help! Regardless of the shape or size of your backyard, our friendly team can help find the solution for you with one of our award-winning patios, pergolas or carports. Contact us today so you and your family can make the most of your backyard this winter!
