28 Backyard Upgrades That’ll Have You Canceling Plans Left And Right So You Can Stay Home Instead

28 Backyard Upgrades That’ll Have You Canceling Plans Left And Right So You Can Stay Home Instead

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-05-25 05:03

1. An inflatable pool if you’re anything like me and ready to bust out the swimsuit as soon as the temperature hits 65 degrees. Now you can kick back and sip on a glass of lemonade while cooling off, even if you've only got a tiny backyard.

www.amazon.com

It also has built-in benches and cup holders so you can lounge comfortably with your favorite drink close by!

Promising review: "This pool has been a great summertime addition to beat the Texas heat! My daughter, husband, and I are enjoying it so much! It’s a pretty good size, easy to set up, and, so far, is holding up pretty well! I did purchase a couple of additional items to keep the water/ pool clean and covered. I was quite skeptical at first as we had already purchased another pool this summer that didn’t last, but this pool was it! If you’re looking for something to relax in and cool off, go for it!" —Pineapple_Beauty94

Get it from Amazon for $51.25.

2. Or for those cool summer evenings, an inflatable hot tub because what's better than a cozy evening under the stars, surrounded by bubbles and soothing warm water? I'll wait. This fabulous addition will transform your space into a luxurious spa retreat without the eye-watering price tag. It's easy to set up and take down, making it ideal for renters or anyone who doesn't want the year-round commitment of a permanent hot tub.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It sports 120 air jets and heats up quickly to a soothing 104 degrees — just imagine this on a clear night with a glass of your favorite chilled drink. Reviewers say about two to three people is the max for the most comfortable fit.

Promising review: "I use this every day…sometimes twice. Have it in my screened-in back patio so I can look out at my garden. So easy to put up and keep clean." —Robbi Uptegrove

Get it from Amazon for $451.99+ (available in four styles).

3. An outdoor fan just waiting to be mounted in a corner of your deck, sending the perfect breeze your way. Someone’s asking if you want to hit up that crowded rooftop bar? Just say, "Nah, I’m good right here," and keep enjoying your chill vibes.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This weatherproof fan has a fully sealed and permanently lubricated industrial motor to protect it against wetness.

Promising review: "Great fan at a good price! I bought this fan for my backyard to help circulate the air in hot days and to help deter mosquitoes at night around the firepit. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. The fan at high speed is a bit noisy, but nothing unexpected of a powerful fan. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must. My only minor issues would be 1) it would be nice if the fan came with a cover for when it’s not used (I bought 20-inch tire storage covers to do the job), and 2) the fan is only adjustable up and down not side to side — if they could make it oscillate that would be great. Having said that, I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again." —Bigdad

Get it from Amazon for $85+ (available in three sizes).

4. A set of waterproof, rechargeable "flaming" Bluetooth speakers perfect for pumping out Afro house beats and bringing the Ibiza vibes to your outdoor space — they even have a flame lighting mode that makes them flicker like real torches. You can place them on your table, dangle from a ceiling or tree, or stake them into the ground.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

You get about 18 hours of playtime on a full charge, and if you're just using the torch light, it’ll last a whole week! You can recharge them with a USB cable in 4-5 hours. Plus, they can connect to your device in just three seconds, even from 100 feet away.

Promising review: "I needed waterproof speakers that could sit outside, and I’m so glad I found these. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy.So far so good, and I’m satisfied with the purchase." —applefir

Get a set of two from Amazon for $69.99

5. An LED light net to give your pergola, deck, carport, or gazebo the magical effect of a starry night sky. With eight different lighting modes available, you can switch up the atmosphere to suit your mood. Plus, the timer and memory functions mean you can set it up once and let it do its thing — it'll operate on a schedule using your preferred setting.

www.amazon.com

This net measures 10 x 10 feet. But if you need to cover a larger space, you can link up to three nets together!

With the timer function, the lights stay on for six hours and automatically turn off for 18 hours. 

Promising reviews: "These lights look beautiful in our gazebo. It feels like you are looking up at the stars. I definitely recommend these!!!" —Martha Guerra

"Perfect upgrade for your deck. Transforms the atmosphere into something enjoyable. The result is a constellation of warm stars, evenly spaced, that do not distract. Instead, they direct your attention to your beautiful deck and your guests and so on." —sharpShopper654

Get it from Amazon for $23.74+ (available with 270 or 360 LEDs).

6. Or some solar-powered outdoor string lights to create a dreamy atmosphere in your yard without being confined to the nearest outlet. When draped over trees or around railings, these elegant lights mimic a twinkling night sky, offering a soft, romantic glow that's perfect for any outdoor occasion.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.

Promising review: "I have had these lights up since the end of September 2022. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love. —D Kelly

Get a set from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in warm or soft light and two lengths).

7. An automatic ball launcher so you can get some practice in and earn bragging rights of being the best pickleball player around (or...at least in your neighborhood Facebook group). With three adjustable angles and four different speeds, plus an oscillating feature, this gadget is like your personal coach, ready to help you master those forehands and backhands. It releases a ball every four seconds and can hold up to 19 balls.

Amazon

It can be powered with the included AC adaptor, D batteries (not included), or a power bank (not included).

Promising review:  "Fantastic product at so many levels. It is compact and fully functional out of the box. Great for beginners or advanced players children or adults. If it only chased the hit balls and reloaded them, it would be perfect. Kids play for hours, and it challenges adult skills and mobility when in the rotate mode." —BobW

Get it from Amazon for $119.99.

8. A padded chaise lounge chair equipped with a genius "face cavity" that lets you lie flat on your belly so you can sunbathe comfortably. There's five adjustable back positions and three footrest settings, ensuring you find your *perfect* lounge angle, plus a handy cup holder and zippered side pocket for stashing items. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Plus, when you flip back over, there's a pillow that covers the hole to keep your head comfortable. 

Promising review: "This is typically more than I would have spent on a lounge chair, but after seeing it on TikTok, I had to buy one!! The arm and face hole make tanning the backside so easy and comfortable!" —Keely Shay

Get it from Amazon for $69.95+ (available in 11 colors/patterns). 

9. Along with an adjustable mister made to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We moved from New Hampshire to Florida a year and a half ago. I knew Florida was hot but…I bought this so I could sit out on the lanai on the hottest of days (95+) and it did the trick! It provides a nice light mist that you can move in any direction. It’s a nice weight so it doesn’t move. It obviously cannot replace a swimming pool but it will keep you cool. My dog likes the light mist and has even fallen asleep while being sprayed! An easy alternative until we get a pool! Buy it, you won’t regret it!" —Patricia Harty

Get it from Amazon for $24.20.

10. A rainbow collection of flower pots so you can transform your fences and railings into a vibrant oasis. Equipped with handy draining holes and hooks so they can be hung just about anywhere, these pots aren't just eye candy — they're the perfect blend of aesthetic and function.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You could even color-coordinate the flowers you put inside. 🌈 

Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I’m getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot a cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan

Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $18.59+ (available in two sizes; also available in all-black and all-white sets). 

11. A portable high-top bar table complete with a hidden storage shelf to stash water, beer, soda, and other supplies to keep the party flowing smoothly. The water-resistant tabletop makes it a breeze to clean up any spills made while practicing that new move you learned from TikTok University. It's easy to assemble and lightweight so you can move it around effortlessly, and when the fun's over, it folds up neatly for easy storage!

Amazon, Amazon / Via www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Definitely a good buy! I love the portability and the storage shelf! The easy on/off covering provides an air of privacy. It sets up easy and holds its own! A very versatile year round serving & entertaining tool! I love the carry case that comes with it!" —PJ

Get it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in a plain black style; a three-pack with the black style, a tiki style, and a football style; and a LED version).

12. A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is an amazing hammock! The bright colors, the sturdiness and the very easy setup. It took myself and my sister in law about five minutes to setup. I put this hammock in my backyard, had some visitors for a couple of weeks and they used it very very regularly, to read, sleep, and just lounge. The only thing that may bother some people is that when lying in it the sides come over and wrap you like a cocoon. But I love it!!" —Juliet, Florida

Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in 16 colors/patterns).

13. A pack of motion-activated lights, because the fun doesn't have to stop just because the sun went down. They come equipped with solar panels, letting you light up all those shadowy corners without adding a cent to your electricity bill. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased these to cover the side of my house. Installation was easy and I left them outside for two days to charge. The light coverage was about what I expected from them and do the job well. The motion sensitivity covers all the side and lights turn on. It has rained about three times and still work great and hoping they last for a long time." —J. Argueta

Get a set of four from Amazon for $29.99

14. A box of mosquito-repellent incense sticks so you can reclaim your outdoor space without the constant buzzing of unwanted guests. They’re made with a blend of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, cedarwood, and bamboo, so they actually smell good.

Amazon

For small spaces, it's recommended to use one or two sticks. For larger areas like patios or campsites, place several sticks 12–15 feet apart to create a strong mosquito-repelling barrier that should last for over two hours.

Promising review: "I am so happy to have this mosquito repellent. I wanted something for my back patio in the evenings. This is so pleasant! Everyone comments about the scent; it’s not offensive like other nasty repellent sprays or candles." —Namaste

Get 24 sticks from Amazon for $24.57.

15. Or a high-voltage bug zapper ridding your yard of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies (oh my!) in an impressive half-acre range, making your outdoor gatherings more enjoyable and hassle free.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I live in the woods. Gnats have been awful this spring. I sprayed my entire property with commercial-grade insecticide, but it doesn't work well for gnats. So I got these zappers out of desperation. I had read that they mostly kill non-biting insects. I have found that to be false. Every morning, when I empty my zappers, I find what appears to be thousands(!) of dead gnats, along with a few moths and beetles. After three nights, there are very few gnats flying around." —Buck Austin

Get it from Amazon for $39.98.

16. And a garbage guard for when you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your evening...when all of a sudden, you hear this agitating, grating noise of flies buzzing around the garbage can. This little gizmo sticks inside your garbage can and releases an odorless vapor that keeps bugs at bay for a whopping four months.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Got an outdoor can, the kind the mechanical arm on the garbage truck picks up and tips over, with the lid opening by gravity. Placed this on the inside of the lid, near the hinge to lessen the chances of it being scraped off during emptying and no flies/maggots! No apparent odor, just seems to put a big hurt on the fly party that used to be my trash can (litter box contents, remnants of meat, etc)." —Michael E. Bradley

Get it from Amazon for $9.84.

17. A portable 120-inch screen bringing the cinematic experience of a drive-in to you . Set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector (compatible with TV sticks, your phone, and more)and enjoy entertainment under the stars with family and friends (or solo).

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this screen to watch movies outside on my deck. It was easy to assemble, so easy I didn’t even need to look at the directions. I assembled by myself. It came with bags to fill with sand to place on the base of each leg, but I ended up using large bags of rice I had instead and it worked fine. It also came with strings to secure each end in case of wind which I did and it was a breezy day and it held up great." —Sfat

Get it from Amazon for $79.99.

18. A discreet outdoor Wi-Fi extender that attaches to a wall or pole to instantly expand your network's reach. Now you can stream your favorite movies, groove to playlists, or scroll through TikTok while soaking up some sun — *without* having to run up your data.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I must say, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this, but after setting it up, I was absolutely amazed. I hooked it up just outside the back door at our main house, and I have incredible service in the garage apartment. Can run all computers, TV. It really is a wonderful device and definitely worth the money!" —Texas 

Get it from Amazon for $34.99

19. A slatted 6-foot-tall privacy screen equipped with built-in planters, giving you your own secluded nook while blocking out the less-than-pleasant views of your neighbor's tool shed, garbage cans, and AC units.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "We have a neighbor who keeps her Christmas light on year-round. This gives us privacy on our patio but it doesn’t completely block, which is fine with us. I love the idea that I can plant my garden." —Sandy912

"I normally hate assembling things but the instructions were so clear and the pieces fit so perfectly, it really was a breeze. The screen is well-made and sturdy. I hung flower pots on it as well as putting pots in the bottom. It’s holding up extremely well to the four or five times a week the flowers get watered. Hasn’t tipped or moved despite some recent high winds. Very happy with the look and quality!" —Lynn L.

Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors, including vinyl or real wood options).

20. Or a roll of faux ivy to give your fence a makeover, creating a lush green barrier to keep nosy neighbors out of your business. Or! You can drape these vibrant vines over your pergola — as the sun plays peek-a-boo through the leaves, your space will be bathed in a soft, dappled light, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon Customer

Get a roll from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too.

21. An inflatable pool cooler if you've ever been lounging in your pool on a hot day, only to realize you have to get out and trudge back to the house to grab a cold drink or snack. This cute, nifty thing will keep all your essentials chilled *and* afloat so you can continue relaxing in your pool without a care in the world.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect floating table. We have an above-ground pool without a deck and nowhere really to put our stuff. This is a perfect solution. I put my phone in a dry box and set it on this float. I keep my sunscreen, my waterproof speaker, lip balm, and snacks all in the middle, and then, of course, drinks in the DEEP cup holders, no tipping or spilling! I bought this one because I can put a small umbrella in it and just lean it against the rainbow — it shades my phone and speaker from the sun and keeps my drink in the shade. I love this float! Highly recommend!" —Marshall

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

22. An outdoor drink stakes set here to secure a spot for your cold drinks if your chair lacks a cup holder. (Like come on, reeeally?!) No more worrying about spills or having to awkwardly hold onto your beverage when you need to stand up. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, making it easy for everyone to remember which drink is theirs. 

Amazon

Promising review: "We put them out by the fire pit immediately and everyone loves them, plus the different colors help keep track of whose is whose if you get up and forget." —Amanda

Get a set of six from Amazon for $39.96.

23. An adjustable gardening bench designed to make your time among the blooms and greens even more enjoyable. You can sit on it comfortably like a regular seat, then flip it over to kneel on its cushy pad, all without the usual knee pain that comes from sowing seeds and battling relentless weeds. 

www.amazon.com

It also folds down completely for storage!

Promising review: "This is great for the garden. Keeps my knees out of the stickers, and the padding is very comfortable, helps me get up and down — easy to maneuver around the garden and in between the rows. Haven't tried sitting on it, but i'm heavy, and this feels very sturdy under me. Pockets deep enough for tools and seed packets, easy to remove and wash if necessary." —Cpt Dragon

Get it from Amazon for $28.99.

24. A two-burner griddle grill so you can cook several dishes at once, keeping everyone happy and well-fed without the usual hosting stress. Instead of juggling pans and dashing back and forth to the kitchen, you can stay outside, chatting with friends while listening to the gentle sizzle of burgers for dinner or waiting for the right moment to flip your pancakes for brunch.

Amazon

Promising review: "My whole family and I recently went to Miami for a quick vacation, and we had a barbecue, so I decided to order this grill for my house to cook on my back porch. One of the best things about this grill is it’s so easy to move — anyone can move it from one place to another. I cannot wait to use this grill with my family and friends." —NP

Get it from Amazon for $149.99.

25. Plus, a strong and bright magnetic barbecue light designed to stick right onto your grill, shedding light exactly where you need it. Whether you're flipping burgers, toasting buns, or making sure those ribs are perfectly glazed, this light ensures you do it all with precision and style.

Amazon

Promising review: "These grill lights are exactly what I needed! They light up the area so well. The magnets are strong, and the ability to direct the light where needed is great. The package they came in is perfect to store them in when not in use! I have recommended these to several people who also think they are great. I was worried they would be cheap and maybe not have a lot of magnetic hold to them, but they do!!" —LC

Get it from Amazon for $27.99.

26. Bamboo wind chimes, aka your perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, offering a tranquil soundtrack that effortlessly complements the sounds of nature. No need for electricity or a playlist — just pure, organic harmony.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates 

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes). 

27. A pack of solar-powered garden lights so your outdoor space can feel like a magical wonderland with tiny little fairies dancing in the breeze. With bendy stems and weighted bases, they're designed to sway gracefully, creating a mesmerizing display without the hassle of plugs or switches. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As the sun sets and the evening breeze gently rustles through your garden, these lights come to life, casting a warm, enchanting glow that transforms your outdoor space into a magical haven." —April

Get a pack from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in packs of two, four, six, or eight).

28. An inflatable water play center (with over 19,000 5-star ratings) so you and the kiddo can skip out on the crowded waterpark, transforming your backyard into your own personal one. They can splash through a candy arch that gently sprays water and glide down a chocolate slide onto a soft landing pad. This playful set also includes two giant inflatable lollipops and a built-in game activity with colorful balls, ensuring endless fun.

www.amazon.com

It's also designed with a convenient drain plug for easy cleanup!

Promising review: "I recently purchased an inflatable pool for our backyard, and it’s been a fantastic addition! Setup was quick and easy, and the pool is spacious enough for two kids, and it’s perfect for hot summer days. Highly recommend for anyone looking to create a fun and refreshing outdoor experience!" —Jinyu Guo

Get it from Amazon for $85.67 (also available in other styles and sizes).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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