Summer’s Best-Kept Secrets: Hidden Gems for Backyard Fun and Relaxation

Jun 18th 2026

wicker chairs on lawn with green pillows, wicker end table and daisies

Summer demands your attention! It’s stretching out in front of you right now with countless opportunities – things to do, places to go, destinations to explore.


Or not. You might be looking forward to long summer days relaxing in the yard, grilling and chilling with friends and family. Either choice is valid.


The following list of outdoor decor for sun and fun caters to the latter group – the staycationers and the backyard hosts who enjoy unwinding and entertaining at home. It’s a collection of summertime and garden accessories that tend to fly a little bit under the radar.


Our goal today is to highlight these underappreciated, practical and charming items, any one of which can help enhance your outdoor enjoyment and relaxation this season.

For the Pool

https://www.christmascentral.com/92-rockin-raptor-inflatable-swimming-pool-float/

Our Rockin’ Raptor inflatable pool float will make all the other floats green with envy! At 92 inches long, this friendly floating dinosaur features two grab handles and wide side bolster chambers for added stability. He’s easy to inflate and ready to carry one or two children for pool fun and imaginative play.

26-inch diameter rainbow canopy kiddie pool

Introduce your baby to the water with this adorable 26-inch diameter rainbow kiddie pool. The 10-gallon-capacity kiddie pool features a padded bottom to cushion young water babies as they splash and play, plus a 37-inch high canopy to shield them from the sun. This inflatable swimming pool comes with one repair patch. Recommended for children ages 1 to 3, up to 39 pounds.

Garden Statues

LED lighted angel with rabbit garden statue

Bring a touch of serenity to your garden with this angelic garden statue holding a baby bunny. The 13-inch angel statue features graceful wings and robe, with roses at her feet. Her long, flowing hair is adorned with a floral garland accented by tiny battery-powered LED lights that glow gently at night. Made of polyresin to look like stone, this garden angel lends a peaceful note to a pond or garden greenery.

lighted modern faceless woman tiered garden fountain

Let this elegant lighted water fountain add a touch of modern art to your yard. The 39-inch garden fountain features a graceful, faceless woman carrying a pitcher that spills water into gradually larger containers. The outdoor water fountain is sturdily constructed of resin and features a black finish mottled in mossy green. LED lights illuminate the three lower pitchers as water is continuously cycled throughout the tiered fountain in a soothing trickle.

Outdoor Seating

100-inch teal green hammock with netted fringe

Nothing says “unwind” quite like a hammock. This teal green hammock with netted fringe has the laid-back style of traditional hammocks, creating a roomy spot for reading, relaxing, star-gazing or a quick afternoon nap. Sturdy wooden bars spread the hammock’s 100-inch by 41-inch area to maximize support and comfort. The fringed hammock comes ready to hang from posts, trees or your own hammock stand.

brown classic folding wooden Adirondack chair

For classic summer style, look no further than our 36-inch wooden Adirondack chair. Made of weather-resistant wood in a brown finish, Adirondack chairs are sought-after seating at the lake, by a campfire and in your own backyard.This model features a deep, angled seat just right for relaxing in the shade or sun, and wide, supportive arms are ready to hold a beverage or snack plate. Plus, it conveniently folds for easier storage. Also available in additional colors!

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Shade Solutions

15-foot outdoor patio market double umbrella with hand crank

Shade a pair of chaise lounge pool chairs or a rectangular outdoor dining table with this 15-foot double-sized market umbrella. A powder-coated aluminum pole supports a 180-gram polyester canopy with top vents for air circulation and improved stability in breezy conditions. Also available in black, hunter green and navy.

10-foot by 10-foot outdoor canopy gazebo

Pop this beige 10-foot by 10-foot outdoor canopy gazebo wherever you need a little shade! In the backyard, at the tailgate lot or picnicking in the park, this easy-to-assemble gazebo features a steel frame and a 160-gram polyester canopy for cover from the hot sun or the occasional sprinkle. This sturdy canopy is an economical and portable way to provide sun relief by the pool, for backyard dining, graduation parties or wherever you’re headed this summer. Also available in burgundy, green, off-white and charcoal gray.

Garden Art

12.5-inch by 18-inch 'welcome' birds on a fence outdoor garden flag

This charming and colorful garden flag provides a friendly welcome for guests. This 12.5-inch by 18-inch bird-themed “Welcome” garden flag features a bright design on both sides. The hand-washable polyester fabric is made to withstand sun and rain. Mounts easily by the front door or in your garden on a metal garden flagpole (sold separately). Also available as a full-size house flag!

https://www.christmascentral.com/green-metal-butterfly-outdoor-garden-wall-hanging-12/

Brighten your outdoor space with this colorful 12-inch metal butterfly that hangs easily on an exterior wall, shed, fence or door. The summer-themed wall decoration features an orange body and fully spread wings in iridescent blues and greens. Cutwork in the wing design is accented with blue, yellow and red faceted faux jewels that will sparkle in the sun. It’s a vivid decoration that brings a flicker of color to your outdoor space.

Outdoor Lighting

https://www.christmascentral.com/set-of-6-black-lantern-style-solar-powered-led-pathway-markers-16-25/

Solar-powered light stakes are one of the simplest ways to add safety and beauty to your home at night. This set of six LED lantern-style path markers stakes easily into the ground to illuminate a walkway, driveway or garden border. Solar cells on top of each lantern collect energy throughout the day and turn on automatically at dusk to provide a soft, steady glow until dawn. Each light is 16.25-inches tall. These lights work best when placed in direct sunlight.

G50 globe patio lights, 20-count

Installing backyard lights is one of the best ways to expand the use of your outdoor space. Although summer nights are long, activities don’t have to end at dusk when you’ve hung a few strands of patio lights, like these classic 20-count globe patio lights. These incandescent G50 globe lights cast a warm glow over your outdoor areas, welcoming guests to linger.

Summer never seems to last long enough to do all the things we want to do, so spend it the way you want. Whether you prefer going off on adventures or relaxing at home, well-chosen outdoor decor and accessories can reinforce your enjoyment of the season.


Take a little time to browse Christmas Central’s Patio Lawn and Garden store. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover one of our summer outdoor fun “hidden gems” and fall in love with something that's cheerful, useful and unique among your friends and neighbors.

Summer’s Best-Kept Secrets: Hidden Gems for Backyard Fun and Relaxation

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