The Best of the Outdoors: Your Spring-to-Summer Backyard Fun Starter Kit

Nothing beats a flag to add a bright, breezy dash of color and personality to the outside of your home, even before the first flowers bloom. Whether you prefer a house flag for a mounted flagpole or a garden flag for an in-ground stake, the choices are varied. Look for everything from bright, flower-strewn spring flags to patriotic red, white and blue flags that embody the Fourth of July and all our summer celebrations. There’s a flag for just about any season, style and interest!

It’s easy to update your home’s look for the season by changing out your front door wreath! When it’s time to replace your Easter wreath with something for spring or summer, you’ll discover a whole new world of front door decor. Consider cheerful floral spring wreaths or patriotic wreaths in red, white and blue. Green wreaths featuring a mix of foliage beautifully reflect the seasonal vibe. Undecorated grapevine and twig wreaths are another versatile option. Use them as is for an understated look, or decorate them to suit your style.

You and your family will be running in and out of the house more often during the warmer weather. Protect your home – and your leisure time – by investing in a fresh new summer-themed doormat. Neutral or colorful, natural materials or durable rubber, doormats help keep debris yard litter like tree buds, grass clippings, dirt and mud from being tracked into the house. Because who wants to clean the house when the backyard is calling?

All through spring and early summer, birds are busy feathering their nests and raising their new families. Welcome birds to your yard and enjoy their cheerful songs and busy activities. A new bird bath, feeder or birdhouse makes a pretty little accent in your yard and gives those busy birds easy access to food, shelter and a safe spot to drink and bathe. Take a minute to browse all the fun backyard accessories for the birds!

Whether you’re transplanting seedlings you’ve nurtured indoors since March, repotting a plant that has outgrown its current home or getting ready to assemble the annuals you just picked up at the garden center, not much can beat the satisfaction of setting a new planter out in the sun. From classic concrete urns to whimsical flowerpots to ceramic planters, there are nearly as many styles of garden pots as there are flowers to put in them. And if you happen to buy a pot before you have something to plant in it – don’t worry, we won’t tell!

Some garden accessories are just for fun, like a garden fountain or statue. With garden statues from formal to whimsical, it’s easy to find one that’s your style – but harder to narrow down your favorites! Set a statue by the patio or hide one in the hostas as a pleasant little surprise for those who view your garden. Add even more atmosphere with a garden water fountain. The soothing sound of running water adds a touch of tranquility to your outdoor space while providing welcome refreshment for your feathered guests.

Outdoor garden stakes are perfect for providing light or ambiance in your yard. Garden stakes – literally, decor that sticks into the ground – may provide light or serve a mainly decorative purpose. Lighting is the primary function of path lights. Other lawn stakes might have lights, also, but rather than illuminating a pathway, their soft glow simply adds another element of visual interest to the nighttime garden. Many lawn stakes with lights are solar-powered for convenience and energy efficiency.

Warm weather calls for backyard lounging, and nothing says “lazy summer afternoon” quite like a hammock. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, sneaking in a nap or swinging gently with your favorite book, hammocks turn your outdoor space into a personal retreat. String one up between two trees or pop up a free-standing frame. Either way, you’ve got a front-row seat to birdsong, breezes and bliss. Bonus: a good backyard hammock is the world’s best excuse for doing absolutely nothing! So go ahead – kick back, sway a little and let summer do its thing.

Summer relaxation meets shady comfort under an expansive outdoor umbrella. Whether it’s shading your patio table or keeping your conversation nook comfortable, a patio umbrella lets you enjoy outdoor dining and catching up with friends – no squinting, sweating or sunburn required. From a classic patio table umbrella to cantilever umbrellas that stretch their shade just where you need it, there’s a perfect option for every yard. Many market umbrellas have hand cranks for easy operation, while select models add built-in lights for magical evenings under the stars. Whether you’re sipping lemonade or serving up a summer feast, a patio umbrella makes your outdoor space feel like your own private resort.

Outdoor rugs are the not-so-secret ingredient for turning a plain patio into a comfy, colorful hangout. They bring indoor comfort and style outside, so you can enjoy summer living without sacrificing coziness. Whether you're layering under a dining set, framing a seating area or adding pattern to the porch, durable, weather-ready throw rugs tie your outdoor space together. Outdoor patio rugs stand up to sun, rain and snack spills like champs while effortlessly keeping your feet happy. For classic summer ease, roll out a rug, kick off your shoes and start living your best backyard life.

Summer days are long, but even when night falls, the backyard entertainment can continue. Patio lights and string novelty lights help keep summer parties lively long after dark! And with the large variety of styles, you’re sure to find just the right outdoor lights to brighten your vibe. Choose Edison lights and globe lights for a patio perimeter or to string from tree to tree. Use rope lights to edge a garden and path lights to line a walkway or entryway. Add some personality to a covered porch or pergola with playful novelty lights in fun designs and colorful globes that mimic traditional Chinese lanterns.

Summer days are made for relaxing – and so are pool floats! Whether it’s a ubiquitous inner tube or a multi-person pool raft, there’s nothing quite like floating your worries away as you drift in tranquil blue waters. Inflatable pool loungers come in all shapes, sizes, colors and themes. Pick a pool float shaped like a pineapple or chill out on a colorful ice pop. Share a giant pool sofa or bob on the back of an inflatable swan. Whatever your vibe – fruity, flashy or fabulously oversized – there’s a float that’s ready to make waves with you!

Even kids whose families have swimming pools love splashing in the sprinkler in the summer – and today’s inflatable outdoor toys make water play even more appealing. Whether it’s a giant green dinosaur commanding the lawn or a simple splash pad for the tots, an inflatable water sprinkler provides a fun break from the heat. An inflatable sprinkler sets up easily, secured with lawn stakes for added stability. Just hook up the sprinkler to any standard garden hose for hours of water fun in the sun.