Backyard Projects (or projects in general) can really create wonderful family memories.
Creating something with our children allows for bonding time and several life skills to be explored.
- Focus and concentration.
- Fine motor skills.
- Problem-solving.
- Patience & perseverance.
- Vocabulary & communication.
- Safety.
- Ability to follow directions.
Perhaps, you can add even more benefits in the comments at the end of this post.

I love this whimsical upcycled* Wildfire Patio Chair Planter from Sustain My Craft Habit.
Upcycled refers to any items that would normally be discarded but are now being reused in a really cool way. Consequently, the result is usually a higher quality product than the original.
This is major backyard projects trash to treasure brilliance at work.
Apparently, I am in a very whimsical mood because I so want this frog.
Ann’s Entitled Life and her DIY Terra Cotta Garden Mushrooms are just too cute for words!
Some DIY projects are super simple while also being beautiful.
A Cultivated Nest provides just that with DIY Blinged Hose Guides.
Dukes and Duchesses provide the DIY instructions to build your own Color Block Umbrella Table.
My favorite thing is that it provides a nice place for my drink.
Check out the Healthy Cocktail Summer RoundUp for ideas on great cocktails for your table.
Turning Dresser Drawers to Storage Boxes.
There are several options for how to decorate and use your new storage boxes. I could not decide which one is my favorite.
I love this as it is such a great idea for the storage of pillows, or anything, in the backyard.
However, I also love the use of old drawers as a raised planter. Our soil in California is pretty gnarly so I am thinking that plants would grow wonderfully in here. Plus the more prolific plants would be kept under control. I think over time the drawer would just break down and become part of the earth.
We have already explored a few of the ways doing projects with your kids can help them but I would love for you to share some more in the comments below.
Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho, Ph.D., D.N.Psy
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28 thoughts on “DIY Backyard Projects For Family Fun”
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Loved the cat pillows in a window box! Creative idea. Wish I had a green thumb.. but alas.. no. But LOVE seeing what folks do with their yards!
My green thumb is not that green but many of these ideas inspire me to try harder.
Hi Elise
Really loved your ideas. I need to get creative now!
Thanks for sharing!
They are not my ideas but they are ones I love. 🙂
Hi Elise,
Great ideas for the back yard. I liked the idea of the pink chair made into a flower pot stand. Thanks for sharing.
That one is definitely the fan favorite.
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These are great ideas, especially because they are upcycled. I might just make some mushrooms to sit next to my garden frog 🙂 I visited an adult disability day center last week who’ve developed a “sensory garden”. They have all sorts of upcycled objects scattered around including a chair, painted picture frames, mirrors, artwork painted by the clients. It is delightful.
I would love to see photos pf that if you care to share.
Hi Elise,
What attractive ways to beautify your backyard. I love the pink chair with the flower pot. I like to utilize different things as planters. I have an antique yellow pot my mom burned but no problem…I planted purple petunias in it It has good drainage lol.
-Donna
That one definitely seems to be a fan favorite.
Wow…what a great idea for your backyard, I love these creative ideas of yours. Nice read
The ideas are not mine but I sure do love them.
Hey Elise! I loved all your backyard projects! Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
You are so very welcome
What great ideas for your backyard! Wish I had a backyard to utilize 🙂 Thanks for sharing Elise!!
You are so welcome. I will be looking at indoor projects too.
I love your ideas!!!! I get inspired to get a little creative here at home 🙂
They were just too fun to gather. 🙂
I love the planter in the chair! Inspired! Upcycling is so good for the environment too, cutting down on landfill.
Enjoy the journey!
I love how these folks think outside of the box.
I love these ideas. I don’t have a wire chair, but I am going to find a something to upcycle stuffs. Thanks!!
I do not have that chair exactly either but it definitely got an idea going in my mind.
That chair with plants! what???
Loved the ideas 🙂
I think that one is definitely a fan favorite.
Love the pink chair and the hose guides. So fun!
The hose guides are fun. I have two hoses that could use some wrangling.