4 Backyard Space Ideas for a Family Retreat

We’re all craving a bit of sanctuary these days, and what better place to find it than right in your own backyard? We know fancy resort getaways are great, there’s a reason why that market size hit $225.89 billion in 2024, but having your own slice of paradise steps from your back door is also right up there.

The most modest of yards can become retreats, and we recommend starting with distinct zones, no matter the size, that flow naturally into each other. Think of your backyard as a series of “rooms,” each with its own purpose but all working together to create a cohesive escape for the whole family.

Create a Backyard Cave

Create a Backyard Cave

There’s no better way to carve out a personal retreat in your backyard than by building your own cave. A well-designed private space that houses your passions and shows off a bit of your personality without cluttering the main home just needs a few simple things:

  • Install proper lighting, a sturdy workbench, and wall-mounted organizers to keep everything within reach. Add some comfortable seating for those moments when you need to step back from whatever the main activity of the space is.
  • Give the space some personality. For example, sports enthusiasts might lean towards creating a memorabilia showcase with walls dedicated to team jerseys, signed balls, and vintage collectibles.
  • Let your interests guide the design, but consider adding insulation and proper ventilation to make the space comfortable year-round
  • Don’t forget ambient lighting to set the right mood!

Building a Backyard Wellness Area

Your outdoor space should contribute to your home’s overall sense of relaxation, and transforming a corner of your backyard into a personal wellness sanctuary is a great way to achieve this.

Start with a dedicated meditation and yoga zone via a level area where you can roll out your mat. Weatherproof decking or natural stone pavers can create a stable surface in your area of choice, and you can screen the space with tall grasses or bamboo to create a little seclusion.

It’s also a cool idea to add layers of sensory elements that promote relaxation, like a small water feature for background sounds that help mask neighborhood noise. If you plant aromatic herbs like lavender, sage, and mint around the perimeter you’ll also enjoy natural fragrances that will help with the stress-melting.

For year-round use, think about adding a covered pergola with weatherproof curtains so you aren’t blocked from your wellness routine by different seasons and weather conditions. Some gentle lighting can also ensure you are able to practice evening meditation and stretching.

Layering and Clever Uses of Space

Layering and Clever Uses of Space

Layering with plants— vertically, not just horizontally- adds a brilliant aesthetic to the backyard zones we mentioned above. Climbing vines like jasmine or wisteria can creep up walls, trellises, and pergolas, adding greenery without eating up precious ground space.

Make sure you mix in plants of different heights to create depth, even in narrow garden beds. Cramming your garden full of pots eats up space quickly, so this is a great way to navigate around this issue.

A hanging chair or hammock is an instant chill zone. Add a few outdoor cushions and a throw for cooler nights, and you’ve got the perfect spot for reading, napping, or supervising the kids’ adventures. Don’t forget to pop some string lights or solar lanterns in these spaces to create a glow when the sun goes down.

Setting up Some Backyard Glamping

A fun family backyard activity is glamping, and all you need is a spacious canvas tent or a regular family tent decked out with some flair. Add bedding—air mattresses with soft duvets, loads of pillows, and a throw blanket, then string up fairy lights using the tent’s poles or nearby trees. Battery-powered lanterns or LED candles are another great way to create light without the fire hazard. Throw down some rugs to make the ground feel less like the ground and more like an outdoor lounge.

For food, skip the standard campfire fare and prepare fresh fruit platters and a cooler with fancy drinks—sparkling water, mocktails, or wine with frozen fruit cubes to keep things chilled. Last but not least, add a projector with a white sheet for an outdoor movie, a Bluetooth speaker for mellow tunes, or giant Jenga. It’s camping—but make it chic.

How to Make Your Home Even More Family-Friendly

There are a lot of ideas and inspiration on MothersAlwaysRight.com for parents to find comfort in shared experiences, advice, and more. Parenting is a journey, and we are here to help ensure it is as enjoyable (and comfortable) as possible. Bookmark our site and check in for regular new content to help make this possible!

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Angela Foster

Angela Foster

Angela Foster, an Interior Design graduate from the Pratt Institute, has been a key contributor to our Home and Living section since 2016. With over 20 years of experience in the design industry, Angela has transformed countless spaces into beautiful, functional homes. Her articles offer practical advice and inspiration for readers looking to enhance their living spaces, from décor tips to home organization solutions.

https://www.mothersalwaysright.com

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