by Karyn Brodsky
Wondering how to keep an eye on your children this summer? Transform your backyard into the ultimate hangout spot, so their friends will naturally want to gather there. This arrangement benefits everyone: you’ll always know where your kids are, plus you can enhance your home with exciting outdoor features.
Kick things off by hosting outdoor movie nights! Ann O’Blenes, Broker-Associate with Performance Partners Group at RE/Max Dallas Suburbs, advises investing in outdoor movie screens or retractable TVs. Enhance the experience with audio speakers spread throughout the yard for a full surround-sound ambiance. “Creating a comfortable, entertaining outside area is crucial,” she says. To help keep the kids comfortable, consider outdoor misters to counteract the heat. “They significantly improve the enjoyment of outdoor activities during the scorching Texas summers,” notes O’Blenes.
Do your kids constantly crave snacks?
Why not whip up pizzas in an outdoor pizza oven? According to Pat Wilson, Manager at Ed Kellum & Son in Dallas, these ovens are becoming increasingly sought after. “You can choose from built-ins complete with a chimney or countertop models.” Delight your children with Icee-like beverages from a sonic ice machine. Wilson notes that these machines can produce different types of ice for a variety of drinks, including standard cubes and larger, top hat-shaped varieties.
A novel addition is a built-in food and drink holder for your outdoor kitchen, equipped with a drainable ice trough and compartments for drinks, fruits, and snacks—perfect for serving the kids with ease.
For adults, O’Blenes points out that “portable or built-in fire pits are compact alternatives to traditional fireplaces.” Additionally, investing in a mosquito misting system could be wise given the current Zika Virus concerns. “These systems feature jets in the yard that release a natural solution effective at killing mosquitoes. Just hit the button before guests arrive to enjoy the outdoors without pests,” O’Blenes explains, adding that she believes this will become increasingly popular in the future.
Looking to serve drinks to adults?
Both single and dual beer taps are in high demand for outdoor spaces. “Some models are portable, designed with wheels for easy relocation during colder months,” Wilson mentions. There are margarita machines and other devices for crafting adult beverages, and for passionate outdoor lovers, Wilson highlights the trend of adding artificial grass, particularly for creating putting greens.
The possibilities for gadgets and features to beautify your backyard and attract visitors of all ages are endless. After all, it’s a treat to have the coolest outdoor space in the neighborhood!
