27 Products That’ll Make You Love Your Outdoor Space *Even More*

1. A portable 100-inch movie screen so you can move your family movie night outdoors. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, large enough for everyone (and probably the neighbors) to see, and reviewers say setup takes mere minutes.Promising review: “I love the size and the fact that it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes to take down. Very portable and lightweight to carry. Very sturdy. I would highly recommend.” —Kathi

Get it from Amazon for $88.95 (also available in 120-inch size).

2. A portable George Foreman grill to make summer barbecues a possibility, even if you have an itsy bitsy teensy weensy balcony or backyard. This indoor/outdoor electric grill comes with a detachable stand (so you can even cook on a table) while still delivering delicious grill marks and char.

This comes with a nonstick coating and five adjustable temperature settings.

Promising review: “This is the perfect grill for my apartment balcony. It was easy to clean and it’s really nonstick. In comparison to other brands, this actually heats up the plate instead of heating lights. It cooked really well and was very easy to install. I would definitely recommend to purchase this if you have a small balcony.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $129.99.

3. A set of color-changing inflatable pool balls that’ll entice you to actually get in the pool, even if it’s just to pose with your new lights for Instagram. Each ball is solar-powered and will last about eight hours on a charge.Amazon

Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.

Promising review: “My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up, and what a difference!! My pool went from ‘meh’ to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth like a beach ball. Once inflated and a few hours in the sun, they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk (it has to be rather dark). There is no manual way to power them on or off; they glow all night long. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you would like to hang them. They would be magical, hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy.” —J. Matheson

Get a set of four from Amazon for $69.99.

4. A durable dog/kiddie pool for sweltering hot days when the only reasonable thing to do is hop in the pool. These are portable and fold down so you can store them in the garage for next summer. And reviewers say they’re sturdy enough to stand up to pups roughhousing in them.Promising review: “I am now the proud owner of THREE of these dog pools. I have an XXL, an XL, and an S pool for our backyard ‘frogs’ that wouldn’t stay out of the big pools! Yes, I bought the frogs their own pool…that’s how amazing these pools are! We had the XXL and XL pools out every day last summer (changed the water twice per week) and they were used daily by all three dogs. There have been no punctures of any sort or any issues at all with these pools, and my dogs can play pretty rough at times. The XXL pool was used for both the 2018 and 2019 summers with no issues. These pools are literally my dogs’ favorite part of summer… I can’t keep them out of them! As soon as we get back from a walk, they jump right in!” —Kate M

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven sizes).

5. Or an inflatable pool with a built-in bench if you dream of sunny days relaxing in a pool with a glass of sweet tea. Make that dream a reality, even if you have a small backyard!Promising review: “Good size. I’m 5’4, and I bought it for my 3-year-old and 2-year-old for the spring and summer. I didn’t need anything huge; I have a nice-sized deck, and we spend a lot of time on the deck, so I wanted something big enough for them to have some wiggle room to keep cool but not too big so it wouldn’t take up too much room. I also purchased an outdoor grass rug to protect the bottom of it and keep it from getting splinters (just a suggestion if you plan on using it on the deck). It has a drain plug, so cleaning and getting fresh water is not hard at all.” —Majestic 0220

Get it from Amazon for $45.99.

6. A sunshade triangle because it creates some much-needed shade in your backyard. This heavy-duty sunshade is designed to block up to 95% of UV rays while shielding you from the sun to keep you cool.Promising review: “My pool is awesome when it gets into the 100s of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day.” —The Tiki Lab

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in a variety of colors and sizes).

7. A folding balcony bar so you can enjoy the summer breeze and sunlight even if you have an itty bitty balcony. There’s zero assembly required; just slide it over your deck rails and enjoy your new spot!Pure Wood Design / Etsy

Pure Wood Design is a small business run by carpenter Ömer, who has over 40 years of woodworking experience.

Promising review: “Best idea for a balcony. Really well-made product, and I could not be happier. Heavier and stronger than what you’re thinking.” —Scotty Smith

Get it from Pure Wood Design on Etsy for $73.50+ (originally $98; available in 11 sizes and 10 colors).

8. An umbrella light to provide some much-needed overhead lighting when the sun sets but your fam is in the middle of an intense Uno game.Promising review: “When I bought this, it was totally on a whim. I was convinced that because it was so inexpensive, it would be a cheap piece of junk! Was I wrong! It does a great job of lighting up the table with the three different settings. AND, if you turn it upside-down, you can further vary the brightness. (Sometimes you just want a hint of a glow rather than a spotlight on your face.) I’m very happy with this, especially since I left it out all summer long with no issues. It was hidden under a closed umbrella, but I’m sure it got a little damp with rainwater, and it survived! For just $10, it is such an easy solution for my patio that has no electricity, and therefore, needs something battery powered.” —LouiseN

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

9. And a pack of solar-powered waterproof deck lights that’ll illuminate all the dark areas outside your home. Attach them to deck railings, on the side of your stairs, to your fence, and wherever else it’s a little spooky at night.

Promising review: “These lights were easy to install and look great on our deck. We just had a pool built and needed some light on the steps of the deck so we could see walking up the steps at night. They’re beautiful without too much light.” —BJ

Get 16 from Amazon for $32.95+ (available in white or multicolored versions).

10. A box of mosquito-repellent incense sticks for warding off buzzing blood-suckers within a 12-foot radius for up to 2.5 hours. They’re made with rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, cedarwood, and bamboo, so they won’t offend your nose.Amazon

Promising review: “I am so happy to have this mosquito repellent. I wanted something for my back patio in the evenings. This is so pleasant! Everyone comments about the scent; it’s not offensive like other nasty repellent sprays or candles.” —Namaste

Get 24 sticks from Amazon for $24.57.

11. A standing weeder because huge weeds are a total eyesore that may make chilling in your backyard not as aesthetically pleasing as you’d like. But what about having to kneel for hours plucking weeds? My back hurts just thinking about it! Thankfully, this tool has three steel claws that grip weeds and roots so you can pull them out while standing. Your backyard has never looked better!Grampa’s Gardenware Co. is an Oregon-based, family-owned small business.

Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to make weeding easy.

Promising review: “Oh my god, I friggin’ love this tool. I bought this on a whim, given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy, has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard, and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weeds was strangely satisfying! I don’t think anyone can say that weeding is fun, but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled.” —JG

Get it from Amazon for $44.99.

12. And a crack weeder tool so your knuckles aren’t scratched and bloodied after a session of sidewalk weed pulling. This stainless steel tool is designed to get into tight sidewalk cracks and remove stubborn thistles, weeds, and moss with ease.
Promising review: “I’ve been searching for something to remove the weeds for a while and came across this amazing tool. Since I refuse to use chemicals in my yard, I’ve been left with scraped knuckles every time I attempt to remove weeds. The weeds have grown so tightly in the concrete cracks that I pretty much gave up; even weed-whacking it didn’t help much. Yes, you do have to use a little bit of effort but the end result was so worth it!” —Shelley Arakaki

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

13. A nature scavenger hunt game to keep your kiddo entertained without the use of screens. This is a great excuse to get everyone outside for a little bit so you can all enjoy some fresh air, some family bonding, and some surprisingly fun challenges.
Rivajam / Etsy

Rivajam is a small business based in Frederick, Maryland that dreams up super fun and exciting activity boxes that encourage child-directed and play-based learning. 

Promising review: “I bought this for my niece’s 7th birthday. Their family loves hiking and visiting parks, so I figured this would be great for those outings and maybe even nice for rainy days (this can be played indoors). She loves it, and so does her big brother!” —Erin Lamb

Get three roll-and-seek dice from Rivajam on Etsy for $29.99.

14. An effective grill brush for keeping your most-used warm weather appliance in tip-top shape. It’s outdoor barbecue season = you need this. It’s a no-brainer!

Promising review: “This was the first grill brush I’d ever found that actually got in between the bars in the grates. Really got out the residue that builds up in between and flares up if not completely removed. Really impressed. I’d order again, for sure.” —Fred

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

15. A splurgeworthy yet functional pop-up tent if you’re determined to enjoy your backyard no matter the weather. It’s roomy enough for you and several friends (but it’s also great if you just want a spacious and serene spot to get away from everyone and everything).Amazon

Promising review: “It keeps cold wind and leaves out and some heat in. There are zip vents at the top to let in fresh air and two zipper doors. This has extended the season for hot tub use, we were able to set up in early March in Chicago area. Would also be fun for around a small picnic table and to sit outside in the rain.” —Lisa F1969

Get it from Amazon for $299.99+ (available in four sizes).

16. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker because backyard activities are always better with good music. This small-but-mighty speaker produces 360-degree sound, lasts 24 hours on a charge, and is splash-proof, rain-proof, dust-proof, and safe to use in the shower.Promising review: “Super easy to set up, charge, pair, and listen. There’s a built-in loop, so I can attach it to my bike for outdoor cycling, a hook in the bathroom for steamy tunes, or my bag for picnics and hikes. Clear sound for listening to both music and spoken word (of course, I tested both). It has a lovely color and a sleek overall look, with a range of over 30 feet. I can’t wait to bring this to the beach during the NYC summer months. True to product description.” —Aminah

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

17. A multi-functional firepit to bring the family together for fun outdoor activities like roasting s’mores or grilling. You can also fill the pit with ice and bottled beverages to keep you hydrated after hours in the sun.Promising review: “I love the functionality of this firepit so much! To just sit by the fire or to decide we want to do a quick barbecue on it is just so wonderful! I appreciate the cover that comes with it to protect it from the elements. Assembly was quite easy. I look forward to having this for many years to come. I highly recommend this product.” —Kimi

Get it from Amazon for $59.99.

18. And a flame colorant that’ll make cozy nights in front of the fire pit just a little bit more special.Promising review: “Watching these burn is absolutely peaceful and mesmerizing! They actually last for a good 20 minutes as well.” —Stella

Get six packets from Amazon for $6.94.

19. A pool floaties organizer for storing your inflatable unicorn, beach balls, and pool noodles in one place instead of sighing disappointedly after realizing that the kids left their pool toys everywhere.Promising review: “I absolutely love this for our pool. We attached it to the side of our above-ground pool and it holds all our floaties! I was actually thinking of getting another one if we get any more floats! It’s awesome and well-made and has several small compartments on the side, too (for goggles and diving things)! I am in love with it, and it makes the yard seem neater!” —kitty

Get it from Amazon for $20.20.

20. A Sun Joe pressure washer if you need a helping hand to blast away muddy messes and make cleaning…dare I say…fun. You’ll be ~blown away~ by the results. Promising review: “Great product at a good price. I used this power washer to wash my stucco house for pre-painting. The unit worked as advertised. It is a fairly quiet yet powerful sprayer. Great customer service and would highly recommend this product to anyone.” —Boy Wonder CTS

Get it from Amazon for $364.99.

21. A stainless-steel insert because yes, you can enjoy fancy schmancy custom pies at home. This kit converts your charcoal grill so your ‘za tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant’s pizza oven.Promising review: “I really researched and shopped around before I purchased this from Amazon. I cooked my first pizza on it, and it came out like a pro!! We will be using this, especially during the summer, as it pretty much stays in the triple digits here (the Mojave Desert). I cannot believe it took less than 10 minutes to bake an entire pizza. I recommend that you go to the KettlePizza website to get pointers from some of the celebrity chefs that they have videos of. These pointers really did help me to cook a perfect pizza!” —Kim Suzanne

Get it from Amazon for $144.95.

22. A three-piece furniture set so there’s a cushy place to land after a long day at work. Unwinding with a glass of wine on the patio sounds pretty fun if you ask me.Promising review: “Great set for the price! I needed a smaller chair and table set for my front porch as it is not very wide, and this was perfect. Sturdy build and comfortable. Not hard to put together: all pieces were included and the instructions were easy. Can’t wait to sit outside with a cup of coffee and watch the cars drive by.” —DEBBIE JACKSON

Get it from Amazon for $94.99+ (available in five colors).

23. A Scumbug to slurp up all the oils, sunscreen, and yuckies that are chilling in your pool or hot tub. Just wring it out when it gets discolored, give it a rinse, and pop it back in the water.Promising review: “Scummy water bugging you? I just got this gem of a product last night. Popped it into my hot tub and from the picture I attached, you can see that in just about 12 hours, this little Scumbug ate up all the oil and filth in the hot tub. The water not only looks better, but smells better too! Highly recommended!” —Mickey D.

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

24. An outdoor drink stakes set that’ll securely hold your glass of lemonade in a safe spot. You know what’s not fun? Setting down your soda only for it to fall over on uneven ground, get kicked accidentally, or be invaded by ants.Amazon

Promising review: “These are great. They are large enough to hold large drink tumblers like a Yeti, and they will hold a beer with a thick foam cozy. They will hold a giant Fosters can, and yes, it is large enough to hold a bottle of wine. They are made out of metal and seem pretty durable. Each one is two pieces that screw together, and they have a small tab to help you push them into the ground with your feet. The only thing I would improve is to make the foot tab a little larger, otherwise, they have my stars.” —Jamawama

Get a set of four from Amazon for $18.74.

25. A 4-in-1 inflatable pool float for making pool time even more fun. But beware — it’s so dang comfortable that you might want to buy two so you don’t have to share!Promising review: “Got this on a whim after reading some reviews. I didn’t expect it to immediately become the fam’s new favorite! Lay back, and you are half in, half out of the water, so you aren’t baking from above or freezing below — just what we wanted. It holds your head well out of the water and feels very supportive/stable. I’ve had it for about a month now and only had to blow it up the first time. The plastic is fairly thick and doesn’t lose air through seams or the nozzle. We have a full-body foam float that costs about $120, and it never gets used anymore. Everybody takes turns on this one. Great deal for the price; I just bought three more of various colors. Go ahead and try it.” —JB

Get it from Amazon for $13.19+ (available in seven colors and a two-person style).

26. A garbage guard if there’s always a cloud of flies hovering around your outdoor trash cans. It sticks to the inside of your garbage can and releases an odorless vapor that prevents buggies for up to four months.

Promising review: “I ordered this product because every spring and summer, we have problems with flies and maggots in the garbage can. The device has been on my garbage can lid for a few days now. It survived the weekly trash pickup. As for whether or not this device works, let me tell you: NO FLIES, NO MAGGOTS!!! This product works well. Just be careful when applying the adhesive strip.” —Simon Kale

Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

27. A hanging curved lounge chair because it’ll keep you shaded and comfy as you chill by the pool. Now’s the perfect time (and this is the perfect place) to curl up and crack open that book you said you were going to read.Promising review: “The only problem I have with this chair is that I only have one of them, and the whole family now fights over it! Seriously, it is THAT comfortable and relaxing. Pretty easy to put together. My husband got it all assembled in less than an hour and then proceeded to open up a beer and fall asleep in it next to the pool. HA! I like to take my laptop out with me and work in it as the moveable umbrella shades my screen. Love love LOVE it!!” —Erin S

Get it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in seven colors).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.