by Karyn Brodsky
What’s the best way to keep track of your kids this summer? Make your backyard the “place to be” and their friends will want to hang out there. It’s a win-win: you always know where your kids are, and you get to add some fun outdoor accessories to your home.
Start by inviting kids over to watch a movie…outside! Ann O’Blenes, Broker-Associate, Performance Partners Group, RE/Max Dallas Suburbs, recommends installing outdoor movie screens or dropdown TVs. Audio speakers can also be positioned around the backyard for a surround-sound experience. “The more you create entertainment outside and make it comfortable, the better,” she advises. Keep the kids cool with outdoor misters while they enjoy the film. “They make a huge difference in the hot Texas summer as they enhance the enjoyment of the outdoors,” notes O’Blenes.
Are your kids always hungry?
Cook up pizzas in an outdoor pizza oven. Pat Wilson, Manager of Ed Kellum & Son in Dallas, mentions that outdoor pizza ovens are gaining popularity. “There are built-ins with a chimney and countertop types.” Refresh thirsty kids with some Icee-like drinks made using your very own sonic ice machine. Wilson also mentions appliances that produce various types of ice suitable for different drinks, including cubes and larger, top hat-shaped ice.
A hot new item is a built-in food and drink holder that sits on the countertop in an outdoor kitchen area. Wilson asserts that it’s perfect for serving kids, as it includes a drainable ice trough and compartments for beverages, fruit, and snacks.
For adults, “portable or built-in fire pits take up minimal space and are a great alternative to a fireplace,” O’Blenes says. She also suggests investing in a mosquito misting system, especially considering the Zika Virus threat. “A mosquito misting system features jets in the yard that spray a natural liquid to eliminate mosquitos. Simply press the button before guests arrive to enjoy a bug-free space,” O’Blenes explains. “I believe this will be the trend in the future.”
Are you serving drinks to adults?
Single and dual beer taps are popular for outdoor enjoyment. “Some are portable, with wheels that allow for easy indoor storage during winter,” Wilson notes. There are also margarita machines and other adult beverage makers available. For true outdoor enthusiasts, Wilson observes that a new trend involves installing artificial grass, especially for creating a putting green.
The range of gadgets and devices available to create your dream backyard and attract both younger and older guests is vast. After all, who wouldn’t want the coolest backyard in the neighborhood?
