Ideas for Backyard Patio Fun this Summer!

May 06, 2015 | FILED UNDER: Uncategorized When we were house-hunting almost 2 years ago, we were intrigued by this backyard basketball pad that the previous owners had put in for their teenage sons. However, it wasn’t until we moved in that we appreciated how special it was. It is the perfect, safe space for Stella and Hazel to play outdoors! This is the spot where Hazel learned how to ride a trike, and now a big girl bike. It has been a blank canvas for numerous chalk drawings. It is the perfect place to bounce a ball back and forth, learn hopscotch, run through the sprinkler, and eat drippy popsicles. This is definitely the most used part of our backyard…and we don’t even use it for basketball! I can see us using this space for many years to come and want to continue to keep it in great shape. Now that we’ve been here for two years it could use some maintenance and I’ve added an application of BEHR DeckOver to our summer to-do list. (Ross, hopefully you are reading this!) I was excited to learn about BEHR DeckOver. Using a 100% acrylic formula, it conceals cracks and splinters up to 1/4″ deep in wood and concrete surfaces. It resists the elements, repels water, and creates a smooth, slip-resistant finish that resists cracking and peeling against harsh weather conditions. I’m looking forward to trying it out, and keeping the patio looking good for future play time. While we typically stick to traditional chalk, today we tried out our own homemade chalk paint and it was a ton of fun! Here’s how to make your own:

The Easiest Homemade Sidewalk Paint Recipe

• Cornstarch
• Water
• Gel Food Coloring

  The girls had so much fun experimenting with this gooey substance. They painted with it, drizzled with it, and when it dries up it turns to this cool solid very similar to real chalk. They loved breaking it up into a powder and sprinkling it onto the concrete. Then they sprayed water on it which makes a pretty effect too! We have a popsicle mold and it is so fun to throw extra fruit and juice in there to make our own homemade popsicles. Really anything goes. We had some leftover watermelon from a BBQ this past weekend and I turned it into popsicles for the girls. Here’s what I did:

Yummy and Healthy Watermelon Blueberry Popsicles

• 1/2 medium seedless watermelon
• Pint of blueberries
• Juice of one lime
• Sugar to taste (our watermelon wasn’t very sweet, so I used 2/3 c. of sugar, but you may need less)

I’m expecting us to spend many hours out here this summer and hope you have a special outdoor space to enjoy too! If you have a concrete patio or wood deck, make sure to check out BEHR’s DeckOver to keep it looking great. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BEHR®. The opinions and text are all mine.