Tips for Enjoying Your Backyard This Summer

This post is sponsored by S.C. Johnson & Son. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spring has sprung and that means summer is just around the corner. The weather is just perfect this time of year here in Florida and we're spending more and more time outdoors, especially before the summer heat sets in. I've been working hard to create a backyard oasis for my family. I hope this will encourage my kids to want to be outdoors and be active while spending time together as a family. I've come up with some ideas to help you enjoy your outdoor space more this summer and beyond.

Tips to help you enjoy your backyard

1.) Create a bug-free zone. First things first; I don't think anyone enjoys being outside when they're getting attacked by mosquitos and other insects. Bugs seem to be very attracted to me and my children and we often end up with itchy, red welts when we spend time outdoors in the evening. That's why I rely on . I can get them right in the Home Cleaning aisle at my local Publix and it's a brand I know and trust to protect my family. I also love the OFF! Citronella Candles for creating a relaxing backyard ambiance.

OFF! has several different formulations and options and I always try to keep a variety on hand. My son really prefers since it uses a powder-dry formula that provides a non-greasy defense against bugs. His skin never feels oily, and he gets protection from mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas. I love that the spray allows for an easy application.

I really love the OFF! Family Care Clean Feel formula. It includes 5% Picaridin and provides great protection against mosquitoes without the greasy feel that some other sprays leave behind. I also like that it works on the outer surfaces of clothing without damaging cotton, wool, or nylon. A lot of times I apply repellant to my exposed skin but avoid my clothing and end up getting bit through my clothes. OFF! Family Care Clean Feel is the perfect fix for that problem.

2.) Grab some backyard-friendly games. I've been collecting fun outdoor games over the years and our family favorites are cornhole and flying disc toss. These games are perfect because the distance between the goals can be adjusted based on your children's ages and abilities.

Here are some other backyard games that are great for kids and adults:

• Ladder toss
• Giant-sized four in a row game
• Backyard lawn bowling
• Bocce ball
• Yardzee
• Giant wooden toppling tower
• Horseshoes

3.) Make an outdoor movie night. My kids love going to the movie theater, but the pandemic has really put a squash on that. I like that there are more opportunities to stream the latest movies right in the comfort of your own home, but that's not quite as exciting as seeing a movie on the big screen. Projecting the movie onto a big screen in your backyard is the next best thing. You can purchase a blow-up screen or check out our DIY outdoor movie screen tutorial to make your own.

When you set up your movie space, it would be a great idea to include an OFF! Citronella Candle. It's the perfect way to provide a little ambient lighting.

4.) Set up comfortable seating. I invested in some comfortable Adirondack chairs with an expandable footrest, but the options are really unlimited. See if you can string up a hammock between two trees or posts or look into chaise lounges so you can kick back and enjoy the warmer weather. Seating around a fire pit is also relaxing and another good way to keep flying insects at bay.

No matter how you decide to enjoy your backyard space this summer, don't forget to protect your family from mosquitos with OFF! from Publix. I'd love to hear how you plan to utilize your backyard!