Backyard vacations: Things to help you take perfect 'getaway' at home this summer (Part 1)

The Blue Ridge Camping Hammock from Lawson Hammock

Money's tight all around but that doesn't mean fun needs to be limited... just maybe changed up this summer.

Instead of taking a big vacation, bring the excitement to your house by taking a backyard vacation. It can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. You can do special themed meals and drinks as part of your "vacation package" if you want to.

At the heart of it you need three things to make you seem like you're on vacation (besides time off from work): some place comfy to sit, something fun to watch or do, and lots of relaxation to make memories that the whole fam shares together.

In part one (below), are some things to help turn your backyard - no matter how small, even a patio- into a vacation spot. The bonus of this type of vaca - you can go back every weekend every summer! Check out part two for goodies for the kids to enjoy and to add some fun.

The Blue Ridge Camping Hammock from Lawson Hammock - what a cool invention this is. Its easy to put together and its really comfy. Perfect size for a dad or mom and a small tot or two children together. Better yet get a set for the whole family to camp in in your backyard. The hammocks set up on trees or on a hammock stand (both sold separately). These are the most comfy tents I've ever tried for sure. Even if you don't want to camp out over night they're great for just relaxing. The mesh top keeps out bugs and yet doesn't feel cramped or enclosed. Really a top of the line product that you'll enjoy at home or in the woods/camp ground.

The Strathwood Portable Folding Hammock from Amazon.com makes relaxing a breeze even in a small backyard or patio or anywhere else you want to take it. It comes in a black bag with carrying strap. In under five minutes you're swaying in the breeze with this all in one hammock, stand and pillow. Its easy to put away when the weather doesn't cooperate and small to store.

Create a relaxing space in your backyard or patio with the coolest water feature - a solar powered fountain from Serenity Health. I set up the Terracotta Cascade Solar Fountain in just a few minutes and it has brought lots of relaxation. Sometimes there's nothing better than the sound of water running to get you out of a stressful mindset. Watch the kiddos play as you sit by the 'stream.' I used captured rainwater to fill mine up too which adds to its eco friendliness. What's extra cool is that you can put it anywhere. No restrictions because of power outlets like other fountains. And no power is ever wasted and it costs nothing to run. Truly a great item to make your space feel like a vacation space everyday!

JAKKS Pacific Erasable Patio Sets are so much fun and really quite a bargain at $35 for the set of two chairs, table and umbrella. My girls absolutely LOVE this write on/ wipe off set. It comes with two erasable markers. That means art time can go on and on outside (or inside if you want too) without paper blowing away in the wind. It comes in designs for everyone from Disney Princesses, Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Club, and Barbie!. The Erasable Patio Sets are made with sturdy metal tubular steel construction, feature double safety locking mechanisms, and no tools are needed to put it together... and it take under five minutes to set up. The recommended weight limit is 60 lbs.

What's a summer break without some water fun. Why do ordinary when you can get something much cooler for about the same price as boring ones. Backyard Oceans Swan Activity Pool is perfect for backyard vacationing. Its a kiddie pool made for tots 2 and up, though you can sit in there with younger ones if you want as well. Plus it also has a basketball hoop and ring toss game attached and comes with three rings and a ball. You do need to get a power air pump because it would take quite a while to blow up yourself, tough I suppose you could do it. I bought a great one at Walmart for under $20 and it inflated this really fast and when the summer season is over, it will also deflate it for easy storage for next summer's fun!

Continue reading -> PART TWO HERE.