If you’re itching for a family break, but are short on funds, time or have commitments at home, why not take a holiday in your backyard?

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No, not a staycation where you explore the area you live in, but your actual backyard.

It’s cheap, convenient and an awesome way for you and the kids to get creative together as you design and enjoy your perfect garden-framed getaway.

Get that backyard in shape

Whether your backyard is big or small, you’ll want to make sure it’s looking its best. It’ll be pretty hard to relax if all you can see is a lawn that needs mowing or shrubs that could do with a trim.

So get those chores done – cut the grass, blow away the leaves and tidy up the garden beds. If your backyard looks a little drab, plant some cheap colourful spring flowers.

The kids might even help out if there’s going to be some holiday fun at the end.

Don’t forget to remove any garden dangers. Make sure the bindies have been treated, pressure-wash away all those spiders webs and ensure any spiky plants have been cut back. Your local hardware and garden shops should be able to provide you with all the tools you need and any advice for tidying up the yard and removing any nasty dangers.

Create a beach resort outside your backdoor

Nothing says holiday like lazing on a lounger by the pool whilst the kids play happily (hopefully) alongside. If you don’t have a pool, a paddling pool will do. Set up a sand pit alongside, put on some summer tunes, pour a cocktail and you have your own private beach resort.

So you can relax, ensure the kids have enough to entertain themselves.

Put the sprinkler under the trampoline; set up the slip and slide and bring out the cricket set or tennis rackets for some backyard competitions.

And, so you’re not constantly interrupted, make sure towels and fresh clothes are at the ready. Set up a drinks and snack station: ice cream and lemonade allowed.

Keep the fun coming and get ready for the evening

Roll the fun into the late afternoon and evening. Keep the music playing and bring out simple decorations to give that holiday feel – think fairy lights, lanterns and colourful cushions and accessorise.

No need to buy anything new, just use whatever you have already.

Hang out with friends and get into the holiday spirit

Fire up the BBQ, grab some pre-prepared salads and invite some friends or neighbours over for ready-made fun and entertainment.

The kids get to hang out and you can get out the wines and beers.

You could even theme the food, drink and fun by perfect family holiday destination, Morocco, Fiji or Europe.

Enjoy a movie under the stars

Wind-down the evening with your own backyard movie screening.

Borrow a projector, string up a crisp white sheet and play your favourite family film. Failing that, simply bring the TV or laptop out on the deck. Then snuggle down with some popcorn and snacks.

Set up camp so you don’t have to go home (unless you want to!)

To inject some real adventure into your backyard escape, pitch a tent and end the day sleeping under the stars (plan ahead so this is done before dark or things could get interesting!).

If you’d rather a comfy bed, wait until the kids are asleep then head inside – but don’t forget to return before they wake up.

Repeat the day as desired. None of the hassles of travelling, no worrying where the kids have got to, no big spending – the backyard could just be the perfect family holiday destination.

Are there any other things you could suggest to add to the list? Please share in the comments below.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

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