From S’mores to Stargazing: Part 2 of our Summer Backyard Fun Series - The Evening Edition

After the sun sets and the day’s heat begins to let up, your backyard has the potential to become a whole new kind of playground. Whether it’s family bonding under the stars or lounging with a chilled beverage by the fire, the cooler evenings of summer are ideal for relaxing, reconnecting, and enjoying your outdoor space in a whole new light.

So, how can you make your backyard more fun for my family in the summer evenings? Let’s explore the best outdoor evening ideas that make every summer night count.

1. Build the Ultimate S’mores Station

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No summer night is complete without a gooey, golden s’more (or three). Set up a designated s’mores station near your fire pit or outdoor fireplace and create a cozy zone with built-in seating or movable benches.

Stock it with skewers, different types of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows so everyone can build their own sweet masterpiece. Bonus points for adding a few fun toppings like strawberries, peanut butter cups, or cookie butter.

Hot Tip: Our built-in gas and wood-burning fire pits are made from durable, low-maintenance materials that add ambiance and value to your space. Making it easy to step outside and enjoy that bonfire feel any time you like.

2. Create a Backyard Movie Theater

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Set up a projector and screen (or even hang a white sheet from your pergola!) on the paver patio for an unforgettable backyard movie night.

Add cozy seating with outdoor cushions, beanbags, or lounge chairs. Don’t forget blankets, popcorn, and bug spray. Pair it with subtle landscape lighting to guide guests and create a warm glow without washing out the screen.

Keep it themed! Watch space movies before stargazing, beach movies before a night dip in the pool, or classics everyone can enjoy during a family movie night.

3. Stargazing & Storytelling On The Patio

Low-Maintenance Pavers = Perfect For Lounging

Nothing sparks the imagination like peering at a sky full of stars. Lay down blankets or set up loungers out on your patio for a picture-perfect view of the night sky.

Use a stargazing app to find constellations or go old school and make up your own. Have the kids invent stories about outer space adventures, or take turns telling real-life summer memories as you keep an eye out for shooting stars.

4. Backyard Dance Party or Game Night

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Host a spontaneous al fresco dance party with a portable speaker and a playlist of family favorites. Or bust out everyone's favorite outdoor games like washer toss and giant Jenga for some friendly competition.

Light it up with color-changing LED lighting or soft string lights overhead to keep the vibe going. And since paver patios are durable and level, they’re the perfect place to kick it outside without worrying about trip hazards. Game on.

Pro Tip: Order up a cornhole board light set makes it easy to make the shot, even in the dark!

5. Set the Scene for Late-Night Lounging

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Cooler summer nights are the perfect excuse to stay outside longer. Create a laid-back hangout space on your patio or composite deck for an extended living room feel right out your door. To encourage maximum enjoyment, make seating options plentiful with built-in bench seating or modern patio furniture that invites relaxation.

Add citronella candles, side tables for drinks, and maybe even a soft speaker for music or listening to a podcast while the kids wind down.

Let Every Night Be the Highlight of Summer

Unlike parks and public spaces, your backyard doesn’t close when the sun goes down. With the right setup, those twilight hours can become your favorite part of the day. Whether it’s game night, movie night, or fire pit chats, summer night activities make your space more livable, lovable, and unforgettable.

And when you design your outdoor space with System Pavers, you get expert craftsmanship, low-maintenance materials, and solutions that bring your family together, no matter what time of day (or night) it is.

Need Help Creating the Perfect Backyard Evening Setup?

As your local outdoor renovation experts, we specialize in complete outdoor remodels so you can enjoy backyard family fun around the clock.

Schedule your free design consultation today and start building a space where every night feels special and summer doesn’t have to end, unless you want it to.