Inspire Fun Summer BBQ Activities

In the Midwest, it's officially "summer," even though the season doesn't start (on the calendar) until June 21. It's warm outdoors, the sun is shining, and school is almost out of session. As I have mentioned before, summer is my favorite season. There is so much to do, including hosting fun summer barbecue parties.

There's nothing better than spending time outdoors with friends and family. Children can play games while you relax with a glass of lemonade and delicious food. It's a wonderful summer evening! But just in case you need some inspiration on how to host a fun summer BBQ, I have some ideas for you. Get ready to have fun this summer! You deserve it.

1. A Burger Bar 

A hamburger bar (photo/Pinterest).

Don't just plop some hamburgers on a table and call it a day. Create a gourmet burger bar. Beautifully display the burgers, buns, and a variety of toppings on a table outside with tablecloths as the decor. Give your guests plenty of options--because everyone likes their burgers their own way. This is a great way to "wow" your guests. If you're not planning on serving hamburgers, you can do the same with a hotdog bar.

2. An Outdoor Movie Theater 

A backyard movie theater (photo/pacificgrassandturf.com).

An outdoor movie theater has become really popular in recent years. Set up a big movie screen in your backyard, a projector, blankets, pillows, lounge chairs, and get ready to watch a movie as the sun begins to set.

To make things even better, you can also offer a popcorn bar for the movie night. Pour popcorn into a big tin, offer some cups and let your guests munch on popcorn as they watch their favorite movies. You can also offer other traditional movie theater concessions.

A popcorn and movie theater concessions bar (photo/Happily Hughes).

Finally, you can also offer a s'mores bar, if your guests would rather eat delicious s'mores than popcorn while they watch the movie. Offer a table with the traditional s'mores ingredients: Graham crackers, Hershey chocolate bars, and toasted marshmallows (provided by a small bonfire, which is another fun summer activity).

A s'mores bar (photo/That's What Che Said).

3. The Centerpieces 

Sunflower centerpieces (photo/craftsbyamanda.com).

If you're hosting a more formal outdoor BBQ, you might want to think about the centerpieces for your picnic tables. You don't have to go overboard with the centerpieces, but they should still look presentable and creative. For example, try placing sunflowers in mason jars. This is perfect for a summer BBQ!


4. Decorate The Pool 

Balloons in swimming pool (photo/Dukes and Duchesses).

Don't forget about the pool, if you own one. Pool parties are classic summer events. Parents sit poolside while their kids play in the pool. It's perfect for everyone! You can decorate your pool with brightly colored balloons.


5. Games, Games, Games

Croquet (photo/McLendon Hardware)

Don't forget about the games! A summer BBQ wouldn't be complete without backyard games. Offer croquet, cornhole, badminton, frisbee, a giant Jenga, ladder toss, glow-in-the-dark bowling, baseball, and so many more. Parties are supposed to be fun and there's nothing better than playing outside.

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There are so many possibilities for hosting a fun summer BBQ party. Remember the essentials: hamburgers, hotdogs, games, and lemonade. While you might be stressed about hosting a BBQ, remember that it's supposed to be fun. Celebrate summer with your closest friends and family members. Have fun together in the sunshine (or sunset). Relax and remember that summer is the time of the year for adventures, even if the adventure is at your own home.

Have fun this summer. It's one of the best times of the year.

-KJL-