Seven Fun Outdoor Projects for the Last Week of Summer

With only one week of summer left, I can imagine that parents and grandparents are pretty exhausted of ideas to keep the kids occupied before school starts. That being said, fall will be here before we know it and the weather will be cool again. So let’s make the most of our last days with some of my favorite outdoor activities that the young ones will love - and you will too. 

Plant a Wagon Herb Garden

Gardening is a great way to teach kids responsibility and it’s a lot less messy than getting a family pet. Grab an old wagon or wheelbarrow from the shed or a local garage sale and drill some holes in it. Then let the kids choose their own herbs to plant and grow. I like basil, mint, cilantro, rosemary, and thyme because they all come up quickly and offer a lot of versatility in the kitchen. 

Build a Lemonade Stand

Entrepreneurship at its finest! There is nothing more fun than helping the kids build a lemonade stand to make a few bucks for a special back-to-school treat. You can nail three pallets together to make a u-shape and then paint it your favorite color. Let the kids make the sign and the lemonade and you’re ready to start selling.

Set Up Yard Game Olympics

Here is a great idea for a group. Get everyone to help set up “Yard Game Olympics” for a friendly competition that will keep the young ones occupied for hours. From croquet to cornhole, sprinkler jumping, frisbee throwing and a good old fashioned game of HORSE - anything goes with this one. Get creative and make it fun. 

Make a S’mores Bar

Sure they are messy but nothing says summer like the gooey mix of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. In my house, we compete for the perfect golden brown marshmallow and the first one who burns theirs is out. We love creating out of the box sandwich ideas too.

Create a Mosaic

Collecting seashells and beach rocks is a popular summer past-time, but what do you do with them once they are home? You can get cement at a local hardware store and mix it according to the directions. Then spread it evenly on a planter, frame, a piece of plywood or even a birdhouse. Then firmly press in your shells or stones and get creative with fun patterns. 

Start a Compost Pile

Here’s a great one to teach kids about recycling and the environment. Choose any large container that you can drill holes into in order to get airflow. A plastic drum will work just fine. Lay a few inches of twigs and straw on the bottom. Then begin adding your compost materials. Alternate between green and brown to keep your pile healthy - green being fruit and vegetable scraps and brown being wood, leaves and garden matter. Green produces nitrogen while brown delivers carbon. Maintaining balance is the key to healthy soil. 

Build Your Own Slip-n-Slide

This was an all-time favorite when my kids were growing up. Grab a 100-foot roll of thick, clear plastic sheeting and a dozen landscaping stakes from the local hardware store. Remove any rocks or sticks from the lawn and roll out your plastic. Fasten it down with the stakes and then squirt some no-tear body wash or soap evenly down the slide. Finally, take the nozzle off the hose and position the water flow right down the middle. Now take a dive!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Inspiration for Creating the Basement of Your Dreams

Last week we talked a little bit about the logistics of a basement remodel, so now it’s time to have some fun. A basement is a big, open space that can be transformed into a quiet sanctuary or a spectacular play place for everyone to enjoy. All you need is a little imagination to create an exciting space for everyone in the family to look forward to coming home to. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Games Galore

The Gamers

Traditional rec rooms conjure up images of big screen TV’s for movie nights and some serious video game competition. These are fantastic ways to make the most of a winter day, but I also like the idea of keeping active with Wii Sports or enjoying some downtime without a screen. The ideal game room should have a mix of digital entertainment and old school board games, checkers, or chess that can be enjoyed by both kids and grandparents. Of course, a foosball or pool table makes for great family fun all year round.

Craft Corner

The Artists

Designing a space for creative kids is a great way to allow them to explore art without making a huge mess of the house. It’s also a versatile idea that can be updated and upgraded as the young ones grow. A simple table with coloring supplies can easily be replaced with easels for the budding Picasso or even a pottery wheel for the ceramicist in training. Best of all is that art spaces don’t need a lot of fancy renovations and can be kept rawer for easy cleanup with no stress.

Party Time

The Entertainers

This one is for the adults. If your house is the go-to spot for a fun Friday night, a custom bar and entertaining area is a great way to keep the party going without spending the weekend cleaning the whole house. I’d suggest installing a kitchenette with a refrigerator, sink, and mini dishwasher to keeping running up and down the stairs to a minimum. A small wine storage unit adds a sophisticated touch and be sure to design plenty of storage to keep bottles and glassware off your countertops.

Work It Out

The Fit Fam

A home gym is a great way to stay in shape all year round, but exercise equipment is bulky, unsightly, and not exactly a home design dream. Luckily, the basement is the perfect place to create a fun fitness retreat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. My own home gym occupies a good part of our basement and I can go downstairs to get my morning workout in without disrupting everyone else in the house. Plus, no one gets upset if I forget to rack the weights.

A Quiet Retreat

The Zen Masters

While most rec rooms are used for fun and festivities, many people like the idea of using the extra space as a retreat to get away from the world. With yoga and meditation rooms gaining in popularity, designing a zen space for quiet contemplation can offer huge mind and body benefits. Best of all, it can be easy to transform a dull nook into an inspiring oasis. Giant floor pillows and warm Moroccan lanterns add ambiance while candles and curtains create a warm intimacy that can help the day melt away. Up your relaxation game with an infrared sauna and you’ll be far away from the real world in no time.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.