Congratulations – you’ve got the keys, the boxes are (mostly) unpacked, and now you’re staring out the kitchen window at a big, blank stretch of grass. A large empty backyard is one of the best problems a new homeowner can have. It’s a canvas. The question is what to paint on it. The short answer: the best uses for a big empty backyard are the ones that match how you actually live. Entertainers should prioritize gathering spaces like patios, bar sheds, and game areas. Families with kids benefit most from play zones and open lawn. Homebodies get the highest return from relaxation features like hot tubs, fire pits, and shade structures.   Below are five ideas to help you turn that blank slate into the most-used “room” in your home.

Build An Outdoor Entertaining Hub

If you love hosting, start with a dedicated entertaining zone. A paver or concrete patio anchors the space, and from there you can layer in the features that make people want to linger:

• A built-in or freestanding grill station
• Weather-resistant seating arranged for conversation, not just eating
• String lights or low-voltage landscape lighting to extend evenings
• An outdoor speaker setup or projector wall for movie nights

The biggest mistake new homeowners make is spreading furniture around the perimeter of the yard. Instead, create one defined “room” with clear edges – a rug, a pergola, or a planter border – so the space feels intentional. Guests naturally gravitate toward defined spaces, and you’ll use the yard far more often.

Add A Game Zone The Whole Family Will Fight Over

Nothing activates a backyard like games. Depending on your climate and budget, consider a mix of permanent and portable options:

• Lawn games: cornhole, bocce, giant Jenga, and ladder toss are inexpensive and easy to store
• Court games: a small sport court for pickleball or basketball adds serious daily-use value
• Indoor-outdoor crossover: a covered structure can house a ping pong or billiards table

That last option is more popular than you might think. In colder regions, homeowners often build a finished shed or covered pavilion specifically to house game tables year-round. If you’re shopping for one, visiting a pool table store in Idaho or your local region is worth the trip – seeing slate quality, felt options, and sizing in person makes a big difference before you commit to a table that weighs 700+ pounds.

Create A Bar Shed (Yes, That’S A Real Thing)

So, what is a bar shed? It’s exactly what it sounds like: a backyard shed converted into a small private bar or pub. Sometimes called a “pub shed” or “backyard bar,” it’s typically a 100-200 square foot outbuilding finished with a bar counter, seating, a mini fridge, and personal touches like neon signs, a dartboard, or a TV for game day. Bar sheds have exploded in popularity because they solve a real problem: they give you a hangout destination without the cost of a full home addition. Key considerations before you build:

1. Power: Run electrical for lighting, refrigeration, and outlets (hire a licensed electrician)
2. Permits: Check local codes – sheds over a certain square footage often require permits
3. Insulation: If you want year-round use, insulate the walls and add a mini-split or space heater
4. Layout: An L-shaped bar maximizes seating in a small footprint

Even a modest bar shed can become the social centerpiece of your property – and a serious conversation starter.

Invest In A Relaxation Retreat

Not every backyard needs to be built for a crowd. If your idea of a perfect evening is quiet, design for it:

• A hot tub or swim spa delivers year-round use in almost any climate and consistently ranks among the highest-satisfaction backyard purchases.
• A fire pit area with Adirondack chairs creates a natural gathering spot for cool nights.
• A shade structure – pergola, sail shade, or covered patio – makes summer afternoons usable.
• Layered landscaping with privacy hedges or fencing turns the space into a true retreat.

Pro tip: place relaxation features where you’ll actually see them from inside the house. A hot tub you can see from the kitchen gets used three times as often as one hidden around the corner.

Grow Something: Gardens, Orchards, And Edible Landscaping

Finally, don’t underestimate the simplest option. Raised garden beds, a few fruit trees, or a pollinator garden add beauty, lower grocery bills, and give kids a hands-on project. Start small – two or three raised beds – and expand as you learn what thrives in your soil and sun exposure. A big empty backyard isn’t a chore list – it’s an opportunity. Start with one zone that matches your lifestyle, build it well, and let the rest of the yard evolve from there. Whether that means a game room, a private pub, or a quiet spa corner, the best backyard is the one you’ll actually use every week.