Outdoor patio ideas and spending time with family this season spring fun is right around the corner. Are you ready for all the warm weather activities? It’s time to shake off the winter chill and start prepping for all the fun you’re going to have during the springtime.

Preparing your Family and Home with Spring Outdoor Patio Ideas

Outdoor Cooking means an Outdoor Kitchen Area

Don’t have an outdoor cooking spot on your patio? Sounds like the perfect spring project! A bar-be-cue is one of the most popular ways to relax and hang out during the spring and summer. A lot of focus is put on the grill, but there are a number of other outdoor kitchen features that make a huge difference.

For instance, outdoor kitchen cabinets help to tie the design together and provide storage space, but they also have to be durable enough to withstand the elements. Another consideration is whether you’re going to need plumbing and electric in place. If you want a sink or refrigerator this has to be planned out well in advance and can limit the location of the outdoor kitchen.

If you want a fully functional outdoor cooking area it will take almost as much planning as renovating the kitchen inside. Pay careful attention to the materials used and try to position the grilling area so that it’s in the shade.

Outdoor Party Ideas are Better at the Pool!

Is your home the hot spot for pool parties? Planning the perfect spring and summertime pool party begins will de-winterizing your pool and spa. Once the last cold snap is safely behind you the process can begin. Outdoor patio ideas can start near the house and end out near the pool! Check out these springtime activities.

De-winterizing the pool consists of three key steps:

• Removing the cover (you may want to remove as much debris as possible first).
• Removing the winterizing plugs and replacing them with the seasonal plugs.
• Reconnect the equipment – pump, filter, automatic cleaner and heater all have to be properly reconnected before the pool can be cleaned.

While you’re opening the pool and getting the pumps fired back up survey the area for safety issues. Anytime water is involved safety has to be the focus. Look for cracks around the pool, make sure ladders and hand railings are tightly secured and check the condition of your lifesaver.

Take Time Off and Enjoy Family Road Trips

Family road trips and spring go hand-in-hand. While the kids are out of school and the weather is fine it’s the perfect time to see a bit of the countryside and create some memories. The biggest decision is where you’ll go. It’s best to get this nailed down ASAP so you have at least a few months to plan a route, line up hotels and decide what attractions you want to see along the way.

If you plan to rent a van, RV or camper for your family road trip now is the time to start weighing your options. Waiting until mid-Spring or later will limit what’s available.

Springtime Family Activities:

One of the time-honored traditions of spring and summer is relaxing by a bonfire and cooking up a few smores. Of course, safety is the top priority of this summertime activity.

Before you invite guests over check the local burn bans. During periods of drought, bonfires are strictly prohibited, even on private property. If there’s no burn ban in place you still may need to get a permit and there are still precautions to take to build a safe bonfire.

• Find an area that’s at least 50 feet from structures and wood areas.
• Clear away brush and debris.
• Keep the bonfire to five foot by five foot.
• Only use dry wood that has no treatment or coating.
• It’s okay to use lighter fluid but keep the container far away from the fire.
• Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby, just in case.
• Once the bonfire is done douse the entire area with water.

For more outdoor patio ideas this spring look to our outdoor archives