Disney things to do in your backyard

I’ve had to be creative with ways to bring a little Disney to my day recently, especially when a trip to the theme parks seems pretty far away at this point. The nice thing is that since it’s summer, we can spend time outside rather than being stuck in the house! So I’ve been coming up with some fun Disney things to do in your backyard (or outside in general).

I actually don’t really have a backyard myself – we live in a condo and have a small slab of concrete in the back that we have a grill and a few chairs on, but that’s it. However, I’ve still been doing many of these outdoor activities. Some of them can be done right on a porch or balcony, some can happen almost anywhere, like on the sidewalk or in a local park, and for others we have a small group of 4 people we feel comfortable having outdoor backyard get-togethers with, and one couple does have a backyard that we’ve used.

So here are some of my ideas for having that Disney magic in your day while getting some fresh air (and maybe a change of scene from the inside of your house) as well!

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Enjoy Disney drinks outside

Mix up a Disney cocktail and enjoy it outside! There are lots of great summer drinks you can make, including the Lapu Lapu from the Polynesian, the Citron lemonade slushie from Epcot’s France pavilion, or any of the amazing margaritas at La Cava del Tequila.

Recreate Epcot in your backyard

This was a fun activity we did – we made or bought drinks and food from all 11 countries in Epcot and spent an amazing day enjoying them!

Go for a run with a Disney playlist and shirt

I am a runner and do a lot of RunDisney events, so I love adding a little Disney to my runs. I have a Disney themed running playlist and tons of Disney running shirts that make me a little happier on my runs! Even if you just want to go for a walk, listening to Disney music or a Disney podcast is sure to brighten your day.

Set up an outdoor projector and watch a Disney movie

I don’t have much of a backyard so I don’t really have the room to do this, but I’ve seen a few friends set up some awesome outdoor movie viewing areas! If you have the space, get a projector and play a Disney movie while enjoying the outside air.

Put out a blanket and read a Disney book

This is one of my favorite activities to do on a nice day. Put out a blanket, grab an iced coffee or a beer (depending on what kind of day it is!), and dive into a good book. There are lots of great Disney books – for a fun fiction read try the Twisted Tales series, or if you prefer non-fiction I’d recommend the Queens of Animation or Walt Disney: An American Original.

Add some Disney touches to your garden

Have a garden in your backyard? Add some Disney touches! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival often has garden items available for purchase (and some are still on the Disney website), and on Amazon, such as this Pooh garden rock, a Mickey garden statue, or this Tinkerbell garden solar light.

Drink your Disney inspired coffee on your porch in the morning

Sometimes just starting the day with a cup of coffee outside is delightful. Make it Disney by using either Joffrey’s coffee (the kind they serve in the parks) or Expedition Roasters, which makes Disney inspired coffee.

Cool down with a s’mores milkshake

What’s better than ice cream on a warm day outside? If it’s a s’mores milkshake from D-Luxe burger! Get the recipe to make your own at-home version here.

Make a tie-dye Disney shirt

A fun outdoor craft activity is tie-dying t-shirts! It’s best to do this outside so you don’t make a mess inside, as dye can of course stain. Add a Disney twist by making a Mickey head tie-dye shirt!

Get some Disney pool toys

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard (or a nearby community pool that’s open), grab some Disney pool toys! Take a look at the Mickey ice cream pool float, fun toys like this set inspired by Finding Nemo– or set up a mini inflatable Frozen pool for the little ones!

Decorate the outside of your house with Disney touches

Even if you don’t have a ton of space, you can still add some decor to the outside of your house. You can make your own Disney welcome mat, or purchase items from a place like Amazon, such as a garden flag or a Winnie the Pooh welcome stone.

Set up a Disney scavenger hunt for the family in your backyard

Scavenger hunts are always fun, but put a little Disney twist on it when you write the clues! You can find inspiration from this blog post at Mother’s Niche.

Play Disney themed lawn games

For a fun backyard get-together or family day, set up some Disney themed lawn games! Disney Family has some fun ideas, including the Winnie the Pooh bag toss, a Minnie and Mickey Potato Sack Race, and Jessie and Bullseye Ring Toss.

Recreate Disney attractions

Why not pretend you’re at the theme parks? Sit in a log in your backyard and have the family spray you with water! Create your own mini roller coaster! Dress up like pirates and pretend you’re in Pirates of the Caribbean! This family featured on Good Morning America had lots of creative ideas to inspire you.

Spruce up your plants with Disney pots

Even if you don’t have a whole garden you can add some Disney to any flowers or potted plants you might have. I love the It’s a Small World Flower Pot Stakes, but you can also make your own Winnie the Pooh flower pot or buy this adorable Groot planter!

Draw some Disney sidewalk art

This is an easy one if you have any sort of driveway or sidewalk. Grab your sidewalk chalk and make some Disney inspired artwork!

Grill a Disney meal

Put on a Disney inspired apron and grill up a meal from the theme parks. You might consider ribs with the delicious barbecue sauce from Flame Tree Barbecue, or grilling the honey coriander wings from Ohana.

Make a Hercules obstacle course

Get the kids (and adults!) active by setting up this Hercules Obstacle course! The Disney Family website has all the instructions for how to put one together, or you might watch the episode of Disney Family Sundays on Disney+.