Our Favorite Backyard Gear
Our backyard is where the kids burn off energy, the grown-ups eat dinner, and the lawn takes a beating most of the year. The one we'd buy again first is the ECOVACS GOAT O1000 robot mower: it keeps the lawn tidy on its own schedule, runs quietly while everyone is outside, and frees up our weekends. Here's the one we'd buy again first, plus the rest of the list.
ECOVACS GOAT O1000 RTK Robot Lawn Mower
This is the summer buy we actually lean on. The robot mower keeps the lawn pool-ready while we're all outside, it runs on its own schedule, and it's quiet enough not to interrupt the fun.
Check price on AmazonBackyard gear earns a spot here if it holds up to sun, water, and a yard full of kids, sets up without a project, and gets used more than once a season. Anything that takes an hour to assemble or is a pain to put away doesn’t last at our house.
For the little kids, the SplashEZ 3-in-1 splash pad and a 3-pack of Nerf Super Soakers. For the big kids and grown-ups, a Spikeball set that packs into a bag for the beach or the park. For cookouts and evenings outside, the YETI Hopper M30 soft cooler, Brightech string lights over the patio, and a Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit for s’mores night.
The ECOVACS GOAT robot mower at the top is the one we’d buy again first. It keeps the yard ready so the rest of this list can get used.
What else we considered
Also considered
YETI Hopper M30 Soft Cooler (Cherry Blossom)
We love: The M30 keeps drinks cold from morning swim to evening cookout.
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Also considered
Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights
Weatherproof patio string lights that make a backyard dinner feel like a night out. Dimmable Edison-style bulbs.
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Also considered
Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit with Stand
A low-smoke fire pit, so s'mores night doesn't send everyone inside smelling like campfire. Keep kids a safe distance from it while it's lit.
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Also considered
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad
The kids love: The splash pad runs for hours off the garden hose.
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Also considered
Nerf Super Soaker Water Blasters (3-Pack)
The kids love: The Super Soakers are the undisputed water-fight champions.
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Also considered
Spikeball Original Roundnet Set, 3 Balls
A fast backyard game the big kids and grown-ups can play together. It packs into a bag for the beach or the park.
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