A pool might be a staple for vacation rentals, but why not try something a little different? Whether it's a cozy fire pit for roasting marshmallows under the stars or a grill that lets your guests enjoy the patio on a warm summer day, or even a well-placed hammock for lazy afternoons, the best outdoor activities for Airbnb properties can take a stay from ordinary to unforgettable and even set your property apart in a competitive market.
Here are the best outdoor activities for Airbnb properties to invest in:
- A cozy fire pit
- A great grill
- A luxurious hot tub
- Fun outdoor games
- Sturdy outdoor furniture
- Optional: A variety of gear and sports equipment
If you're not sure which outdoor amenities will add the most value to your Airbnb, Summer Forecast can help you make that decision. With data-backed insights on what guests in your market really want through analyzing nearby comps and amenities, Forecast takes the guesswork out of upgrades so you can invest in amenities that truly pay off.
How we selected the best outdoor activities for Airbnb backyards
Curating the best Airbnb outdoor ideas meant drawing from years of hosting experience and evaluating the amenities that guests consistently rave about. It's easy to overload your Airbnb's backyard space with junk–instead, we considered what truly adds value to a stay and leaves a lasting impression.
Here's how we made our list:
- Appeal: We focused on activities that guests consistently enjoy, and provided a variety of activities to suit different properties.
- Feasibility: These activities had to be manageable for hosts to set up and maintain without excessive cost or effort.
- Durability: Any outdoor setup needs to withstand wear and tear, so we prioritized activities and amenities that hold up over time.
- Space Efficiency: We included options suitable for various property sizes, from cozy backyards to huge outdoor spaces.
- Uniqueness: Lastly, we looked for ideas that go beyond the basics, offering something to help your property stand out.
With these criteria, we managed to round up activities that make your backyard a destination in itself, without adding any stress to your hosting routine.
1. A cozy fire pit
A cozy fire pit is one of those features that instantly elevates an Airbnb's backyard space. It's a simple way to transform your outdoor space, and, from experience, guests love the ambiance that a fire pit brings. It's an affordable amenity that not only adds value to their stay but also helps your property stand out.
The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is the perfect pick for this. Compact yet powerful, this 15-inch smokeless fire pit is crafted from durable stainless steel and weighs only 16 lbs.
Its sleek design fits seamlessly into smaller spaces, and it's good for two to four people, making it ideal for backyards, patios, or even a cozy corner of your outdoor area. Best of all, it's smokeless because of 360° Airflow technology, which means guests can sit around the fire comfortably without inhaling–or smelling like–smoke.
What makes it truly host-friendly is its removable ash pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. The included carry case also makes it easy to store or relocate as needed. And, it's only $199.99 on Amazon–super affordable to boot! Find even more great Airbnb fire pits here!
2. A great grill
Every Airbnb with an outdoor space should consider adding a grill: it's one of those amenities that guests love, especially during the warmer months.
And grills have come a long way, with sleek modern designs and smart features dominating the market. But sometimes, you can't beat a classic. The Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill proves why some things never go out of style. It's simple, reliable, and delivers that iconic charcoal flavor we know and love, making it a timeless, no nonsense addition to any Airbnb backyard.
What makes the Weber Kettle a standout is its design. With 363 square inches of cooking space, it's large enough to handle a family barbecue and grills up to 13 burgers at once.
The one-touch cleaning system makes it surprisingly easy to maintain for a charcoal grill, while the sturdy construction ensures it can handle frequent use. For hosts who want to offer a grill without adding more maintenance to their workload, this grill checks all the boxes.
Modern, tech-savvy grills might have their perks, but the Weber Kettle brings something unique to the table: unmatched flavor and a sense of nostalgia. It's proof that sometimes, sticking with the classics is the smartest move. Get it on Amazon for $154.80.
3. A luxurious hot tub
A hot tub is one of those amenities that instantly makes an Airbnb feel like a special retreat. Guests love the chance to soak, unwind, and enjoy a little luxury. But let's be real–traditional hot tubs can be pricey and high-maintenance. That's where inflatable hot tubs come in, and the Bestway Lay-Z Spa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub is easily one of the best options out there.
This inflatable hot tub fits up to four people, making it perfect for couples or small groups. It heats up to a toasty 104°F, and with 81 air jets, it delivers a surprisingly relaxing, spa-like experience.
Guests can adjust the temperature and jets using the easy-to-use digital control panel, so it's very comfortable with zero hassle. And it's only around 70 lbs., meaning it can be transported anywhere in your backyard.
For hosts, the Lay-Z Spa Miami is a win-win. It's simple to set up, easy to maintain, and way more affordable than a permanent hot tub (this retails for $1409.06 on Amazon).
The durable PVC design holds up well to frequent use, and it even comes with an insulated cover to keep the water clean, warm, and child-proof between guests. Adding this to your outdoor space gives guests that "wow" factor without breaking the bank, and they'll be raving about it in their reviews.
4. Fun outdoor games
Here's where you can inject a little more personality and variety into your Airbnb. Most people love a little friendly competition, and having outdoor games available makes your property feel playful and welcoming–perfect for family-friendly properties or properties that often host large groups.
Let's start with the classics. Sports-related games like a ping-pong table, a badminton set, or even a mini soccer goal and ball are always fun. They're easy to set up and appeal to all ages.
For a less sporty vibe, you can't go wrong with yard staples like cornhole, horseshoes, or yard Yahtzee–fun, low-effort games that guests can enjoy over drinks.
If you want to offer something a little more unique, consider adding bocce balls for a more sophisticated option. You could even take it up a notch with a croquet set or a giant Jenga tower, though of course, your options really depend on how large your Airbnb's backyard space is.
Outdoor games give your Airbnb an extra layer of personality that guests won't forget. It's also a simple way to encourage them to make the most of your property's backyard without having to spend too much, as all of these options are under $150 on Amazon.
5. Sturdy outdoor furniture
This isn't an activity, but the right furniture can give your guests the opportunity to take their activities outdoors.
A well-placed picnic table or a sturdy patio set can turn a basic backyard into a spot to spend mealtimes and lazy afternoons. Pair these with a grill like the one featured above, and your guests will have everything they need to dine al fresco.
For quieter moments, a good hammock is an unbeatable addition. It gives your guests variety in spots they can nap, read a book, or lounge in.
While spending on these items can be steep, investing in durable furniture gives guests the chance to fully enjoy your property's outdoor space.
Optional: A variety of gear and sports equipment
What do you do if your Airbnb doesn't have much backyard space? For properties near beaches, trails, or parks, a stash of gear and sports equipment can make all the difference.
Stock up on beach essentials like towels, umbrellas, and coolers so guests can easily head out for a day in the sun. If you're near hiking trails, having walking sticks or binoculars shows that you've thought of everything.
And, if you want to go the extra mile, offer more serious equipment tailored to your location. Properties near water can include kayaks, paddleboards, and all sorts of gear for water sports.
For Airbnbs in the center of town or in bikeable cities, additions like a set of bikes can also make a huge impression.
Curating a gear closet like this can be pricey, but these little touches are what makes a Superhost. Guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness, and you'll be helping them make the most of their stay without any extra expense on their end.
Bottom line
The right outdoor amenities can turn a simple backyard into a highlight of your Airbnb. A fire pit creates a cozy spot for evening chats, a grill sets the stage for shared meals, and outdoor games give guests a reason to spend more time outside. Don't disregard these small additions that make a big impact!
But making the right choices for your property is just the start. Tools like SummerOS can help you turn those choices into real results. SummerOS simplifies daily operations by centralizing guest communication, performance tracking, and property management into one easy-to-use platform. And with Forecast in SummerOS, you get actionable, data-driven insights that help you analyze markets, maximize revenue, and make smarter investment decisions.
Manage your Airbnb smarter, grow your portfolio faster, and discover your property's full potential by exploring SummerOS and Forecast today.
