We are officially one week into summer break. If you’re like most parents of school-aged kids, you are likely already scrambling to try and keep everyone entertained. In between the family vacations, swim lessons, trips to the library and summer camps there are great activities you can plan that will be sure to keep everyone happy — all set right in your backyard.

With a little creativity and some brilliant inspiration found on Pinterest, you can create a virtual getaway, amusement park or tropical paradise in your backyard. With a few affordable summertime purchases and a group of kids willing to have a great time, your home could become the No. 1 destination for summer fun. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. For even more, log on to our Summer Lovin’ board on Pinterest.

Virtual getaway

Sure, you might have a great road trip planned for later in the summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your backyard a virtual vacay right now. There are dozens of ways you can transform your own yard into a great getaway. With some creativity and a few essentials, you can create a summer boredom oasis everyone will enjoy.

One fun, easy idea is to host a weekend backyard camping adventure. Go all out, too. Set up all the tents, unroll those sleeping bags, string up a hammock, grab the lanterns and flashlights, turn off all the devices, and either set up the camp stove or get some great use out of your fire pit. Cook tin foil dinners, roast marshmallows, play your favorite card games and even tell ghost stories by firelight.

Amusement park

Theme parks like Disneyland, Lagoon, Seven Peaks, Boondocks and Cowabunga Bay might also already be on your summer agenda, but in between those trips, let your kids enjoy miniaturized versions of some of their favorite games, rides or activities at those parks in your backyard. Kiddie pools, Slip ‘n Slides, volleyball nets, Twister games, even a ropes course can all enhance the long summer days and nights spent at home.

Older kids would love to play games of volleyball with their friends. Add some extra fun by stringing up twinkle lights on the net and adding some reflective tape or paint to the ball for some great night-time game playing. Spray paint a Twister game board on the grass for an outdoor version, or take your existing Twister game and add colored shaving cream to each circle for some good messy fun.

Poolside fun

If your summer plans include lots of time spent poolside, whether at the city pool or in your own backyard, there are dozens of ways to keep everyone entertained while splashing in the water, beyond non-stop games of Marco Polo and Chicken. While you enjoy some time soaking in the sun with a great book (You could make yourself a cabana bed out of pallets!), let the kids splash around enjoying some new ideas.

Create a Hot Wheels race track out of pool noodles. First car to plunge into the water wins. Using Frisbees assigned with different points values, play a sponge toss game. Host a pool jousting contest with pool floats and noodle. And don’t forget the great evening pool options. Host a “Dive-In” movie featuring favorites like “Jaws” or “Pirates of the Caribbean.” After the movie you can toss in glow sticks in different colors and have kids see how many they can collect.

– Jennifer Durrant