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6 Ways to Turn Your Backyard into a Kid's Wonderland

This summer, treat yourself to the backyard of your DIY dreams and transform it into a creative space where a kid can be a kid.

Excited by all the possibilities? So are we. That's why we're sharing six of our favorite ideas — all incorporating items you can find at Costco.com for use in unexpected, ultra kid-friendly ways.

1. Loft-bed outdoor "tree house"

Love the idea of a tree house, but lacking in, well, trees? Place a loft bed outdoors and furnish it with a weather-resistant mattress pad and pillows to create a mounted, open-air space for anything from reading to stargazing.

Pro-Tip: Utilize the space below to store outdoor toys, tools and bicycles. Or fasten a small hammock to either end of the bed frame to take advantage of the coverage.

2. Pergola by day, outdoor theater by night

Transform a pergola into an outdoor movie theater using a white sheet and a projector. Add an old-school popcorn machine and all-weather cushions, and you can bet on a full house for any neighborhood showing.

Pro-Tip: For just enough lighting, hang outdoor string lights along the edge of the "theatre." Or, if you have a walkway, pepper it with lanterns for a more authentic feel.

3. Hanging photo booth

Suspend large, empty picture frames from low-hanging tree branches to create an outdoor "photo booth." Kids will race to strike a pose inside the frame while you capture memorable photos for a true win-win.

4. Part picnic table, part blank canvas

Spray a backyard picnic table with all-weather chalkboard paint so that young Picassos-in-the-making can dabble in the arts while snacking on a good old-fashioned PB&J.

Pro-Tip: Make your own chalkboard paint (in any color) by mixing 1 cup of latex paint with 1 tablespoon of unsanded grout until the texture is smooth and lump-free.

5. Outdoor pizza oven

Planning a backyard birthday party? Set up an outdoor, kid-friendly "pizza bar" for friends to create their own personal pizza (messes encouraged).

Pro-Tip: Use your wood fired oven for the ultimate chocolate chip skillet cookie. Top it with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge for some serious parental street-cred.

6. S'mores roasting station

Convert a multi-tiered rolling cart into a DIY s'mores roasting station during the warm summer months by loading the shelves with all the essentials, from roasting sticks to group games.