A house is more than just a place to live. We spend a lot of time in our homes, and having fun with your family in your home is important. Aside from quality time with family, most of us like to entertain guests, so a fun home can have a big impact on your life.

Let's take a look at five practical ways you can make your home more fun.

1. Improved Outdoor Area

While the house itself gets lots of attention, the outdoor area can be just as important. We all need to be outside, and if you have the right space in your backyard, you'll certainly want to spend more time there. Great outdoor spaces are perfect for entertaining or for simply relaxing and spending time together as a family.

There are a lot of different ways you can improve your outdoor area. A privacy fence, trees and landscaping, a deck, a patio, and even an awning can all have a big impact. Some of these things can get pricey, but if you're able to do some of the work yourself you'll be able to save your money.

2. Add a Game Room

Heading back inside the house, a game room is the perfect way to make your house more fun. Game rooms are ideal for families or for entertaining. If you have kids, their friends will be spending more time at your house if you have a fun game room.

Alberto Restrepo is the founder of GameroomVault.com and he recommends adding games like ping pong, darts, or pool, as well as simple board games or a card table. Alberto says, “video games can also be a lot of fun for a game room, especially if you have kids or teens.”

3. Eliminate Formal Areas

Do you have formal areas in your house? If you're looking to up the fun factor, consider re-purposing the formal areas for something that will get more use. You may or may not be open to giving up your formal areas, but it's something to consider.

4. Get a Pool

Swimming pools can be expensive, and they do require maintenance, but there's no denying that they can make your home more fun. Whether it's an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool, your home will be a lot more popular in the summer if you're up for getting a pool.

5. Make it Sports-Friendly

One of the best ways to have more fun at home is to play sports more often. There are plenty of options and it really depends on what sports you and your family like. You could add a basketball hoop, get some portable soccer goals, a volleyball net, or even a skateboard ramp. Embrace games and sports at your house and it's sure to be a place for more fun.