Gas Prices Are Up: Turn Your Backyard Into the Ultimate Summer Staycation
Let’s be honest, with gas prices doing what they’ve been doing lately, loading up the minivan and hitting the highway for a summer vacation feels a little different than it used to. Road trips that used to feel spontaneous now require a spreadsheet.
But here’s the thing: some of the best summer memories don’t happen on a highway. They happen in your own backyard.
Whether you’ve got a wide open lawn in Muskego, a patio in Racine, or a side yard in the Milwaukee suburbs, there’s no reason your summer can’t feel like a full-blown event, without the gas station stops, the hotel checkout times, or the road food regrets.
At All Star Rentals, we help families across Southeastern Wisconsin do exactly that. And this summer, more people than ever are calling us to transform their outdoor space into something worth staying home for.
Here’s how to pull it off.
1. Start With Shade: Rent a Tent and Make It Feel Like a Destination
The first step to a great backyard staycation is creating a space that actually feels different from your everyday surroundings. A tent does that instantly.
Our tent rentals give you a defined outdoor “room” somewhere to gather, eat, relax, and get out of the sun without going inside. Whether you’re hosting 20 people or 100, there’s a tent size that fits your yard and your guest count.
And no, you don’t need to be throwing a wedding to rent a tent. Plenty of our customers rent tents just for family weekends, neighborhood get-togethers, or a Saturday cookout they want to feel a little more special.
Pro tip: Not sure what size tent you need? That’s one of the most common questions we get, and we love walking customers through it. Just give us a call, tell us how many people you’re expecting and what your yard looks like, and we’ll help you figure it out.
2. Add a Water Slide or Bounce House; Your Kids Will Never Want to Leave
Here’s a low-cost, high-reward move: rent a water slide or inflatable bounce house for the weekend.
We offer a cash-and-carry option on many of our inflatables, which means you can pick it up, keep it for the entire weekend, and return it when the fun is over. Or, if you’d rather not deal with the setup and takedown, we’ll deliver, set it up before your guests arrive, and come back to break everything down.
For families with kids, a water slide rental pretty much eliminates any “I’m bored” complaints for 48 straight hours. And adults aren’t exactly immune to the appeal either.
The best part? You’re spending a fraction of what you’d spend on a family trip, and nobody has to sit in traffic.
3. Set the Scene With Tables, Chairs, and Linens That Actually Look Good
Here’s where a lot of backyard parties fall flat: the plastic folding tables and mismatched lawn chairs.
We get it, you use what you have. But if you want your staycation to feel like a real event (the kind people talk about after), the setup matters.
All Star Rentals carries a wide range of tables, chairs, linens, and event furniture that can turn a basic backyard into something that actually looks intentional. Whether you want a clean and casual vibe or something a little more polished, we can help you get there.
And if you’re planning something with dancing? We have dance floors too.
4. Think About the Details That Make It Feel Like a Getaway
The best staycations are the ones where someone clearly put thought into the details. A few ideas to make your backyard feel like a real destination this summer:
- Set up a dedicated food and drink station with a rented bar or serving table
- Create a lounge area using our event furniture — we have sofas, chairs, and accent pieces that look like they belong at a resort
- Run string lights or lanterns for evening ambiance (we can help you think through what to hang them from)
- Hire a local food truck or caterer to come to your yard — it makes it feel like a real outing without going anywhere
- Add a concession element — we carry concession equipment rentals like popcorn machines and cotton candy makers that the kids (and adults) absolutely love
5. Don't Worry About the Weather; We've Got You Covered
One of the most common concerns we hear from customers planning outdoor events is: “What if it rains?”
Honestly? That’s exactly why you rent a tent.
Wisconsin summers are beautiful, but they’re also Wisconsin — and weather doesn’t always cooperate. A proper tent rental gives you shelter, keeps your food and guests dry, and means your party doesn’t have to move inside or get canceled.
We help customers think through weather contingencies as part of the planning process, because we’ve seen enough summer events to know that a little preparation goes a long way.
We Handle the Heavy Lifting So You Don’t Have To
One thing we hear a lot after events is: “I can’t believe how easy that was.”
That’s the goal. When you rent from All Star Rentals, you’re not just getting equipment — you’re getting a team that shows up, sets everything up before your guests arrive, and comes back to take it all down when the party’s over. You focus on enjoying the day. We handle the rest.
We’ve been doing this for families, schools, churches, businesses, and community organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin for decades. We know what works, we know what to watch out for, and we genuinely enjoy helping people pull off great events.
Ready to Turn Your Backyard Into Something Special?
Gas prices may be up, but your summer doesn’t have to suffer for it. The best staycation you’ll have this year might be happening right in your own backyard — you just need a little help making it feel that way.
Request a quote from All Star Rentals today and let’s figure out exactly what you need to make it happen. We serve communities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Muskego, Racine, and surrounding areas.
Give us a call at (414) 427-9951 or reach out online. We’d love to help you plan something great.
All Star Rentals is a family-owned event rental company based in Muskego, WI. We offer tent rentals, tables, chairs, linens, inflatables, water slides, dance floors, and more, with delivery, setup, and pickup included. Fully licensed and insured, and proud to serve Southeastern Wisconsin.