7 Outdoor TV Uses that aren’t Watching Sports
Posted by Emilyann Allen on 30th Jan 2026
Outdoor TV Uses that Aren’t Watching Sports | The TV Shield
When most people think of outdoor TVs, they picture a big game, cold drinks, and a crowd yelling at the referee. And sure, that’s a classic. But an outdoor TV (or an indoor TV protected by an outdoor TV cabinet like The TV Shield which provides better impact-resistance and cost-savings) can do a whole lot more than show touchdowns and home runs.
Backyard screens have quietly become one of the most versatile upgrades a home can have. They turn patios into entertainment zones, pools into party hubs, and quiet evenings into something a little more special. Whether you live somewhere sunny year-round or only break out patio furniture part of the year, an outdoor TV opens the door to experiences you probably haven’t even thought about yet.
If your outdoor TV is currently only switched on for sports season, you are leaving a lot of fun on the table. Here are seven creative, practical, and surprisingly popular ways people are using their outdoor TVs that have nothing to do with watching sports.
Table of Contents
- Home Fitness Sessions
- Outdoor Movie Nights
- Music Video Parties
- Holidays and National Events
- Poolside Entertainment
- Gaming Nights
- DIY Projects and Tutorials
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Home Fitness Sessions
Your backyard might be the best fitness studio you never knew you had.
Streaming workout classes outside adds a totally different vibe to your routine. Healthy fresh air, natural light, and actual space to move can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like something you actually want to do.
Yoga, Pilates, HIIT workouts, and even guided stretching sessions all translate beautifully to an outdoor screen.
Ways People Use Outdoor TVs for Fitness:
- Morning yoga sessions with online instructors
- Guided meditation videos at sunset
- Family-friendly workout routines on weekends
- Following dance or cardio classes without knocking over furniture
An outdoor TV lets you see form cues clearly, follow along comfortably, and avoid contorting your neck around a tablet balanced on a chair. Once you try stretching while watching the sun come up, going back indoors feels like a downgrade.
Outdoor Movie Nights
Movie night hits differently when it’s outside.
Outdoor TVs (the centerpiece of an outdoor home theater) make it easy to host casual movie nights without the hassle of projectors, tangled cords, or waiting for it to get dark enough to see the screen. Animated movies for kids, rom coms with friends, or classic films with neighbors all feel more fun under the open sky.
To Level Up Your Outdoor Movie Setup:
- Add comfy seating with blankets and pillows
- Set up soft lighting so people can move around safely
- Keep a snack station nearby for popcorn and drinks
- Choose movies that match the vibe of the night
An outdoor TV brings cinema quality without the bugs, blurry images, or setup drama. Plus, nobody complains about the volume when the sound is already outside.
3. Music Video Parties
If your Spotify or YouTube Music playlist deserves visuals, your backyard is the place to make it happen.
Music videos, live concert streams, and DJ sets are a perfect fit for outdoor TVs. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, birthday party, or just a Friday night with friends, visuals turn background music into a full-on experience.
Popular Music-Related Uses Include:
- Looping music videos during parties
- Streaming live concerts or festivals
- Karaoke nights with lyrics on screen
- Creating themed playlists with visuals to match
An outdoor TV gives guests something to watch between conversations and keeps the energy up without demanding everyone’s attention. It’s entertainment that enhances the atmosphere instead of hijacking it.
Read more: Top 10 Made-in-the-USA Outdoor Living Furniture & Accessories
4. Holidays and National Events
Some events deserve more than a phone screen.
From New Year and Fourth of July fireworks broadcasts to Thanksgiving parades and holiday specials, an outdoor TV makes national and seasonal celebrations feel bigger and more communal. Instead of crowding around a living room, everyone can spread out, relax, and enjoy the moment together.
Outdoor TVs are Great for:
- Watching fireworks displays without fighting traffic
- Streaming holiday parades with family brunch
- Playing seasonal videos during themed gatherings
- Hosting neighborhood watch parties for major events
It keeps the celebration outdoors where it belongs, especially when food, kids, and conversation are already happening outside.
5. Poolside Entertainment
Pools and TVs are a natural combo, but it’s not just about background noise.
An outdoor TV near a pool creates instant entertainment that works for all ages. Kids can watch cartoons while taking breaks from swimming, adults can follow travel shows or lifestyle content, and everyone can enjoy visuals without heading indoors dripping wet.
Common Poolside TV Uses:
- Kids shows during family swim time
- Travel or nature videos for a relaxed vibe
- Music channels with visuals instead of static images
- Relaxing content during evening swims
Outdoor TVs are built to be viewed from a distance and at angles, which makes them far more practical than trying to squint at a tablet near the water. Quality weatherproof TV enclosures offer these same advantages as outdoor TVs, as well as higher weatherproofing, shatterproof screen options, longer warranties, cost-savings due to longer TV life outside, and even the ability to house and protect other devices such as Roku, Amazon Firestick, game consoles, mini-PCs, and more.
6. Gaming Nights
Video games are not just for mom’s basement anymore.
Outdoor TVs have opened the door to backyard gaming nights, and they are a hit with teens, adults, and anyone who loves friendly competition. Fighting games, racing games, party games, and even trivia apps work surprisingly well outside. Picture exciting Mario Kart races or Minecraft building sessions on the patio on a sunny day or intense Halo or Fortnite parties on the deck at night.
Why Outdoor Gaming Works:
- Bigger screen means everyone can see clearly
- Fresh air keeps sessions comfortable
- Social games feel more interactive outdoors
- It turns gaming into a group event
- Gamers can enjoy the health benefits of time outdoors
Add some patio seating and a couple of controllers, and suddenly your backyard is the most popular hangout on the block.
7. DIY Projects and Tutorials
Ever tried following a DIY video on your phone with dusty hands? Not ideal.
Outdoor TVs are incredibly useful for home improvement projects, grilling tutorials, gardening guides, and creative hobbies. Instead of running back and forth inside to replay a step, you can watch everything right where the work is happening.
People Commonly Use Outdoor TVs for:
- Grilling and smoking tutorials
- Woodworking or DIY project videos
- Gardening guides and landscaping inspiration
- Craft projects that are messy or space-heavy
This is one example where protecting your outdoor TV really matters. Dust, weather changes, and outdoor debris are part of the environment. Using a purpose-built enclosure like The TV Shield helps keep screens safe without turning your setup into an eyesore. It lets you enjoy the convenience without worrying about every splash, breeze, or unexpected storm.
FAQ
- Can I use a regular TV outside?
You can, but it’s risky. Indoor TVs are not designed to handle moisture, temperature changes, or high-speed object impacts (such as thrown balls or flying debris in storms). Even on covered patios, exposure adds up over time.
- What kind of content works best on outdoor TVs?
Anything that benefits from space and group viewing works well. Fitness videos, movies, music, tutorials, and events are all popular choices. Outdoor TVs are great for individuals or groups to watch TV shows, movies, YouTube, sports, news, cartoons, documentaries, musical performances, Twitch, and more.
- Do outdoor TVs need protection even under a patio cover?
Sometimes. Covered does not mean sealed. Humidity, dust, insects, and temperature still affect electronics over time. Both indoor and outdoor TVs (depending on the specs) can benefit from added protection under patio covers.
- How do people protect outdoor TVs without ruining the look?
Many homeowners use weather-resistant enclosures designed specifically for outdoor use. Options like The TV Shield are made to protect screens while still looking clean and intentional.
- Are outdoor TVs hard to maintain?
Not at all. With the right setup and protection, maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning and checking connections usually does the job.
- Is an outdoor TV worth it if I don’t watch sports?
Absolutely. Sports are just one small slice of what outdoor TVs can do. Many owners end up using them more for movies, fitness, and everyday entertainment.
- How long can an outdoor TV last?
With proper protection and placement, an outdoor TV can last for years. Keeping it shielded with a weatherproof TV case from weather and debris makes a huge difference in longevity.