Make Your Own Shade with These 5 Canopy Tent Options

Protection from the elements and easy transport make a pop-up canopy a smart option for a family on the go. Available in a variety of sizes from the classic ten-foot to a more spacious 12-foot version, they’re portable enough to keep in the car and are easy to set up. Some versions can be assembled in minutes, with no tools. Another consideration when choosing a pop-up canopy is whether it offers UV protection because not all fabrics block the sun’s powerful rays. If that’s a priority, check that the canopy you buy is made of UV-blocking material.

Show off your team spirit with a pop-up tent perfect for tailgating. Covered with the name, logo and colors of your favorite team, it’s an easy way to show where your loyalty is on game day. Not only does it get you pumped for kickoff, but also it gives you a sheltered area to grill and hang out with friends. Like other pop-up tents, it protects you from the elements. If the deal couldn’t get any sweeter, these versions come with two chairs and a table, too. Made of durable polyester and steel, these sturdy canopies are built to handle enthusiastic fans. Visit our NFL Fan Shop for more.

Say goodbye to your beach umbrella forever, because once you’ve experienced a beach canopy there’s no going back. Instead of one or two people huddled under the umbrella, a canopy creates enough shade for four adults to lay down. Made of sun-blocking material that’s UPF50+, it offers more protection than the average sunshade. Strong poles that can be reinforced with sand help solve for a windy day at the beach.

Stay dry while still enjoying the great outdoors in a water-resistant canopy tent. It’s a smart place to take shelter during a drizzly kid’s sporting event or to have on hand for an impromptu picnic. Choose from options with ample square footage that can cover a crowd if needed. Don’t forget the difference between waterproof and water-resistant. This type of canopy works well for light drizzle but not for severe weather spanning long periods of time. That said, it's an ideal item to have with you in case you need it while you’re out and about.

The trick to happy camping is bringing some of the comforts of indoor living with you. A camping canopy acts as an outdoor room where you can relax, eat, or prep food out of the hot sun or rain. A feature unique to these models is zip-up screen panels to keep the bugs at bay — and out of your food. With extra clearance for tall family members, these canopies cover a crowd too, making it a great spot for your family to eat a meal after a long hike or play games once it gets dark.