These days, pools and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. It makes sense: they're a way to cool the kids down while also letting them enjoy themselves (and moms can, too). But a pool isn't an option for everyone. Whether a backyard just doesn't have one or there's not a community one nearby, there are plenty of reasons a pool day just isn't in the cards. With that said, a summer day without a pool can still be fun. And it is still possible for kids to get wet. There are tons of ways to keep cool without a swim — it's just a matter of getting creative and thinking outside the box. With a tarp laying around, or sponges and a hose, the possibilities for water time are endless.
Yes, it's even possible to turn a backyard into a water park if one should want to go that far. So how exactly does one stay cool and keep the kids cool and occupied? Start with household objects, like sponges or buckets, and fill them with water. Remember that tarp above? Great, create a slip and slide. Just remember to keep an eye out and stay safe. (Pro tip: Remove any rocks from underneath any slip and slides or thinly lined baby pools.) If it's possible to keep them busy during a rainy day, it's just as doable to do so on a summer day. Because it's incredibly easy to get wet, and for once, it's OK for them to. So when other summer activities aren't doable a certain day, or if there's a heatwave, these ideas are cheap and easy options.
Happy splashing!
Set Up a Sprinkler
A sprinkler is the classic no-pool alternative that truly gets anyone just as wet and cooled down. They sell them on Amazon or local retailers, but it's also fairly easy to make them using PVC pipe or pool noodles.
Blow Up Some Water Balloons
Water balloons can keep things cool but also make a for a good game, too. Grab some at the dollar store, fill them up and have a toss or game of tag.
Play a Sponge Toss Game
One of the simplest but most fun backyard water games has to be playing with sponges. Kids can have relay races or a toss.
Have Some Fun Watering the Plants
Take an opportunity to water the plants. The hose is basically a sprinkler and, hey, kids can pretend they're flowers for a bit.
Make Popsicles
There's just something so refreshing about an ice pop on a hot summer day. Make it an activity by making them at home and add fresh fruit to the mix.
Unroll the Slip N Slide
Slip N Slides are easily kids' top water activities, even if there is a pool involved. Purchase a tarp at the store or check for a clean and safe one in the garage. Turn on the hose, maybe add some olive oil, and let the sliding begin.
Break Out the Water Soakers
Play water tag with a water soaker! They sell water soakers at the store but noodles can work just as well. There's lots of other things to make out of noodles, too.
Blow Up an Inflatable Pool
OK, this may count as cheating, but inflatable pools are quick and hold-over alternatives to bigger pools. They can be sat in and cool off whoever is in it quickly.
Head to Local Playground With a Splash Pad
Go big or go home with the sprinkler route. Many parks or playgrounds have splash pads in the summer for kids to play around in. Head over there to get wet and play.
Bob for Rubber Ducks (or Apples)
Turn a carnival game into a fun backyard one. Fill a tub, bin, or mini pool with apples or rubber ducks and have the kids bob for them (with supervision, of course). Whoever gets the most wins! And is wet! Yay!
Check the Community Pool for Day Passes
This one might count as cheating, too, but it's technically a thing to do if one doesn't have a pool in the backyard. Public pools are often free and many communities have day rates and discounted night rates.
Head to a Fun Museum
Museums can have water fun, too! Many kids' museums have water tables for the little ones and air conditioning for mom and dad. It's a win-win for everyone.
Make Ice Cream
It's not summer without ice cream. Either go out for some scoops or have the little ones make their own. Making DIY ice cream at home super easy and the kids will have the satisfaction of tasting their hard work at the end.
Paint With Water
Painting can be mess-free, believe it or not. Break out the paintbrushes and a bucket of water and have kids decorate the sidewalk with their designs.
Purchase a Splash Pad Mat
Play mats work well for moms with babies or toddlers. Just sit 'em down on the pad and let them splash away.
Splash Pad ($23, Amazon)
Play Catch With a Squishy Water Ball
For the more sports-oriented kids, turn a regular game of catch into a water sport. (Well, sorta.) Wet a regular ball, or get one of those water-absorbant squishy ones for a game of catch.
Find a Nearby Lake or Spring
What's a pool got on natural bodies of water? Find a lake or spring nearby (or if one is lucky enough, a beach) and let the kids splash around.
Do a Toy 'Car Wash'
Picture this: mom gets to finally wash her car and kids can get wet. Or they can wash their toys, too. Whatever the case, it's a win-win scenario for all.
Make a DIY Dump Bucket Game
Remember the Ice Bucket challenge? Bring that back with a water bucket game the older kids can make the rules for — or a fun little kid-appropriate version.
Play a 'Pass the Water' Game
Have a relay race game that also doubles as a water one. Fill a cup a water and have the kids sit in a line, one in front of the other. Give the cup to the first child in line and have them pass the cup to the person behind them, over their heads, without spilling.
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