What's better than a trip to a water park in the heat of summer? Well, how about a trip to the water park in your own backyard without the pricey tickets, traffic jams, and long lines?
Parents across the country have gotten creative in constructing some amazing backyard water play spaces. From simple tricks to some pretty impressive creations, there's an idea in here for every backyard.
Water Blob
This big water blob — basically a giant DIY combo of a trampoline and a slip-and-slide — will entertain kids and adults alike for hours. It's made using plastic sheeting and duct tape. Can you even imagine how mind-blowing the addition of glitter would be?
Kiddie Car Wash
Kids will go crazy for this kiddie car wash, which they can ride their bikes through or just run through themselves. We're not suggesting this is a substitute for a bath once in a while, but we're not saying it's not either.
Sponge Water Bombs
It's bomb's away with these super soft, easy-to-soak sponge water bombs. All you need are some zip ties, rubber bands, and sponges.
Water Slide
No need for fancy inflatables here. Just grab some plastic sheeting and a water source and start slip sliding away all day.
Water Blasters
Blast off! The only kind of good fight is a water fight, and these DIY water blasters will provide hours of fun.
Water Balloon Slide
You're going to need to fill a lot of water balloons for this water balloon slip and slide, but oh how it will be worth it. The secret ingredient to making it extra slippery: baby shampoo.
Dunk Bucket
Ready, aim, fun! This DIY dunk bucket puts someone in the hot seat, which is actually a fantastic way to cool off.
Bottle Sprinkler
For water shooting every which way, this homemade pop bottle sprinkler is the way to go. All you need is a water or soda pop bottle, duct tape, and a hose. Easy, environmentally friendly, and oh so much fun.
Sprinkler Zone
Take sprinkler fun to the next level with an entire DIY sprinkler system made using PVC pipes. Add a ride-on toy to up the fun even further.
Water Wall
Little ones will be wowed by this homemade water wall. Using scraps and some recyclable items you likely already have, you can put this together in a snap for hours of fun.
Water balloon piñatas
Tie water balloons to a tree or awning, and you have the best summer game around — water balloon piñatas. Grab a blindfold and a stick, and let the wacky water antics begin.
Splash Pad
This adorable splash pad will keep kids cool all summer long. While there are plenty of companies that sell kits, a few PVC pipes, some mister nozzles, and a colorful mat were all that were needed to create this one.
