As summer kicks off, finding ways to keep your family entertained without a phone or TV screen is crucial. Your backyard presents a limitless realm of possibilities when it comes to family fun. With some imagination, craft supplies, and an adventurous attitude, you can transform your yard into the neighborhood’s number one destination for fun in the great outdoors.
Waterworld
Don’t let high temperatures ruin the prospects of an exciting afternoon in the backyard. If you’ve got some water balloons handy, you’ve got all the makings for a splashing good time – no trip to the water park needed.
Invite some of the neighborhood over for some friendly competition in the form of a water balloon relay race. Start by dividing everyone into two teams, each with a bucket of filled water balloons. Remove your chair covers, take off the cushions, and set up two chairs. Teams must then race to pop all of their balloons by sitting on them.
If you’d prefer something a little bit more laid back, simply setting up a sprinkler should do the trick. Let the little ones run through it to their heart’s content while you relax in the cool comfort provided by your solar shades or canopy covers.
Scavenger Hunt
You should always make time for an adventure, even if it’s right in your own backyard. Arranging a scavenger hunt the whole family can get in on brings some much-needed excitement to an average summer day, all with little effort on your part.
The first step in creating a scavenger hunt is curating the list of treasures. Common items worth including can be found throughout nature, such as pine cones or mushrooms, or small toys well-hidden ahead of time. Make sure to include a good mix of common items with rarer finds for a balanced game.
Keep in mind that your hunt shouldn’t interfere with the environment of your yard. While items such as small rocks or leaves can be scavenged, leave plants and animal habitats alone and instead take a photo as evidence of the find. After all, eco-friendliness should always be a priority.
S’more Fun
If there’s one summer time treat that’s universally beloved it’s s’mores. The combination of gooey marshmallow, crunchy graham crackers, and the delectable sweetness of chocolate is the perfect way to close out a summer evening backyard comfort.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of s’mores is the DIY factor. Unlike pre-made desserts, s’mores can be customized exactly to your liking, whether you like your marshmallows burnt or peanut butter mixed in with the melty chocolate. Make an activity out of after-dinner desserts by setting up a s’mores station, complete with all the fixin’s.
A s’mores station should feature not only the basics of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers but more adventurous options as well, such as peanut butter, sliced strawberries, and banana slices, as well as condiments like whipped cream and caramel sauce. Scared of spills or stains? A sectional cover will protect your patio furniture from any clumsiness.
Obstacle Course
With school letting out and a free summer ahead, there’s no doubt your kids are full of seemingly limitless energy. Keep restlessness at bay by constructing a backyard obstacle course that’s just the right amount of challenging.
Here are some of the most versatile materials to use for creating challenges:
- Pool noodles: Inexpensive and easy to work with, foam pool noodles can be used for a number of obstacles. Stake a handful of noodles into the ground in arch shapes to build crawl tunnels.
- Hula hoops: Hang a hoop from a low tree branch for the kids to jump through while completing the course. Or lay them flat about a foot apart for some bunny hopping from hoop to hoop.
- Cones: Place cones in a zigzag pattern to create a weaving path that tests the kids’ agility. These can also be used to mark the finish line.
Kids should always be supervised by an adult while participating in the obstacle course. It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on standby in case of scrapes, bruises, or sunburns.
Outdoor Artists
Encouraging kids to embrace their creative side is essential for a well-balanced summer. On days when temperatures are mild and pleasant, set up a DIY art studio in the backyard and watch your child’s artistic expression unfold right before your eyes.
Ditch the easels and sidewalk chalk for art activities that are a little more outside the box. One art project the kids will never forget? DIY paint squirt guns. Pick up a few toy squirt guns from your local discount store, as well as poster paints and a few acrylic canvases.
Water down the paints at a 50-50 ratio and fill the guns with the mixture. Set up the canvases, protect your furniture by putting on your chair covers and sectional covers, and let the kids have free rein to aim, shoot, and create a masterpiece.
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