Summer Backyard Fun: DIY Water Play Activities

Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, especially in your own backyard. When the temperatures rise, there’s no better way to keep cool and have fun than with some water play activities. Here is some exciting DIY water play ideas that will keep kids and adults entertained all summer long.

DIY Splash Pad

Creating a splash pad at home is easier than you might think. All you need is a heavy-duty tarp or plastic sheet, a garden hose, and some pool noodles.

Instructions:

1. Lay the tarp on a flat surface in your backyard.
2. Arrange the pool noodles around the edges of the tarp and secure them with waterproof tape to create a border.
3. Attach the garden hose to a sprinkler and place it in the middle of the tarp.
4. Turn on the water and let the fun begin!

This DIY splash pad is perfect for younger kids who love to splash around without the worry of deep water.

Water Balloon Piñata

Combine the fun of piñatas and water balloons for a refreshing twist on a party classic.

Materials Needed:

• Balloons
• String
• A sturdy stick or bat

Instructions:

1. Fill the balloons with water and tie them off.
2. Use the string to hang the balloons from a tree branch or clothesline at varying heights.
3. Blindfold the participants, give them a stick, and let them take turns trying to burst the water balloons.

Not only is this a blast for the kids, but it also provides a summer fun for adults too!

DIY Water Slide

Transform a grassy hill into a slippery, speedy water slide with just a few household items.

Materials Needed:

• A long plastic sheet or tarp
• Dish soap
• A garden hose

Instructions:

1. Lay the plastic sheet or tarp down the length of a gentle slope in your yard.
2. Wet the tarp thoroughly with the garden hose.
3. Add a small amount of dish soap to make it extra slippery.
4. Turn on the hose and let the water flow down the slide.

Make sure to supervise young children and add some padding at the end of the slide to ensure a safe landing.

Sponge Water Bombs

Sponge water bombs are a fantastic alternative to water balloons. They’re reusable and easy to make!

Materials Needed:

• Sponges
• Rubber bands or string
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut the sponges into strips.
2. Gather a few strips together and tie them in the middle with a rubber band or string.
3. Fluff out the ends to create a ball shape.

Dip the sponge bombs in water and start a friendly water fight. These are great for younger kids as they are soft and easy to handle.

Water Obstacle Course

Set up a challenging and fun water obstacle course in your backyard to keep everyone active and entertained.

Ideas for Obstacles:

• Sprinkler Tunnel: Place a few sprinklers in a row that participants must run through.
• Water Balloon Toss: Set up a station where participants must toss water balloons into buckets.
• Slip and Slide: Use your DIY water slide as one of the obstacles.
• Pool Noodle Hurdles: Lay pool noodles on the ground to jump over or crawl under.

Instructions:

1. Plan the layout of your course and set up each station.
2. Use a garden hose to keep the obstacles wet and slippery.
3. Time each participant to see who can complete the course the fastest.

Ice Block Treasure Hunt

Freeze small toys or coins inside large ice blocks and have kids excavate them.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic containers
• Small toys or coins
• Water

Instructions:

1. Place small toys or coins in plastic containers.
2. Fill the containers with water and freeze overnight.
3. Remove the ice blocks from the containers and hide them around the yard.

Give the kids small tools like spoons or toy hammers to chip away at the ice and find the hidden treasures. This activity is perfect for keeping cool while engaging in a bit of archaeology!

These summer fun activities are sure to make your backyard the go-to spot for summer fun. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to keep the kids entertained, these ideas are easy to set up and promise hours of enjoyment. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your swimsuit, and get ready to make a splash in your own backyard!