Backyard water fun, no pool required

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Unplugged Perspective: Backyard Splash Course

It’s getting hot out here. It’s been relentlessly hot. So we’ve had to find creative ways to stay cool while still having fun. One of our favorite ways is a backyard water obstacle course.

Now you might be thinking that sounds complex, but don’t worry. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it.

Just the other day, I was finishing up some irrigation work on our little backyard corn crop. The sun was beating down, and I was ready to call it quits when my wife got the water going for our kids. Simple water fun was already underway.

I was hot and wanted to cool off, so I snuck off to put on my trunks. When I came back out ready to play, my son shouted, “Dad, you wanna go through the obstacle course!?”

Absolutely I did.

I asked him to show me, and he explained: “Okay, first you step through the doggy pool, then run through this sprinkler, then the next one, and then come back through each one!”

It was a simple course to follow, and it sure was fun. After a few laps, I took on the slip and slide. It's a little scary to run and launch yourself across the grass, but it was a fun, cool time.

We finished off our cool down by just hanging out in the doggy pool. It was fun to sit and talk about all the things a five-year-old has running through his head. This was one of those special moments I know I’ll always treasure. No rushing or distractions. Just hanging out in the pool, having a nice chat. I’m not sure who needed it more, me or him.

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The Unplugged Idea: Splash Course

Gear up for backyard water mayhem with a few of these fun staples.

Reusable Water Balloons:
We just got some of these less than a week ago and have been having a blast with them. Just like regular water balloons, toss one back and forth and see how far apart you can get!

Sponge Bombs:
These are just car washing sponges, but they really hold a lot of water. Cut them in half and you’ve got a reusable water balloon with a big splash.

Sprinkler Attachment:
Turn your hose into an instant splash zone. I’ve found the kids like the spinning types more—it adds an element of “danger” to jump over the circling arms.

Slip and Slide:
The classic backyard thrill. This is the one we have, but there are plenty to choose from that allow for one, two, or more sliders with different spray patterns.

Water Guns:
Simple and fun for every age group. I found them cheaper at Costco, so check there if you can. These pair well with the buckets listed below.

Kiddie Pool:
This is the style we have, and it’s great if you also have a dog that wants to play. Since it’s not inflatable and made of tough material, sharp claws won’t pop it.

Buckets or Cups:
Pair these buckets with the water guns above, or just use some plastic cups. Easy access to water for pouring, tossing, or spraying. This is the style we have, though we bought it from Walmart for less than Amazon.

The Rules: Ways to Play

Ages 0–3: Keep It Gentle

If your little one isn’t walking yet, then I suggest filling a shallow dish with water and playing with them in that with some other kitchen items like spoons and measuring cups. You’d be surprised how long a baby can be entertained by those

If you’ve got a walker, then give this a try:

• Step through the kiddie pool.

• Walk around a sprinkler (or let it mist them).

• Toss a sponge bomb into a bucket.

• Scoop water with a cup and pour it into a bowl or onto your head! They’ll love that

Ages 4-6: Add a Little Challenge

Kids this age love clear steps and light competition.

• Jump over or run around three “markers” of some sort (hoops, cones, balls, etc).

• Run through the sprinkler arms without stopping.

• Use a sponge bomb to “tag” a water bucket.

• Slide on the slip and slide and finish in the kiddie pool.
  Make it a race... or let them be the timekeeper for you.

Ages 7–10: Go All Out
Time to turn up the energy.

• Sprint across the yard carrying a full cup of water (but don’t spill until the end, then dump on yourself!)

• Belly-slide the full length of the slip and slide.

• Leap over pool noodles or buckets.

• Attack a target with the water guns.

• Finish by launching a water balloon at a target (like a bucket or towel on the fence).

Unplugged Wrapped-Up

I’m pretty excited to try more of these ideas with my kids. We’ve only done a few so far, so there’s plenty of experimenting ahead. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Sometimes the best memories happen in a simple doggy pool.

Remember, kids love being active with their parents. You don’t need a big budget or a perfect backyard to make this happen. Grab what you have, get out there, and get wet.

-Ted

P.S. What’s your favorite way to cool off in the summer? Hit reply and let me know. I may feature your story in an upcoming issue. And if you build a backyard splash course, snap a photo and send it my way. I’d love to see what you come up with!

P.P.S. Help another dad cool off with his kids—just forward this email.