The backyard is the heart and center of activity in the summer months. The gardens are in full production, children are home from school playing and creating lifetime memories and the family can share quality time together outdoors. As the temperatures rise in many areas, the backyard oasis also becomes a place to relax and cool down.
With the higher temperatures in mind it’s time to plan backyard activities that will help keep you cool. Many of these activities will involve water. You could consider adding a pool to the backyard if you have the space and time for its upkeep. Most of your outdoor activities would center on the pool and deck or patio area. There are many different priced backyard swimming pools that might fit your needs. When I was in college the entire backyard court was filled with kiddie pools and they worked fine.
But if you can’t have a pool there are many alternatives to keep cool and have fun with water in the backyard.
Water balloon fights are very refreshing and a fun backyard activity. Balloons come in all sizes, are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. There are many relays and games that can be played in teams or with a few people. And it’s an activity for all ages and fits in well at parties, picnics and reunions.
Another water activity might include a water gun fight. It is another activity that interest all ages. Water guns can be purchased for a reasonable price, particularly off-season or in retail stores or five and dime stores. I have also found water guns at auctions and garage sales.
Water sprinklers are a calmer more relaxing way to cool off. Water sprinklers will often spray in a number of different directions. Small children often enjoy these. These are not suited to all backyards and if you need to conserve water. I used to let my Labrador Retriever play in the sprinkler for a few minutes after he took a swim in the creek. He would loose the fish smell he had picked up form his swimming adventure.
For most water sports and games you will need access to a water hose. All water toys can then be filled outdoors and not in your kitchen where water may get spilled. And with water games and running games keep in mind that children should be watched at all times.
One other way to cool off in the summer is by setting up a small water pond or water fountain. The water will cool the air nearby and make you feel cooler. Add a patio umbrella and night lights to extend your time into the evening and your backyard will be a backyard oasis paradise for all to enjoy.