Some years, you don’t have to wait until July rolls around to start feeling the sun getting to its most scorching version.
On very hot days, it’s easy to shun the outdoors altogether and stay safely tucked inside, within range of your AC system.
But this would be a waste of a good summer, wouldn’t it? Instead, why not try some refreshing backyard water games?
After all, water combines:
- A quick way to combine
- An inherently playful atmosphere
- The chance to engage in play-fighting with relatively little risk
So what fun things can you do in your backyard with water?
The answer includes anything from pool games such as Marco Polo, a modified Duck duck goose, a water gun fight, or installing a water balloon piñata.
Got a Swimming Pool? Here are Some Fun Water activities
As tempting as it is to simply lie on top of a water blob, this is a sure-fire way of catching a sunburn — while missing out on a good workout.
If you have a pool, try out any of these instead:
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Top | Water Balloons for Kids Boys & Girls | Check Price |
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A Pool noodles battle
- These foam noodles can be used for DIY projects or arts & crafts. The foam tubes work excellent for padding, edge cushion, or as creative kids accessory.
- DURABLE & STRONG - These premium pool noodles provide excellent flotation for endless use whether youre in the pool or the lake.
- RECREATIONAL USE ONLY - These jumbo pool noodles are not a lifesaving device. These pool noodles are not meant as a flotation device for kids or adults.
Super fun and super quick, just pretend your pool noodles are Jedi light sabres and try to knock your siblings or partner down.
If you are playing against someone smaller than you, try not to aim for their face directly.
Pool noodles are fortunately soft, so you’re unlikely to break anybody’s arm with them. Use them to spray some water around, duck, and roll a bit. The water resistance will make the workout all the more intense.
Duck duck goose
This is a very well-known backyard game that is usually played on dry land, as it involves chasing people around a circle.
However, it can easily be modified to be played inside a pool: it will simply provide a more demanding chase.
Just in case you forgot the old kindergarten rules: in this game, all players but one (who will be “it”) will be facing each other forming a circle.
“It” will go behind them, tapping their heads proclaiming them all to be “ducks”, until a random one will be “goose”. The one who is proclaimed goose will then have to chase “it” around the circle, and then become “it”.
Marco Polo
This classic pool game is often a bit more difficult to organize, as you will need at least 5 or 6 people to make it happen.
On the other hand, most people already know the rules — and if anyone doesn’t, they are simple enough to learn them after a few minutes.
Got a wide backyard? Here is how you can stay fresh
So what happens if you don’t have a pool (or if the pool is too small to accommodate a proper team game)? Then, you will simply need to get creative and find other ways to spray water around.
Don’t forget to have some iced tea ready for after the game!
Smash a Water balloon piñata
- Secure Attachment To Hose & Fill! Set Includes 12 Packs - Colors Vary
- RAPID-FILLING NIUSI WATER BALLOONS: Save filling time and jump into the outdoor fun this summer! Fill & Tie 440 Water Balloons in just 60 Seconds!
- QUICK FILL AND SELF SEALING -Fill & Tie water balloons in less than 60 Seconds!
Just like the name indicates, this is meant to be a piñata filled with water balloons instead of the regular candy treats.
Alternatively, you can buy a ready-made piñata and mix half the treats with some water balloons. Then, get a broom stick and try to get inside!
A water balloon piñata is a great way to keep older kids entertained during a birthday party, and the splash will be a nice surprise.
Water gun fights
- SUPER VALUE: 2 Pack Medium Size Water Guns for Kids. Specially Designed for kids. Item Measures 12.6 by 6.0. Hold up to 10 fl oz (300CC) Water.
- EASY & HIGH QUALITY: Easy to operate even for little Kids. Made with High-quality ABS Materials. Tested for Safety and Durability. CPC certified.
- LONG RANGE: Shoot up to 27 feet! Just Pump to Shoot after Filling Clean Water. Do Not Aim at Eyes or Face!
Whether you want a proper target practice session, or just an excuse to spray water around, a water gun fight will get everyone wet and hyped up in a matter of minutes.
Depending on the age of your guests, you can use proper high-pressure water guns, or keep things light with a spray bottle.
If you have a wide space and enough people to form teams, try throwing water bombs too.
Install slip n slides
- Zig-zag spray pattern sprinkler system runs the length of the slide for awesome water coverage for great sliding, connects easily to a water hose
- Extra-thick, heavy-duty PVC, more than twice as thick as most lawn slides on the market
- Super-slick embossed PVC so no need to add soap, 8 inch high side-wall pontoon to keep the sliders and the water on the slide
Up until a few years ago, water slides were reserved for big commercial water parks.
However, newer “slip n slides” are now easy to install, and let you have a quick horizontal dip and a few second of adrenaline.
Since you won’t be falling rapidly through a steep incline, you can connect them to a small inflatable pool without the fear of a harsh landing. You’ll get wet either way!
Add water to your obstacle course
- Unlike any other set, our patented double line design allows for the monkey bars to hang perpendicular to the course, as they should!
- Because the user is supported by two slacklines instead of one, there is greater support, which prevents the obstacles from bouncing up and twisting over the line when the user dismounts.
- Our Double Obstacle Line has unique buckles that allow you to customize the obstacle positions in any order and any distance apart that youd like.
If you already have an obstacle course or tree house installed in your backyard, why not modify it with some refreshments?
You can do this by installing some hanging water balloons around the different obstacles.
You can also prank anyone inside a playhouse by poking a few holes in a used water bottle, and connecting this to a PVC pipe or water hose.
If the day is hot enough, your kids will thank you for installing a shower!
Final Thoughts
During the summer, most families end up spending more time at home with some time to kill. Don’t let this become “dead time” just because it’s too hot outside.
After everyone has cooled down, take advantage of the surrounding peace to read a book in one of these premium hanging chairs.
