Beat the Heat & Boredom: 3 Summer Activities for Kids

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy” – at least that’s what we most hope. However, the hot weather can be challenging for children who love to play outdoors and for parents who struggle to find ways to occupy their youngsters during the break. That’s because the intense heat can make outdoor activities uncomfortable and even unsafe. 

If you’re like most parents, you probably already know that playing outside offers extensive benefits for kids, from helping them gain advanced motor skills to boosting their immune system. Therefore it’s only logical that you want to make the most out of your backyard area and turn it into a cool and refreshing space where kids can escape the scorching heat. 

By incorporating shaded areas and backyard water toys, you can create a safe and comfortable place for kids to play during the summer, shielding them from the harsh sun and reducing the risk of sunburn while amping up the fun.

Splish Splash

It’s safe to say that kids love to play and splash in the water. This makes high-quality backyard water toys a great addition to your landscape as it can encourage kids to have fun outdoors and enjoy a good dose of vitamin D. Adding water toys such as sprinklers, inflatable pools, water slides, or splash pads can turn your backyard into a fun-filled water park.

Sprinkles, for instance, are among the most affordable and simple and easy to set up. These garden water toys attach to a hose and spray water in various patterns. Themed sprinklers that are shaped like animals, rainbows, or other fun characters, can add an extra element of excitement to children. Shaded pools with a built-in canopy are also popular during the summer months, and for good reason. They offer a safe and comfortable environment for children to enjoy water play while protecting them from the harsh UV rays.

If space permits, you can invest in an inflatable water park. These large, multi-feature inflatables combine various of the goods in one single design, including slides, pools, and climbing walls, among other elements. They offer a full day of fun but usually take up a lot of room. When looking to buy backyard water toys, make sure to find a trusted supplier, so you get peace of mind knowing that you’re getting a high-quality product that complies with safety regulations and is designed for long-lasting enjoyment.

Next, before making a purchase, consider the size and shape of your backyard. Water toys come in a variety of lengths, widths and heights, so you can surely find some that will match your outdoor space, no matter how big or small, and your kid’s needs and preferences. Also, when choosing backyard water toys for kids, you should consider their age. That’s because these toys come in different sizes, so the chosen model might have height and weight restrictions.

Last but not least, consider the ease of setup, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time preparing the backyard fun area, and let the fun start as soon as possible. Setting up these toys should be simple and easy – inflate, connect, and splash into action. For instance, many backyard water slides are inflatable, making them easy to set up, take down, and store when not in use.

Backyard Camping

Backyard camping is a great way to introduce children to the joys of this activity in a safe and familiar environment. With some planning and creativity, you can create an unforgettable summer adventure right at home. Plus, camping allows you to make the most of those warm summer nights in the backyard and help kids unwind and have fun after a day of activities. 

First, choose a flat, shaded area in the backyard to set up a tent. You can let the kids help with setting it up, so they feel more involved. Lay out sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows to make the tent cosy and make sure the kids are warm and comfortable during the night when temperatures drop. Furthermore, lanterns or battery-operated string lights can create a warm, inviting atmosphere as the sun goes down. To keep bugs at bay provide natural insect repellent and consider using citronella candles.

Movie Nights

Although temperatures can be scorching during the day, usually they tend to be refreshingly cool at night. This makes summer nights perfect for a cosy movie night under the stars. To make your summer movie night more memorable, make sure to arrange the right setup, snacks, and movie selection.

Set up a projector and a large screen or even a blank wall to watch a family-friendly movie. Some classics that everyone will enjoy include “The Lion King”, “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo”. Bring out blankets, bean bags, pillows or lawn chairs for comfortable seating. Keep your little ones and yourself cool with iced tea or lemonade, and don’t forget the popcorns.