5 Genius Backyard DIYs for Summer

This summer is sure to be one for the record books… and no, we’re not talking temperature.  With social distancing measures in place, we know Solterra families will be on the lookout for safe, well-considered fun in the sun.  We’ve compiled our favorite summer backyard DIYs to keep you and your kids feeling cool!

DIY Slip ‘N’ Slide

With a stretch of grass, a hose, and some plastic sheeting you can make your own slip ‘n’ slide for under $15!  Secure the sheeting in place with tent stakes.  Run the hose and let the fun begin.  You can find plastic sheeting at Home Depot in the painter’s aisle: a $10 roll measuring 10X25’ will be more than enough.  Tent stakes are on sale in the outdoor supply aisle of your local Wal-Mart or Target for under $5.

Backyard Twister

With a bit of Crayola spray-on chalk, you can create a backyard Twister board!  Use a mixing bowl as your template: place the bowl rim-down in the grass and spray an outline, then fill in.  Make 4 rows of 6 circles, with each row sprayed in a different color.  On a piece of construction paper, write out some Twister instructions, then use 2 stacked number-two pencils as a spinner. 

Water Balloon Baseball

Exactly what it sounds like: baseball with water balloons!  Use whiffleball bats or pool noodles and get ready for a splash.  Batters can get tagged out with spray from the opposing team’s water guns.  When it’s time to pick up the balloon scraps, reward any helpers with a popsicle.  This is a surefire way to cool off and entertain on a scorching afternoon.

DIY Waterbed

With leftover plastic sheeting from your slip ‘n’ slide, you can easily assemble a backyard waterbed!  Fold the plastic sheeting in half and tape the 3 open sides shut with heavy-duty duct tape.  Leave a small opening for the hose: after the hose is inserted, tape around to seal the opening.  To really impress your audience, add bright blue food coloring and glitter!

Bean Bag Ladder Toss

Got some bean bags?  Got a ladder?  Then you have an afternoon of fun already prepared for the whole family.  Make paper signs and tape point values to each ladder rung, with the highest rung having the highest value, etc.  Set up a throw line, assemble your teams, and see who can rack up the most points.