4 Ways to Kiddiefy Your Backyard: Fun Ideas That'll Keep the Kids Entertained All Summer

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The hot days of summer are upon us, and that means one thing – it's time to get the backyard kiddiefied! With school out for the summer, you'll want to have some fun ideas on hand to keep the little ones entertained. From water games to outdoor movies, we've got you covered. Keep reading for four ways to kiddiefy your backyard this summer!

Photo by rajat sarki on Unsplash

Water Games

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is with some water fun! Whether you have a pool or not, there are plenty of ways to get wet and wild in your backyard. Fill up some water balloons, have a water balloon fight, set up a sprinkler for the kiddos to run through, or fill up a kiddy pool for some splashy fun. If you really want to go all out, you can even turn your backyard into an epic slip 'n slide! Just lay down some plastic sheeting, add some soap for extra slickness, and let the good times roll. Looking for something a little more low-key? Water games are still lots of fun without getting everyone soaked. Try setting up a water ring toss game, filling up a sensory bin with water and toys, or painting with water on the driveway or sidewalk.

Outdoor Art

There's no need to confine art to the indoors – with a few simple supplies. You can turn your backyard into an outdoor art studio! Set up an easel and paint or draw pictures of the flowers and trees, make giant chalk murals on the driveway or patio, or string up some colorful streamers or ribbons for the kiddos to run and dance through. You can even turn old cardboard boxes into giant building blocks for hours of imaginative fun. If you're feeling really creative, try setting up a photo booth complete with props and backdrops, or host your own mini carnival complete with games, face painting, and cotton candy. The possibilities are endless!

Nature Games

Get the kiddos excited about nature with some fun backyard games! See who can collect the most leaves, berries, or flowers, go on a bug hunt to see how many different kinds of insects you can find, or have a race to see who can identify the most bird calls. For a more prolonged activity, try setting up a scavenger hunt with nature-themed clues, or create your own backyard obstacle course using tree stumps, hula hoops, and whatever else you can find. If you want to focus on something specific, there are tons of great ideas out there. Try setting up a butterfly garden and see how many different species you can attract, build a bat house to encourage these important creatures to stick around, or plant a sunflower and chart its growth over the summer months. No matter what you do, getting the kiddos outside and interacting with nature is sure to be a hit!

Outdoor Playset

If you've got the space, a wooden outdoor playset is a great way to kiddiefy your backyard! From swings and slides to monkey bars and climbing walls, there's something for everyone. If you're feeling handy, you can even build your own custom playset – just be sure to do your research and follow all safety guidelines. Not interested in a full-blown playset? No problem! There are plenty of other ways to encourage active play. Try setting up a hopscotch course or some other simple games on the sidewalk or patio, hanging a tire swing from a tree branch, or putting together a DIY balance beam using PVC pipe and pool noodles. Whatever you do, get those kiddos moving!

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

So there you have it – four fun ways to kiddiefy your backyard this summer. Just add some imagination (and maybe a little elbow grease), and you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!