Slide and Pool:  My children’s favorite thing to do in the summer is to place their pool at the bottom of the slide.  Someone is in charge of spraying the slide with the hose (usually me), while everyone else takes turns going down the waterslide and landing in the pool.  It’s really tons of fun!

If you don’t have a swing set with a slide attached, this Step 2 slide or this inflatable slide will work just as well.  Make sure you use an inflatable, soft sided pool to prevent scrapes and injuries.

Glider Swing:  The best thing about this glider swing is that all 3 of my children have been able to swing on it at once.  It takes some cooperation to make it go, which is a good thing.  Once it’s moving, you can hear the giggles from inside the house.

Merry-Go-Round:  Do you have fond memories of the merry-go-round from childhood?  Most playgrounds nowadays are not equipped with this piece of equipment.  Here is a fun and safe merry-go-round that will hold up to 4 children at a time and is guaranteed to provide hours of fun and entertainment.  In fact, you might be asking your children to get off so that you can have a turn.

Beginner Trampoline:  This beginner trampoline is a great way for kids to bounce out some energy.  Fully enclosed with a net, it’s low to the ground, easy to store or transport and doesn’t take up too much space.

Golfquet:  Golfquet is a very fun twist on croquet.  It’s easy and enjoyable for the entire family.  Set it up in the back yard or take it to the park.  This is an activity for all ages.

Don’t forget to maximize your time outdoors: buy toys online!

 

Of course, your summer will be filled with activities other than playing in the backyard.  There will be times though when you are making dinner or the baby is napping and you will want your older kids occupied with something other than a video game or television.  Send them outside to play with any of these toys and you may have a difficult time calling them in for dinner. (That’s a good thing!)