Frugal Outdoor Water Activities for Kids

Stay Cool without a Pool with Water Themed Gear

Our family lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where it gets HOT and HUMID. I struggle with getting outside because the air is so thick and we don’t have a pool. I am constantly trying to come up with ways to beat the summer heat with water activities for our children. Here is a list of some great water gear to have on hand when it is hot outside and you need to say cool. All of these items are less than $35.

• Water Bucket. This is essential for our backyard. A bucket full of water is used for SO many things. Filling up cups, water refill station for water toys, etc.
• Water Sprinkler. It doesn’t even have to be a fancy sprinkler. The sprinkler listed is cheap, but does some fun twisty moves to make it extra exciting.
• Reusable Water Balloons. These are awesome. An easy way to refill them is to have a bucket of water nearby that they can quickly be dipped into.
• Water Hose. This has no link, because it doesn’t need one. One of the chores of our children is to water the garden with the hose. This frequently escalates to a good time with just a simple hose.
• Water Blasters. I like this kind vs the standard water gun, because it is easier for littles, under 4 to use and refill independently. Again, have a bucket nearby full of water for refills.
• Bunch O’ Balloons. This product is genius. Water balloon fights will never be the same.
• Water Table. This one doesn’t have a link either. They are expensive on Amazon, don’t get it there. Just look on FB marketplace. Our kids spend SO much time at our water table. With bubbles, animals, cups, etc. A water table is a MUST in my book.
• Slip N’ Slide. Another classic, for a reason. Our kids enjoy putting our Little Tikes play slide in front of it, with soap and slide down…and just keep sliding.
• Splash Pad. Costco usually has one each summer and it is great. I would definitely recommend it.
• Wash Cloths. I know, what you are thinking, “wash cloths?” But hear me out, have a bucket of water and a basket of wash cloths. Our kids LOVE this. And it’s completely free. They love experimenting with wringing them out, “cleaning” our deck, or making wash cloth bombs to throw at each other.

Even if you don’t have a pool, I hope some of these ideas will work for you and keep all of you nice and cool. Just don’t be mad at me if you get wet. 🙂

If you have any other water ideas that are your favorite, feel free to comment them below!

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