Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or just lying around relaxing under the shade of a tree, summer is the best time of year to just relax and enjoy the warm summer-time weather, however sometimes we need a break from the summer’s heat, and what better way to cool off, than to splash around and play in the backyard pool. There are so many different kinds of activities and toys to play with to keep the kids occupied for hours; you may never have to hear them say “I’m bored” again.
The following is a list of some simple pool toys and activities your kids can play that will bring them hours of enjoyment.
Dive Balls and Rings
Throw these into the water and they sink right to the bottom. There are lots of games you can play with these. Some examples would be: Have a relay race; the first person that gets to the ball or ring at the bottom of the pool wins, or the first person that grabs the colored rings and brings them to the top in the shortest amount of time wins. See who can collect the most at one time with just one dive.
Ring Toss Sprayer
This has five inflatable posts with rings that can be hooked up to a garden hose or floating in the pool. The person that tosses the most rings onto the posts wins.
Inflatable Beach Ball
Still popular today, this ball, depending on the quality, can be purchased for around $2.00. Kids love to jump onto the ball or use it to play water volleyball.
Underwater Camera
Pretend your Jacque Cousteau and explore the ocean floor. Throw some miscellaneous items, like marbles or coins into the bottom of the pool and search for hidden treasures, while taking pictures of your underwater adventure.
Red Light/Green Light
One person is the stoplight, and faces away from the other players. Have the other players stand at the other end of the pool. The stoplight then says “green light” and the kids move towards the stoplight. At anytime the stoplight can say “red light”, and turn around. The other players have to freeze; if they are caught moving by the stoplight, they need to go back to where they started. The first one that touches the stop light without getting caught wins and is the next to become the stoplight.
Bath Toys
Bath toys are great for playing with in the bath and in the pool; especially for the little ones who cannot enjoy the aforementioned pool games. There are a variety of wind-up toys that propel themselves around the pool. Not only can this toy be fascinating to the tots, they can also help them with their fine motor skills.
Floating Rafts
These rafts can come in all different sizes and colors. Some even have cup holders so your can float around your pool and quench that thirst without having to get out of the pool. Grab a couple of paddles and have a race to the other side of the pool. There are also baby floats with a built in baby seat that can help a child over come its fear of the water, while giving mom and dad peace of mind.
When choosing a toy or a game to play, make sure that it is age appropriate. Safety is just as important. Post rules such as “No running,” “No pushing,” and “No dunking.” And when playing in a pool or around a pool it is always important to remember to never leave any child unattended.
