Popular Water Activities for the Backyard Each summer, millions of families head outdoors. Many times, they head to their own backyards. While being outdoors is nice, it can also be hot. In many areas of the United States, the temperature rises to beyond comfortable, especially during the summertime. Hot weather does not mean that you and your family should stay inside; however, you may want to think about backyard activities that can help you stay cool. You will find that many of these activities are centered on water. Perhaps, one the best ways to stay cool in the summertime is to go for a swim. Many families own a swimming pool. If you do, it is a great way for you and your family to have fun. Despite the fact that many families have a pool, not all do. If you do not have a swimming pool, you may want to think about purchasing one. While most in-ground and aboveground pools are expensive, there are a few cheaper alternatives. These alternatives may include inflatable aboveground pools or kiddie pools. Most of these pools can be purchased for a reasonable price. If you are unable to have a pool, even an inexpensive one, you do not have to worry. There are still a number of other fun backyard water activities that you and your family can enjoy. One of those activities may include a water gun fight. Water gun fights are a great way to cool off, but they are also a lot of fun. Individuals of all ages, include adults, small children, and teens, love playing with water guns. If you don’t already own water guns, you should be able to purchase them for a reasonable price. They should be available for purchase at a number of popular retail stores. In addition to water guns, water balloons are another fun backyard water activity. Large or small water balloon packages can be purchased from most retail stores, including dollar stores. Water balloons are great for individuals of all ages; both adults and children seem to enjoy them. Similar to water guns, water balloons are a fun, exciting, and competitive backyard activity. Competitive and interactive water games are great for excitement; they are not right for everyone. If you are looking for a more civilized way to cool off, you may want to consider purchasing a water sprinkler. A water sprinkler, once connected to a hose, will spray water. Depending on the water sprinkler you purchase, water will often spray in a number of different directions. While water sprinklers are ideal for all households, they are great for those that are without a pool or limited on space. To participate in many of the above mentioned water activities, such as water balloon fights or water gun fights, you may want to have access to a garden hose. Most water guns and water balloons can be filled up with a kitchen sink; however, it may convenient to use a water hose. Not only will a water hose make it easier to keep on playing, it may also help to keep your house clean and dry. With an outdoor water hose, there is no reason why anyone should be entering your home with, potentially messy, water toys. Whether you make the decision to participate in one of above mentioned backyard water activities or all of them, you are almost always guaranteed a good time. Cooling off in the summer and playing with your friends or family, what could be better than that? PPPPP Word Count 582