I Don’t Have a Pool—So I Turned My Backyard Into a Water Park
It’s hot out there, but don’t just huddle inside all day. Here are eight products that can turn even the smallest garden into an at-home water park.
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Written byDeanna KizisAugust 25, 2022
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One of the things I dislike most about late summer is that it’s simply too hot for a lot of the activities I like to do, such as biking and hiking. As a result, I end up huddled in my house with the air conditioning on, waiting for it to cool off enough to use my garden. (Which happens to be around sunset when the mosquitos are out, sigh.)
There is one possible solution—I could go to a water park. But at the risk of sounding cranky, I don’t love them. I have a perhaps irrational fear of stepping into warm puddles of dirty water, and seriously if I see a wet bandage that’s fallen off someone, well, I pretty much freak out.
All of the above gave me an idea: What if I turned my own backyard into a water park? I’d be able to go outside, play like a little kid—and play with my actual kid. I wouldn’t have to fear puddles (or bandages), I could play my own music, and pretty much have the coolest time ever, even when the temperature is 90°. Which, I’m sad to say, it often is of late.
Eager to see what’s out there, I hit the Internet and found so many great products that can help me achieve my late-summer dreams. I’m talking kiddie pools that are not just for kids, a unicorn of a sprinkler that’s actually shaped like a unicorn, and more. Even better, a lot of these items are on sale. So, if you’re as hot as I am and need a cool-down, read on and do what I’ll do—click Buy Now and bask in your own private water wonderland.
Here’s What You’ll Need
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1 of 8Courtesy of Sunnylife
Monster Sprinkler
I remember running through the sprinklers on my parents’ lawn when I was a kid. Of course, I don’t have a lawn anymore, so this cute Sunnylife sprinkler tunnel will do nicely. Yes, it’s a little short for adults, so I plan to just lay under it when I need a sprinkle. Meanwhile, my daughter will love it.
Monster Sprinkler, $70
2 of 8Courtesy of Sunnylife
A Kiddie Pool for Adults
The kiddie-pool-for-adults trend is just so fun. After all, not everyone can afford a huge swimming pool. This Greek Eye pool from Sunnylife will be perfect for lounging—and, if anyone tries to harsh my mellow, I can playfully splash them away.
Grown-up Kiddie Pool, $60
3 of 8Courtesy of Amazon
Unicorn Sprinkler
I officially invite this adorable unicorn sprinkler from Float Joy to get in my backyard and spray, well, everybody. Maybe you should, too.
Unicorn Sprinkler, $30
4 of 8Courtesy of Amazon
Slip N Slide
Ah, the Slip N Slide! A relic from my childhood that, it turns out, never went away. I can’t wait to see my daughter take a turn on this one from Wham-O.
Slip N Slide, $45.12
5 of 8Courtesy of Amazon
Palm Pool
Okay how cute is this? You get this FUNBOY tropical palm kiddie pool…
Palm Pool, $59
6 of 8Courtesy of Walmart
Drink Cooler
…And then you add the matching giant FUNBOY drink cooler. It holds up to three bags of ice—and untold bottles of rosé—which adds a degree of grown-up fun to the proceedings.
Drink Cooler, $42.70
7 of 8Courtesy of Amazon
Reusable Water Balloons
I love a respectable water balloon fight as much as the next person but seeing shards of latex all over the place makes me feel like an environmental criminal. Instead, I’m going to get these reusable water balloons by Rydowenna. They’ll provide all the fun, but none of the guilt.
Reusable Water Balloons, $21
8 of 8Courtesy of Amazon
Waterproof Floating Speaker
I’ve decided no backyard water park would be complete without some tunes. This Eboda waterproof speaker will be my go-to companion for the summer—and beyond. (Fall camping, anyone?)
