Splurging on a summer pass to the community pool may not be an affordable option for some families. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to keep cool when the mercury soars without breaking the bank.
The following simple projects prove that splashtastic fun can be had by kids of all ages with a simple garden hose and a few inexpensive household items:
Water Balloon Piñata
Materials:
- Package of water balloons
- String
- Garden hose
- Small plastic funnel
- Plastic baseball bat
Directions:
- Fill up the water balloons using the funnel and hose. Keep in mind that the more water you add to the balloon the quicker the piñata will break.
- Add water to about 10 balloons and put them in a safe place while you measure out a 40-inch long piece of string.
- Tie the balloons to the string, keeping a two-inch gap in between each balloon. Leave the last 8 to 10 inches of the string empty.
- Tie the ends of the string to a tree limb or another structure where the piñata can hang and kids can safely swing at it.
- Once the piñata is securely attached to a solid structure, have the kids line up, blindfold them, and let them take swings at it one at a time.
- Kids can enjoy getting splashed as the piñata is hit.
Water Bottle Bubble Blower
Materials:
- Water bottle
- Dish soap
- Duct tape
- A sock
- Garden hose
Directions:
- Cut the bottom off an empty plastic water bottle (16 and 20-ounce bottles work best).
- Slide the sock over the bottom of the bottle so that it covers the opening completely.
- Use the duct tape to secure the sock to the bottle.
- Add some dish soap to a bucket and then fill it up with water from a garden hose. Gently mix the water and the soap to create a bubbly solution.
- Dip the bottom of the sock-covered bottle into the solution, and then have kids blow gently into the top portion of the water bottle to create a steady stream of fun froth.