MAKE A SPLASH! PAW-SOME ADVENTURES Water Fun for the Whole Family
Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations. Canoeing and Kayaking Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore.
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. Stand-Up Paddleboarding This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag!
Waterskiing While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years!
PLAYTIME GETS A BOOST BACKYARD PROJECTS TO SPARK YOUNG IMAGINATIONS
Ages 3–5 Toddlers ages 3–5 start using their imaginations to create, build, and pretend. You can inspire their inner architect, chef, survivalist, or artist by creating outdoor spaces that encourage their creativity to shine. Give them opportunities to draw or paint by making a chalk art wall where they can use washable chalk to doodle on a special spot in the sunshine. A playhouse or homemade fort allows them to create their own little world. You could set up a tent or build an outdoor fort from PVC pipe and canvas, or you can leave the construction work up to them by setting out oversized foam building blocks they can use to create their own play structure. Ages 6–12 By the time kids reach 6, they’re starting to step into who they are and developing better coordination. This is a time for them to keep building their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and understanding of structured games. A backyard playset with swings, tunnels, and slides will help them burn off energy and keep them physically active. If you have a sturdy tree in your yard, a treehouse is a special place for them to experience nature and a little independence. If you want something less permanent, create a sports “field” with temporary grass, chalk, paint, and cones.
Are you ready to turn your backyard into the ultimate adventure zone for your little ones? Whether your kids are budding explorers, curious scientists, or future Olympians, a backyard project awaits to transform their playtime into a new level of fun. From toddler-size treasures to preteen-approved hangouts, we’ve got you covered with ideas for every age group that will let their imaginations thrive. Ages 0–2 For children 2 and under, the world is brand-new, and they are learning about everything. As you design a backyard play zone for them, focus on engaging their developing senses with sights, sounds, and textures. DIY sandboxes or water tables allow them to practice hand-eye coordination and expose them to the feel of water or sand. Both can be built
inexpensively and are safe tools for them to explore their motor skills by digging, scooping, or splashing.
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