For many, summertime evokes images of trips to water parks with massive slides, expensive theme park vacations, or days spent lounging around a luxurious pool. However, with rising costs on everyday items and many people unable to even afford their homes in today’s economy, that type of vacation isn’t a reality for many families.
Fortunately, there are many ways to create summer magic on a budget in your own backyard (and the truth is, your kids won’t know the difference!). While it might sound expensive, the truth is you can do it on nearly any budget. Here are some tips on how to create a budget backyard waterpark for a fraction of the cost of an expensive vacation.
Add sprinklers
Sprinklers are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to create a backyard waterpark. You can line up several sprinklers in a row to make an obstacle course. Alternatively, consider purchasing a few inflatable animal sprinklers for added personality. Another benefit of sprinklers is that kids of all ages enjoy them. Even teenagers can have a good time with their younger siblings, inventing games, having races, and simply cooling off.
Build a slip and slide
Sure, you can purchase a Slip ‘N Slide from any big-box store. However, you can also make your own by purchasing a heavy-duty tarp and using dish soap and a garden hose to help make it slippery. The DIY option even allows you to customize the dimensions of your slide, too. Combine your slip and slide with sprinklers to create a water tunnel for your kids to slide under. Add extra fun by hosting competitions between your kids and their friends with silly prizes from the dollar store.
Install adult-sized kiddie pools
Kiddie pools have come a long way from those cheap plastic shells you might remember from your childhood. Now, you can purchase an inflatable pool in extra-large sizes that can fit the whole family. Many people have also turned a stock tank into a pool in their backyards. Stock tanks are large tubs typically made of galvanized steel designed for livestock to drink water. However, over the past few years, many homeowners have used them as DIY pools since they’re the perfect size for families to sit in and cool off.
You can even add a deck or landscaping to make these inexpensive pools seem high-end. It’s a minor upgrade that has a significant impact, something you’ll be glad you did if you ever decide to sell your home rather than leaving your house as is.
Purchase reusable water balloons
It wouldn’t be summer without a huge water balloon fight. However, traditional water balloons can be messy or even dangerous to young kids or pets, thanks to the spread of tiny bits of plastic all over your yard. To make cleaning up easier, purchase reusable water balloons. It will take some time to fill them up. However, it’s a purchase you can use over and over again. You can even ask your kids to help you set them up ahead of time, which can get them excited about their backyard waterpark fun.
Add music
It’s not a true water park party without some backyard music. There are many inexpensive waterproof speakers available for purchase, allowing you to play music for your family while spending time together outside. There are even floating speakers that you can put in your kiddie pool that also have lights and colors. Get your kids to help you create a backyard waterpark playlist so they feel involved in the process and to help them feel excited to play outside.
Buy sweet treats
Most people like to indulge a bit on vacation, whether it means ordering dessert at dinnertime or getting ice cream in the middle of the day. Make your backyard waterpark days feel extra special by letting your kids have something sweet on those days. Add some inexpensive popsicles or ice cream to your freezer and let your kids and their friends have them on waterpark days.
Final thoughts: Backyard waterparks make financial sense
While you may dream of installing a pool in your backyard, it might not be financially sensible right now. Pools can cost tens of thousands of dollars to build and take months to complete. Also, pools require regular maintenance and can be costly to keep in excellent condition.
The benefit of having a budget backyard waterpark is that they’re easy to set up and take down. Not all buyers want to own a home with a pool or expensive landscaping. Having a backyard without the expense of a pool can help make your home appealing to a wide range of buyers when you’re ready to sell, including locals and iBuyers who can offer you cash for your property.
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