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.