No Pool? No Problem: 11 Cooling Backyard Water Activities

Looking for fun ideas to stay cool at home? You don't have to go anywhere (or spend your life savings) to enjoy these backyard water activities!

Sprinkler Play

Hydrate your lawn and burn some calories simultaneously. Kids and adults can both enjoy running through the sprinkler. Or, make it a game and try to avoid being sprayed! Jump, duck, dodge—whatever you need to do. Adults: Hold a cold beverage to make this game extra challenging.

Sprinkler Twister

Since the sprinkler is already out, you might as well keep the good times rolling—introduce the classic game of Twister into the mix. A slippery mat makes this game a little harder, and a lot more fun!

Spray Bottle Tag

Don't have a lawn to hydrate, or trying to watch your water usage? Play a game of spray bottle tag! All you need is one spray bottle filled with water. Who ever is "It" gets the bottle and has to tag as many people as possible by spraying them. Genius.

Duck Duck Splash

Think Duck Duck Goose with water involved. The goose gets splashed or sprayed with water, then the goose tries to tag the splasher before the splasher takes the victim's place in the circle. You can go with a bucket, water bottle, or spray bottle, depending on how much water you want to dole out.

Water Balloon Catch

Want a more low-key game? Simply play catch with a water balloon. See how many catches you can make before the balloon bursts! Whether you have two participants or twenty, this game is always a summertime winner.

Water Balloon Baseball

Basically baseball with water balloon "balls." If the balloon breaks when the batter hits it, it's a home run! If it breaks when the catcher tries to catch the water balloon, it's a ball. You can certainly make your own rules, or go from there. P.S. Use a plastic bat, or even try a pool noodle!

Trampoline with Water Balloons

Jump along with a bunch of water balloons! This activity is both visually appealing and fun, plus you don't have to be the most coordinated to have a good time. Want to amp it up? Play catch with one of the balloons while you're jumping.

Slip 'N Slide

Slide across the lawn while keeping cool. If you don't have the signature classic slide, you can easily DIY your own. If you really want to go all out with your water balloon baseball game, arrange Slip ’N Slides between the bases!

Water Limbo

Create a limbo bar with water streaming out of your hose! Make sure to adjust where you're spraying to cover different areas of your yard... don't want to drown any innocent plants. How low can you go?

H₂O Obstacle Course

Combine a few of the activities above to make an obstacle course! Slip 'N slide, avoid being sprayed by the sprinkler, then limbo right on down to the finish line.

Kiddie Pool Foot Soak

Not feeling the most active? Pull up a chair and give your toes a soak in the kiddie pool. Perhaps you want to watch your kiddos having a blast, or maybe you just want to keep your feet cool in peace.