Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
Summer is here — hot and humid around Northeast Ohio! You don’t have to go to the beach or travel to a pool to entertain the grandkids. You can set up your own water fun!
Give grandchildren a sunny afternoon, a little space to run and a few simple water activities, and you can create memories they’ll talk about for years. The best part is that you don’t need an expensive pool or elaborate equipment. With a little planning, your backyard can become the perfect summer destination.
Water play isn’t just fun; it helps children develop important skills. As they pour, scoop, spray and splash, they’re learning about cause and effect, practicing fine motor skills, and exploring basic science concepts. Best of all, water play encourages creativity and active outdoor time away from screens. You don’t need an elaborate backyard water park to keep grandkids entertained. Start with what you have available and consider the ages of the children who will be visiting.
Before setting up any water activities, take a few minutes to think about safety. Choose a flat area of the yard that is free of holes, rocks, and tripping hazards. Make sure there is adequate shade nearby so children can take breaks from the sun. Keep towels handy, apply sunscreen regularly, and ensure that an adult is always supervising.
Even shallow water play requires close attention. Young children can slip on wet grass or become distracted while playing, so staying nearby helps everyone have a fun and worry-free day.
One of the easiest ways to create excitement is with a designated splash zone. A garden sprinkler can provide endless entertainment for children of all ages. Position it in an open area and let the kids run through the sprays, invent games, and cool off during hot weather. There are many types of sprinklers, from the regular garden type to character sprinklers with rubber appendages that will flop and spray in all directions.
If you have a splash pad or inflatable water mat, place it on level ground and connect it to a hose. These options offer plenty of fun without requiring a large amount of water.
A small kiddie pool can become the centerpiece of the day. Fill it with a few inches of water and add floating toys, plastic boats, or colorful balls. We placed a small plastic slide into the pool so that the little ones would climb up and slide down for over an hour! Younger grandchildren often enjoy simple activities like pouring water between containers, while older kids may invent their own games.
You could set up an inflatable water pool, which includes walls to climb and slides and other obstacles. These are easy to set up, and you can rent them for the day.
Here are a few simple water games to play with your grandchildren:
Water Balloon Toss– Pair up family members and have them toss water balloons back and forth. After each successful catch, take a step backward. The last team with an unbroken balloon won.
Sponge Relay- Fill two buckets with water. Players use large sponges to carry water from one bucket to another. The team that transfers the most water within a set time wins.
Target Practice- Set up plastic cups, empty containers, or floating targets. Give the kids water blasters or squeeze bottles and let them test their aim.
Don’t forget the snacks! Active grandkids work up an appetite quickly. Keep it simple and refreshing with watermelon slices, frozen fruit pops, ice water, lemonade, cheese and crackers. Having a shaded picnic area gives grandchildren a chance to rest and recharge.
A simple backyard water day doesn’t require perfection… just a willingness to make space for laughter, sunshine and family memories. Sometimes, the best summer adventures happen just a few steps outside the back door.
Photos by Karen Shadrach
