Check out these great DIYs for amazing backyard fun!
1. Sensory Water Blob
We all know how hot the Texas summers can be! What better way to cool off than this $12 DIY activity? All you need is painters drop cloth, iron, duct tape, and a hose! Check out the instructions below! This inexpensive DIY is guaranteed fun for hours.
Image credit: Guide Patterns
*LAWN WARNING* make sure to move the blob frequently or pack up after every use as to not kill your lawn.
MATERIALS:
- 10’x25’ painting drop cloth
- Iron
- Parchment paper
- Hose
- Scissors
- Duct tape
- Glitter, Food coloring, foam grow creatures (OPTIONAL)
INSTRUCTIONS:
For full instructions, check out Homemade Toast here. This fairly easy craft is pretty easy to do, just make sure to keep your iron as hot as it can go.
2. PVC Pipe “Kiddie Car Wash”
This DIY activity is for those who love a little bit of building. It could be fun to put it over a slip-n-slide or a sidewalk to “wash” the bikes/trikes/baby cars. Of course, kiddos can also just run through it! Although this does not replace a good bath, this car wash is great fun for all ages!
MATERIALS:
- (22) 1”-x-30″ PVC pipes
- (2) 1”-x-61″ PVC pipes
- (4) 1”-x-37″ PVC pipes
- (9) 1” tees
- (7) 1” elbows
- (2) 1” crosses
- 1” PVC hose adapter
- drill + 1/16” bit
- water hose
- plastic tablecloth
- sponges
- pool noodles
- Sponges, Water Bombs, and string to hang it (OPTIONAL)
INSTRUCTIONS: Check out this link to get the full instructions from HGTV. When finished assembling the PVC pipe, feel free to add the Sponge Bombs, sponges, pool noodles, etc. for decoration! Have fun!
3. DIY Sidewalk Puff Paint
Take the fun of puff paint, and bring it to the street! This easy-made DIY is a great idea for the kid who loves sidewalk chalk and puff paint. The best part: it’s washable! Here is what you need:
MATERIALS:
- Two 4 oz. bottles of WASHABLE school glue.
- 1 Cup white flour
- 4-5 cups plain white shaving cream (foam)
- Food coloring
- One gallon sized plastic bag
- 3-5 sandwich bags (for the different food coloring)
- Scissors
- OPTIONAL: plastic squirt bottles
INSTRUCTIONS:
This one can get a little messy, so we advise doing everything outside. Check out how to do it at the Tip Toe Fairy here!
4. Ice Block Treasure Hunting
This project is one that you can most likely find everything you need right at home. This craft has given hours of fun on a hot Texas day. Your kids will have fun chiseling away and getting the treasure!
MATERIALS:
- A large Tupperware container
- An assortment of small toys- best to use toys without holes, fabric, or hair so you do not damage the toys or get water stuck inside.
- Things to hit the ice (spray bottles, meat tenderizer, plastic tools, salt, etc.)
INSTRUCTIONS:
For the hottest days, this one is great for kids and sensory building! Check out The Inspired Home here for instructions!
5. Backyard Movie Theatre DIY
This DIY is fun for the whole family. Take “movie night” to a whole new level with this activity that is fun for family members of all ages. Host a drive-in, or have a laid back hang out on those warm summer nights!
MATERIALS:
- Projector (you can find inexpensive ones on Amazon)
- Four 1.5” X 10’ PVC Pipes
- Six 1.35” Tee Pipes
- Two 1.5” Elbow Pipes
- Four 1.5” Caps (OPTIONAL
- White King size sheet
INSTRUCTIONS:
There are many differnt variations of this DIY online, however we really like how easy The Tyra Perez Project’s version was. check out HomeTalk here for the instructions.
Photo Credit: Michelle Combs
6. Paint Slip N’ Slide
Slip into some fun with this clever DIY. This slide is fun for family members of all ages, and guaranteed to be a blast! You can use washable paint for quick clean up, or fabric paint and a white shirt for a neon tye-dye!
MATERIALS:
- 100” Plastic Tarp
- 6-10 Anchor pins
- Hose
- Squirt Paint (Washable or Fabric)
- Soap (OPTIONAL)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Follow the instructions from Monovogue here. We highly recommend adding soap onto the tarp for more “slip”! We also suggest anchoring the tarp down with yard anchors to ensure the only thing slipping away is you!
