25 Ways to Recreate Classic Summer Experiences at Home

The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the kids are itching to get outside for some of the summer fun they wait for all year round. However, it's no secret that summer isn’t going to be the same as we're used to. With social distancing remaining a priority, many camps, amusement parks, and public pools are closed, beaches have new guidelines and restrictions, and we even have to be extra careful in our own backyard pools. But, that doesn’t mean that your family has to miss out on summer fun altogether. Here are 25 ways you can recreate some of the fun summer activities New York has to offer in your backyard. 

Turn your backyard into a pool, beach, or water park.

For littlest ones you might want to scope out an inflatable pool or play center—bonus points for one with a sun canopy! Bigger kids (and sun-scorched parents!) will appreciate the ability to get fully submerged in a larger above-ground pool. Just be sure to always have a responsible adult in charge of water safety and making sure that the pool remains clean throughout the summer. 

Get beachy vibes going at your house with the addition of a sandbox or sensory play bin full of Kinetic sand. Add a bunch of shovels, pails, and other building tools so kids can get to work on sandcastles.

Channel the fun of a water park with other aquatic features like a water table, a kid-friendly sprinkler, water balloons, or a DIY water slide out of any swing set slide or plastic sheeting placed on a slight decline with a running hose. If you’re willing to make a small investment, there are plenty of blow-up backyard splash parks to choose from.

Go camping in the backyard.

You may not live in the woods but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel like you’re spending some time at a classic campout. Pack a picnic with plenty of finger foods, unbreakable plates and kiddie utensils, and the biggest blanket you can find. Some easy, picnic-ready bites? Kids will flip for watermelon slices, corn on the cob, bowls of berries, turkey and cheese pinwheels, and veggies with ranch dip. 

Reuse the massive blanket to make a backyard fort out of any patio furniture. Or pitch a true tent, toss some sleeping bags, books, board games, and other toys inside, and then leave the kids to their own devices. You’ll be amazed at how much time they can spend playing inside! If you’re crafty then you can try making your own canopy tent with the help of your mini at-home artists.