Get Your Kids Outside With These Summer Must-Haves

We've rounded up 10 fab backyard play options that will keep your kids busy all day, every day this summer.

By: Erica Reitman
Related To:
Backyards Outdoor Spaces

Photo By: Neal Farris

Prickly Sprinkly

Help your kids beat the summer heat with this adorable inflatable cactus sprinkler. Easily set this up in your backyard by attaching it to a garden hose, and let the kids run around in their bathing suits for hours. This is a great option if you don't have a pool but want to make sure the kids still get to splash around. BUY IT: Pottery Barn Kids, $99

Midcentury Modern, Kid Style

This might be the most stylish playhouse we've ever seen. It's functional and features midcentury modern style elements you and the kids will love. The house includes a functional front door for inside play, a connected picnic table, a mailbox, and even a faux grill for outdoor barbecues. BUY IT: Amazon, $325.39

Strike!

Get the youngins' prepped for bowling league early with this giant inflatable outdoor bowling set. With six inflatable pins and one large ball, it's easy to store when not in use. This is also great practice for kids who love kickball, but want extra practice. BUY IT: Amazon, $20

Backyard Picnics

Help your kids set up a fun outdoor play area this summer with colorful beach towels and outdoor cushions. These stylish towels, created in collaboration with designer Lilly Pulitzer, are so chic you'll want to grab them for the adults too. Add a tent to the mix to provide some shade and to encourage kids to go outside for a picnic every day for lunch. BUY IT: Pottery Barn Kids, $29

Take a Swing

This SkyCurve platform swing is like a cross between a swing and a hammock. It's so fun that the adults might fight off the kids to get their own turn. Whether you only have one kid or a full house, they can all get on this rocket swing and have a blast for hours at a time. BUY IT: Amazon, $139

Sandbox Fun

If you don't live anywhere near the beach, why not bring the beach to you? This beautiful wood sandbox is the perfect solution to keep the kids busy in the backyard building sandcastles or digging for pirate's treasure. Built-in seating means they will be comfy playing all day. BUY IT: Walmart, $110

Everyone Loves Tetherball

Introduce your kids to an old favorite camp game this summer — tetherball. This sturdy set is super easy to set up and meets regulation standards in case you want to keep things official. It also includes a pump for the ball. BUY IT: HearthSong, $59.98

Might As Well Jump

Let's be honest — a giant trampoline is pretty much number one on every kid's dream list. Make your kids' dreams come true this summer with this large, enclosed jumper. With netting surrounding the trampoline, you'll know the kids are safe and secure. BUY IT: I Want to Jump, $998.97

Tunnel Vision

Create your own adventure obstacle course with this cool combo rope tunnel/bridge. You can hang this tunnel between two trees in your backyard and keep the kids busy for hours outside. They can even use it as a quasi-clubhouse. BUY IT: Magic Cabin, $349

Water, Water Everywhere

Here's another great option for kids who love to splash around in the backyard. This backyard waterpark includes six different settings to ensure your kids have nonstop fun all day long. They can pretend they are in a kiddie car wash, try to avoid the water bucket dump, or even pop hundreds of bubbles. BUY IT: Walmart, $99

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