Summer in the Backyard

Summer in the Backyard:

The Ultimate Guide to Tech-Free Outdoor Play

Remember the magic of staying outside until the streetlights came on? There is nothing quite like the sound of summer: the rhythmic creak of a swing set, the splash of a sprinkler, and the collective giggles of kids who have completely forgotten that tablets even exist.

Transform your own backyard into the neighborhood’s favorite destination that rivals the local park with the ultimate guide to outdoor play—from high-flying swings to the summer toys that actually keep them off their screens.

You don’t need a massive renovation. You just need the right mix of "high-energy" equipment and "cool-down" activities. Here is our guide to the best backyard essentials to keep your crew active, imaginative, and—most importantly—off the screens this summer.

The products in the affiliate links below are real items that we own and that are regularly played with in our own backyard.

1. The Big Energy Burners: Playgrounds & Swings

The centerpiece of any great backyard is the equipment that encourages movement.

• Classic Swing Sets: Whether it’s a heavy-duty wooden set or a modern metal A-frame, a good swing set is a childhood rite of passage.

  Check out this playset with a tube slide, wave slide, swings and a clubhouse with a grill: https://amzn.to/48SmCM1

• Platform Swings: These have become a modern favorite.

  They allow multiple kids to lounge or swing together,

  making them a great "social" spot in the yard.

  Often preferred by our crew for hours of fun.

  Here's the one we bought that's interchangeable

  with the stock playset swings: https://amzn.to/4tkLm82

• Climbing Domes: Perfect for developing motor skills, these geometric domes provide hours of "the floor is lava" fun. Combine it with actual 'floor is lava' stepping stones, great for improving balance. I find these stones moved all over the yard constantly because they are played with so frequently.

  Climbing Dome: https://amzn.to/4ch8NsX

  Stepping Stones: https://amzn.to/488iDe6

• Playset Alternative: Not enough space for a large playset, or if you have uneven ground... If you have a tree, or two, check out these alternatives:

  Slackline Swing Set: https://amzn.to/4vFcjoE

  Disco Tree Swing: https://amzn.to/4cvRe7d

2. Competitive Spirit: Backyard Games

Games are the best way to get the whole family involved. Look for "oversized" versions of indoor classics that can withstand the grass and wind.

• Giant Lawn Games: Think oversized four-in-a-row, wooden tumbling towers, or giant cornhole.

  Four in a Row: https://amzn.to/4exP35w

  Cornhole: https://amzn.to/4ciuqsI

  Tumbling Tower: https://amzn.to/4csjPKC

• Old Time Classics: Croquet, this throwback is easily set up and re-set up to change the course so it doesn't get boring.

  Croquet Set: https://amzn.to/4eoMOl1

• Active Sports: A simple pop-up soccer goal, a portable badminton net, or even a classic two person trampoline can provide hours of physical activity.

  Backyard Soccer Set: https://amzn.to/4cpLQE1

  Portable Badminton Set: https://amzn.to/41A1ExF

  Two Person Trampoline: https://amzn.to/4mFF5RY

3. Beat the Heat: Water Activities

When the Oregon sun finally peaks, water is the only way to stay outside comfortably.

• The Upgraded Sprinkler: Move beyond the basic oscillating hardware store version. Look for "splash pads" or inflatable sprinkler toys that spray water in fun patterns. We prefer the smaller splash pads over the larger ones, easier to move around and to empty at the end of the day.

  Splash Pad: https://amzn.to/4mFBrrg

  Inflatable Shark Sprinkler: https://amzn.to/4mxLa2N

• Water Tables: For the younger crowd, a high-quality water table with scoops, funnels, and wheels is the gold standard for sensory play. Our youngest loves the pump feature on the one below.

  Water Table: https://amzn.to/42edNsc

• Reusable Water Balloons: These are a total game-changer. They are silicone-based, magnetic, and—best of all—don't leave tiny pieces of latex all over your lawn to pick up later.

  Water Balloons: https://amzn.to/485AN00

• Slip N Slide: Pretty sure everyone remembers the

  hours of fun spent on someone's slip n slide growing

  up. If your yard is long enough then this one's a must

  have, even better if your yard is slightly sloped.

  We like the ones with multiple lanes for a little friendly

  competition.

  Pro tip: add a squirt or two of dish soap

  to ensure you slide every time. Just be sure to put it

  away when playtime is over or it will kill the grass.

  Triple Water Slide: https://amzn.to/4eqVes3

4. Sun Safety: The "Must-Have" Supplies

You can’t have a full day of outdoor fun without a solid defense against the sun. Making sun safety a "basic" part of the morning routine ensures the fun doesn't end with a painful burn.

• UPF 50+ Sun Shirts: Rather than fighting a wiggly toddler with a bottle of lotion every 60 minutes, high-quality sun shirts (rash guards) do most of the heavy lifting. Look for breathable, quick-dry fabrics. I prefer trusted brands to ensure quality materials and that they'll last.

  Volcom Sun Shirts: https://amzn.to/4tkaR9B

• Reliable Sunscreen: Keep a "sun station" by the back door. We love mineral-based sticks for faces (less stinging in the eyes!) and a high-SPF spray or cream for everything else. Sunscreen has a bad rap these days, we've been really happy with these products, especially my oldest who despises the feeling of lotions on her skin.

  Supergoop Clear Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4ctpqAt

  Supergoop Play Sunscreen Stick: https://amzn.to/42edei6

  Supergoop Body Mist: https://amzn.to/4859HGi

  Tatcha Silk Sunscreen (FOR MOM): https://amzn.to/4sGVU09

  Sun Bum Stick Kids: https://amzn.to/4sAf87t

• Wide-Brimmed Hats: A ventilated sun hat with a chin strap is essential, especially for those long afternoons in the sandbox or at the water table.

  UPF 50 ventilated hat for kids: https://amzn.to/4chnn3E

We're looking forward to sunny days ahead......HAPPY PLAYING!