8 Ways To Have Fun In Your Own Backyard

Summer is almost over and I am jumping up and down {did I just say that out loud}?

It’s been a long and crazy summer filled with camp, day trips, blogging events, play dates, BBQs, and good old fashion backyard fun.

My boys never sit still and we often have to find creative ways to keep them entertained.

Living on 3+ acres with no close neighbors means mom is their babysitter, play toy and jungle gym.

I’ve found a few ways to keep my boys entertained in our own back yard.  It’s fun, different and most importantly affordable.

8 Ways To Have Fun In Your Own Backyard

Campout

If you read my blog, you know we host a huge camp out every year. This a great way to do something very inexpensive, adventurous and build memories for your kids.

And if you don’t want to host a camp out, go simple. Surprise your family with a night out in the back yard!

Footprint Paintings;

Lay out a big blanket or roll of art paper and let the kids go crazy making footprints.

Cloud Shapes;

When the boys and I are in the pool or playing on the swings we will often play, “What shapes/items can you see in the clouds?” It’s a great way for them to use their imagination!

Backyard Games;

Come up with your own backyard games – the one who wins the most games is the winner – or you can have a tie breaker like I do so no one has a temper tantrum.

Here are some fun games we have tried:

• Running around the backyard with check points {you need to touch that tree, pick up a ball, go through the sprinkler, etc.}
• High jump and low jump out of flower pot and sticks
• Rolling or handstand competition
• Hopping and/or skipping race

Balloon Fight

Balloons filled with water make great water bombs!

Silly String Fun

Yes it’s messy, yes it gets everywhere and yes you often have to clean it up {unless you are lucky enough to do it right before it rains}. The kids have fun for hours and even Dads love playing too!

Scavenge Hunt

Create a list of items your kids need to find in the back yard!

Flower Fun

Collect flowers and create one of the following:

• Make tiny flower vases for your doll’s house {of course we don’t have this but fun for any little girl}
• Press them in a book & used the pressed flowers to make cards
• Hang them upside down to dry – tie with string
• Soak rose petals in water and sugar then drain to make rose perfume

Looking for more ways to have family fun? Check out my article at SheSpeaks – 5 Family Fun Night Ideas.

What is your family’s favorite backyard activity?

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A Few Fun Announcements

I am so honored & thrilled to be a finalist for “CBS Philly’s Most Valuable Blogger Awards 2011″.

You can vote one per day until September 9th and it’s a simple click. If you have a minute, I would love your vote.

I truly appreciate your support!

Time is running out! You have until August 31st to link up your post for this month’s Project Marriage Challenge; In the Bedroom.

Remember you don’t have to actually complete the task, but tell us what changes you plan on making. PLUS one lucky reader will walk away with a $75 Gift Card to 123underwear!

I am the Co-Founder of Girls’ Lunch Out and we are very excited to announce we will be hosting monthly twitter parties – or as we would like to call them “Virtual Lunch Dates”.

Each month we will be tweeting for one hour to help you network, learn and grow your blog!

We encourage everyone to join us, even if you are not a member of GLO. It’s a great way to break up your day, find new friends and hopefully walk away with a new idea or two!

Our first twitter party will be on Thursday, August 25th at 1pm EST & the topic will be “Back-To-Blogging”.

You can follow along by using the hashtag #girlslunchout.

If you are interested in joining us, make sure to RSVP.

See you there!

Meet Life Without Pink

I'm Tina, a wife and mother of two very active little boys. I'm the Co-founder of Girls' Lunch Out {GLO}, a marketing company that hosts networking events for women in social media. I'm also part of the BabyCenter social media team and the Family Expert for P&G's Have You Tried This Yet? Trend Trio.

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Tagged as: Awards, Backyard fun, Create & Learn, twitter party