Three Backyard Entertainment Activities

 backyard oasis  No Responses »
Jul 022010
 

With summer vacations for children and family entertainment being a focus of the backyard you may want fast and easy activities available.

Here are three ideas for family entertainment that will keep children busy and also provide an activity for adults.

The treasure chest is a great game to keep children occupied. By changing the contents of the box the game will always be new and exciting. You could even add movie tickets or a trip to the beach as one of the content items. The game could be turned into a guessing game with clues leading to the box. It’s also adaptable for older teens and adults.

These games are easy to set up, very inexpensive and can be changed so that they always add a new dimension to backyard fun.

Posted by Denise at 9:27 am  Tagged with: , ,

Swimming Pool Basics

 guest writer  No Responses »
Apr 282009
 
by Michael Wellingsley

More and more families are considering investing in a swimming pool today. Less expensive than a vacation for the whole family, a home swimming pool is starting to look like a worthwhile investment for many people. With a wide variety of swimming pool options out there, many people can find a way to fit at least a very basic swimming pool into their budget. Safety first
Creative Commons License photo credit: Dennis Wong

Public pools are popular because they are usually quite large, have added on items like sliding boards and wading pools, and seem to cost less than installing your own pool. The cost of paying for public pools can become considerable over a couple of seasons though. Still, public pools can be a nice choice for people with limited space or other considerations that prevent them from putting in their own pool.

For private ownership, above ground swimming pools are generally much less expensive than the in ground alternative. Even among above ground pools there can be a great variation in cost. Inflatable above ground swimming pools are usually the least expensive option. These are usually designed to be set up on a level area by a few people in one days time.

The above ground pools that get “winterized” are a popular option today. They are large enough to be enjoyed by several people but do not carry the very high price tag of an in ground swimming pool.

Expenses related to the installation of an above ground pool can add up quickly. Pools costs include the pool itself, preparing the poolscape area, running electricity to the pool area, any decking that may be added on, and of course, labor. If you are going for an installation of all new materials, this could end up costing several thousand dollars.

Getting an in ground pool is a serious commitment of money for a homeowner and should be looked at as an investment. Having an in ground pool is definitely a selling point. Whether you gain from this investment in the long term will depend on the pool itself and the prevailing economic factors when you decide to sell your home.

If you just want an in ground pool or you have no other pool options available where you live, just accept that it is going to be expensive and hope that you get your value back. Before installing the pool, get all of your documentation handled. All permits and such should be obtained before you ever break ground on the project.

No matter what swimming pool option you may choose, get all of your costs added up before ever making your purchase. Your new pool shouldn’t cost so much that it destroys your budget. Shop wisely and take care of the pool you decide to purchase. Today’s pools can last for several years and serve as a great addition to your home and property.

About the Author:
Mr. Wellingsley enjoys writing about swimming pools . You might also enjoy this pool heaters article.
Posted by Michael Wellingsley at 10:50 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Backyard Oasis Water Activities

 backyard oasis  No Responses »
Mar 202009
 

The backyard is the heart and center of activity in the summer months. The gardens are in full production, children are home from school playing and creating lifetime memories and the family can share quality time together outdoors. As the temperatures rise in many areas, the backyard oasis also becomes a place to relax and cool down. Sprinklers
Creative Commons License photo credit: rbphalen

With the higher temperatures in mind it’s time to plan backyard activities that will help keep you cool. Many of these activities will involve water. You could consider adding a pool to the backyard if you have the space and time for its upkeep. Most of your outdoor activities would center on the pool and deck or patio area. There are many different priced backyard swimming pools that might fit your needs. When I was in college the entire backyard court was filled with kiddie pools and they worked fine.

But if you can’t have a pool there are many alternatives to keep cool and have fun with water in the backyard.

Water balloon fights are very refreshing and a fun backyard activity. Balloons come in all sizes, are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. There are many relays and games that can be played in teams or with a few people. And it’s an activity for all ages and fits in well at parties, picnics and reunions.

Another water activity might include a water gun fight. It is another activity that interest all ages.  Water guns can be purchased for a reasonable price, particularly off-season or in retail stores or five and dime stores. I have also found water guns at auctions and garage sales.

Water sprinklers are a calmer more relaxing way to cool off. Water sprinklers will often spray in a number of different directions. Small children often enjoy these. These are not suited to all backyards and if you need to conserve water. I used to let my Labrador Retriever play in the sprinkler for a few minutes after he took a swim in the creek. He would loose the fish smell he had picked up form his swimming adventure.

For most water sports and games you will need access to a water hose. All water toys can then be filled outdoors and not in your kitchen where water may get spilled. And with water games and running games keep in mind that children should be watched at all times. Dog Day Afternoon
Creative Commons License photo credit: OakleyOriginals

One other way to cool off in the summer is by setting up a small water pond or water fountain. The water will cool the air nearby and make you feel cooler. Add a patio umbrella and night lights to extend your time into the evening and your backyard will be a backyard oasis paradise for all to enjoy.

Posted by Denise at 7:15 pm  Tagged with: , ,
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