Pool & Spa Outdoor Blog

Category: Entertainment & Recreation

Entertainment & Recreation

Waterproof Music Players, Speakers, and Phone Cases

Waterproof Speakers, Phone Cases, and music players for Your Pool







Sony Walkman Waterproof mp3 player sports portable music swimmingNormally electronics and water don’t mix—which can be a real bummer if you want to listen to music while lounging in the pool or swimming laps. Luckily manufacturers have developed waterproof music players, phone cases, and speaker systems that are ideal for swimmers, pool-goers, and pool owners who like to entertain.

With summer just around the corner, a waterproof phone case or audio system can come in handy and add to your enjoyment when spending time at the pool. Check out these waterproof devices to see which option is best for you.


Compact Waterproof Music Player for Swimmers

Sony Walkman Waterproof mp3 player sports portable music black

At first glance, you may mistake the Sony Walkman® Sports MP3 Player for just a pair of headphones… but look closer and you’ll see the music player is built right into the headphones!

This portable music player has a lightweight, compact design that’s not only sweatproof but waterproof up to depths of 6 feet, making it a great option for gym-goers, runners, and swimmers.

Whether you’re doing a moderate or intense workout indoors, outdoors, or in the pool, this waterproof music player has a new tension band for a supportive fit to keep it securely in place during all activities. With 4GB of built-in memory, users can easily drag and drop MP3s from iTunes® for Mac or PC, Windows® Media Player, or Windows Explorer.

The Walkman Sports MP3 Player delivers up to eight hours of audio playback on a full charge and is available in four colors: white, black, blue, and pink.


Photos courtesy of Sony


Waterproof Phone Case with Built-In Speaker


EcoExtreme waterproof phone case music speaker
EcoExtreme waterproof phone case music speaker redIf you’re like most people, you don’t go anywhere without your smartphone—including the pool and the beach. If you are looking for a waterproof case for your phone/portable music player, the EcoExtreme not only keeps your device safe in and around water, but also allows you to play music through its built-in speaker.

Place your phone or media device into the durable waterproof case and take it with you for any kind of outdoor activity. It also has an internal compartment to fit small items like keys, credit cards, cash, and other items you want to keep dry.

Designed to fit mp3 players and smartphones--including iPhone 4/4S & 5, Samsung S3, Android, Windows, and Blackberry--this waterproof phone case is ideal for swimming, hiking, going to the beach, and other outdoor activities.

The EcoExtreme speaker case is powered by 3 AA batteries and has a 30-hour battery life. It comes in seven colors: black, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, and red.

Photos courtesy of Grace Digital


Floating Waterproof Speaker for Your Pool



EcoXGear ECOXBT waterproof portable audio speaker poolsideAnother option for playing tunes in and around your pool is a waterproof speaker. The EcoXGear ECOXBT by Grace Digital Audio is a portable waterproof speaker system that streams music via Bluetooth from your smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled audio device.

You can take the ECOXBT speaker right into the pool with you while keeping your phone safely away from the water. The ECOXBT streams audio from up to 33 feet away, providing a convenient wireless way to play music at your next pool party.

The ECOXBT is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium battery and provides 10 hours of audio playback. It is available in three colors: black, orange, and red.

Photo courtesy of Grace Digital

Video: See the ECOXBT Floating Waterproof Speaker in Action



Top 10 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials

Must-have Items for Entertaining Outdoors







1. Grill

You can’t have a backyard party without a barbecue grill. Today’s grill units come in a variety of sizes and offer built-in storage and prep space to minimize the hassle of trips indoors. Many also feature accessories such as rotisseries, warming plates, and side burners for diverse cooking methods.

Weber Summit Grill Center

For a list of leading grill manufacturers and resources, visit our Outdoor Kitchens & Grills Buyers’ Guide.




Photo courtesy of 2011 Weber-Stephen Products LLC. Used with Permission




2. Grilling Tools & Accessories

Every grill master needs to have a good set of grilling tools, especially when cooking for a large crowd. The three main grilling utensils: a spatula for flipping burgers and positioning food; a pair of tongs for gripping meats and vegetables; a fork for piercing and turning meats. Look for grilling tools with long handles to protect your hands from the heat.

Weber Grill Accessories
Photo courtesy of 2011 Weber-Stephen Products LLC. Used with Permission


Another important grilling tool to have on hand is an instant-read meat thermometer. This will take the guesswork out of cooking and ensure that meat, poultry, and other cooked foods have reached a safe internal temperature.

Digital Meat Thermometer
Photo courtesy of Overstock.com



3. Outdoor Dinnerware and Glassware

If you typically resort to disposable paper plates and red plastic cups for your outdoor affairs, consider investing in outdoor dinnerware and glassware made from hard plastics like melamine or acrylic. These worry-free options are durable, lightweight, and environmentally-friendly because they can be washed and reused. They also come in an array of vibrant summer colors and patterns just like your indoor tableware.  

Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware
Photo courtesy of Hayneedle.com

A large, self-serve beverage dispenser makes it easy to serve a big group of people and will also cut down on waste like empty water bottles and soda cans. Use it to serve homemade iced tea, lemonade, or a fruity summer drink.

340-ounce Beverage Dispenser
Photo courtesy of Overstock.com



4. Outdoor Serving Items

It’s important to serve food outdoors when entertaining in your backyard. This eliminates the hassle of running inside to grab additional food items and also keeps guests from having to make trips in and out of the house—often with dirty shoes or wet feet—to grab food or supplies. The type of outdoor serving items you’ll need will depend on the number of people you plan to entertain and the type of food you’ll be serving. 

 

An outdoor extension table is a great item to have when entertaining because it allows you to easily adjust the table size to your needs. Extend the table for additional seating during larger gatherings or fold down the leaf when space is limited.

Outdoor Extenstion Table
Photo courtesy of Overstock.com

A fold out bar can come in handy if you regularly entertain outdoors or host large parties. It offers both countertop space for serving food and/or beverages and storage space underneath for essentials like glassware, dishes, utensils, or other supplies you might want to have on hand.

Royal Tahiti Outdoor Folding Bar
Photo courtesy of Overstock.com

For smaller outdoor gatherings, a portable patio cart can keep supplies within reach. Stock it with dishes, utensils, ice, paper towels, condiments, and other necessities. When the party is over it can be used for easy clean-up: just load it up with dirty dishes and wheel it back inside.  


Outdoor Patio Cart
Photo courtesy of Overstock.com




5. Insect Control


When eating and entertaining outdoors it’s expected that a number of mosquitos and insects will be flying around. Keep bugs away from food by keeping it in covered storage containers or under mesh food tents. Umbrella drink covers will prevent insects and debris from getting in beverages and will also help guests keep track of their drinks.

Place citronella candles on outdoor dining tables to repel pests while guests enjoy their food. Set citronella tiki torches or mosquito lamps around seating and social areas for added protection at night. See more tips on bug protection.

Candles around Outdoor Patio
Photo courtesy of Gasper Landscape Design & Construction; Photography by Rob Cardillo




6. Backyard Shade Products


Make sure you have enough shade for your guests so that they don’t get uncomfortably hot and retreat indoors. Table and freestanding patio umbrellas offer relief from the burning sun while guests eat and socialize. Some patio umbrellas can be tilted and turned with the movement of the sun to provide optimal shade throughout the day.


Green Cantilever Outdoor Umbrelle

Photo courtesy of Overstock.com


You can also keep guests cool and comfortable with a pop-up canopy or tent. These come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any outdoor entertaining space. A pop-up canopy or tent can also be used to keep food out of the sun and offers protection from an unexpected rain shower.

Outdoor Party Tent Canopy
Photo courtesy of Hayneedle.com



7. Music & Outdoor Stereo Systems


Music helps set the tone for any party, indoors or out. There are a variety of ways to add acoustics to your backyard get-together. Wireless docking stations for MP3 players and iPods can easily be set out on a table or by the pool. These systems are convenient for outdoor parties, but they are not weatherproof so be sure to look for models that include a splash-proof plastic covering to protect your iPod or MP3 player.

Wireless Music Dock for iPod or MP3 player


Another option is to hook up your indoor stereo system to outdoor speakers. Weather-resistant outdoor speakers can withstand the elements, such as sun, rain, and temperature changes and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs. You can select from outdoor speakers that are mounted to a wall or pillar, freestanding speakers that can be placed around the yard, landscape speakers that are installed inground, and wireless speakers that are disguised as rocks, lights, or planters to blend with the surrounding scenery.


Outdoor Planter Speaker_OSD Audio
Photos courtesy of OSD Audio, Stereostone, Inc and Etón Corporation



8. Outdoor Seating

It’s important to provide ample seating for your party guests so that they are comfortable. While you could invest in additional outdoor furniture like patio chairs, loungers, and sofas, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to add extra seating when entertaining outdoors.

Folding chairs, ottomans, and even beach chairs work well around the pool area or a fire pit. An outdoor storage bench or cooler can easily double as a seat when you place a cushion or a few pillows on top.

White Adirondack Beach Chair Montego Bay Deck Box
Photos courtesy of Overstock.com


A large blanket or outdoor rug spread out on the lawn offers a simple place for guests to relax and catch up; it can also designate a play/picnic area for the kids. And remember that a retaining wall easily provides a comfortable spot for guests to perch or set down their food and drink.

Outdoor Rug_Natural Terracotta Ashlar Pattern Retaining Wall
Photo courtesy of Overstock.com; Photo courtesy of Red River Hardscapes



9. Outdoor Lighting


A backyard party in the summer is sure to extend into the night, which makes lighting an essential outdoor entertaining element. Outdoor lighting not only keeps the backyard safe as sunlight withdraws, but also adds ambiance and makes an outdoor setting feel more cozy and inviting at night.

String lights add festive sparkle to a pergola, gazebo, or umbrella and help highlight dining/social areas for guests. Tiki torches and path lights can be placed around the patio or pool to help illuminate dark corners and designate walkways. Lanterns and candles are great for table tops and help create a more intimate atmosphere. Additionally, an outdoor fire pit provides both light and warmth to keep guests comfortable on cool summer nights. It also creates a prime gathering spot for conversation.

Pergola with String Lights
Photo courtesy of The Outdoor GreatRoom Company




10. Outdoor Games

Having a mix of outdoor games set up around the yard will keep everyone entertained throughout the day and ensure your guests have a good time at your party. There is a wide selection of outdoor games to choose from, but it’s important to pick ones that are suited for the various age groups of your guests. Lawn games like horseshoes, ladder ball, washers, and bag toss are easy to play and require little equipment and space. These games can also be played in teams, which is a great way for guests to mingle if they don’t know each other well.

Washer Toss Lawn Game Ladder Toss Lawn Game
Photos courtesy of Hayneedle.com


A variety of games and activities can also be played in the swimming pool. Get a group of people involved in some friendly competition with a volleyball or basketball net or keep things small with a floating Ping-Pong table or poker table.

If you’ll be spending Labor Day poolside, check out these fun pool games for kids.



Pool Party Ideas: Party Themes, Décor, and Games

Summer Party Themes










There’s no better way to celebrate summer and beat the heat than with a pool party—and no party is complete without a great theme. From the decorations to the food to the games, here are four summer party themes to help you create a fun and festive setting.


Summer Luau Party Decor

Luau Party

Transform your backyard and swimming pool into a tropical paradise with a Luau party theme. You can easily find an assortment of luau-themed décor and accessories at your local craft or party supply store.

Here are some fun ideas for Luau party decorations, food, and games.


Luau Party Decorations

Luau Party Theme Decorations

Raffia or grass table skirts – adorn patio tables or a buffet table with raffia or grass table skirts to give an authentic island vibe

Tiki torches – line up tiki torches along the entrance to the backyard or around the swimming pool

Leis – hang assorted colors from tree branches or drape across the backs of patio chairs

Inflatable palm tree cooler – for an attractive way to keep drinks cool. A variety of designs and sizes are available and can hold anywhere from 24 to 60 12-ounce cans (plus ice)

Tiki totems – scatter these fun faces around the yard

Fresh coconuts and/or pineapples – arrange on patio tables for inexpensive (and edible) centerpieces

Floral garland –  use as a border around the swimming pool, drape across tree branches, or attach to patio umbrellas

Printed beach towels – hang beach towels with a sunset, ocean, or island print on a clothesline or along the backyard fence to create festive backdrops for photos



Luau Party Food


Hawaiian Luau Party Tableware

Hawaiian fruit punch – in a large punch bowl filled with ice, mix your favorite juices (e.g. pineapple, orange, grapefruit, cranberry, etc.) with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale; garnish with orange, pineapple and lemon slices

Tropical fruit salad – cut mango, pineapple, and papaya into cubes; combine with mandarin orange wedges, kiwi slices, and flaked sweetened coconut; drizzle with honey and lime juice

Island chicken kabobs – arrange chunks of teriyaki-marinated chicken breast, pineapple, and bell pepper on wooden skewers. Grill 15 – 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken juices run clear. Serve over white or brown rice

Hawaiian pizza (ham & pineapple) – make your own or order from your favorite pizza place—we won’t tell!



Luau Party Games & Activities


Limbo


Pineapple Bowling


Hula Dance-off – separate pool party guests into teams of three or four and see which team can come up with the most creative hula dance


Hula Hoop Contest – have two or three people (or more, depending on how many hula hoops you have) hula hoop until there is only one person left hula hooping. The person left standing then hula hoops against the next group of people. Continue the cycle to see who ends up the hula-hooping champion.


Luau Party Limbo Game Pineapple Bowling Game Luau Hula Dance

Photos courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com




Fiesta Party Decorations
Photo courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com

Fiesta Party

The bright colors, zesty fare, and festive tone of a Mexican Fiesta make it a great party theme for summer. Take your pool party amigos south of the border with these fiesta-themed decorations, food, and games.


Fiesta Party Decorations


Paper fans & streamers – choose bright summer colors like orange, red, pink, yellow, and lime green

Party lights – use multicolored string lights or fun options like chili pepper string lights or mini margarita lights

Mexican blanket – use as a table cover or backdrop for photos

Stick flags – place miniature Mexican or multicolored stick flags in the ground along the perimeter of the pool

Mini cactus candles – these will help establish a southwest theme and can serve as both table décor and party favors

Fiesta tableware – decorate tables with plastic Margarita  glasses, fresh limes,  colorful vases, and Mexican-themed paper flowers and napkins


Fiesta Tableware  Party City Fiesta Paper Fans

Above: Photo courtesy of Chris Nease, Celebrations at Home
Right: Photo courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com




Fiesta Party Food


Tortilla chips and salsa – for an authentic touch, try this delicious recipe for Black Bean Salsa  (pictured below)

Tacos – set up a taco station and let guests pick their favorite fillings and toppings like ground beef, shredded chicken or pork, Cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, lettuce, salsa, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream and guacamole

7-layer dip – layer refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, and lettuce; serve with corn or tortilla chips

Mexican grilled corn – top grilled corn on the cob with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder and Cotija cheese (or Parmesan)

Chips and dip trio – fill tired serving baskets with tortilla chips and an assortment of dips, including salsa, guacamole, and corn relish

Mexican Fiesta Party Food Black Bean Salsa Recipe

Above: Photo courtesy of Chris Nease, Celebrations at Home
Right: Photo courtesy of Tanya Staab



Fiesta Party Games & Activities


Pass the Sombrero – like “Hot Potato,” but with a fiesta twist: Instead of a potato, have players pass around a sombrero. Each player has to put the sombrero on their head before passing it to the next person.  The person wearing or holding the sombrero when the music stops playing is eliminated. Continue eliminating players until two people remain. The player without the sombrero when the music stops is the winner.

Inflatable Cactus Ring Toss 

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Piñata – choose from a variety of fiesta-themed shapes, like a sombrero, chili pepper, donkey, or cactus

Mariachi Musical Floats – for this take on “Musical Chairs,” you’ll need to have one less float/inner tube in the pool than there are people. Have everyone swim around the pool as you play a CD with mariachi music; when you stop the music, everyone has to swim to the nearest float and jump on; the person without a float is eliminated and one float is removed from the pool. Continue playing, removing a float each time a person is eliminated. The person to sit on the last float is the winner.

Dress-up Relay Race:
     You’ll need these items for each team: 
        Sombrero 
        Maraca 
        Fake mustache (look for versions that attach with an elastic band, not adhesive)
        Bandana

     How to play:
       1. Divide party guests into two or more teams (the number of teams will depend on how many sets of items you have)
       2. Pile each team’s set of items at the opposite end of pool
       3. When someone says “Go,” the first member of each team swims to the other side of the pool and puts on their team’s group of items
       4. The player then swims back to the other side of the pool, takes off the items, and passes them on to the next team member.
       5. That team member puts on the items, swims to the other side of the pool, takes off the gear, and swims back to the other side of the pool to tag the next player.
       6. The cycle continues until the last player returns back to the team. The first team to finish wins.


Sombrero Pinata  Fiesta Party Game

Above: Photo courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com
Right: Photo courtesy of Chris Nease, Celebrations at Home


Under the Sea Party


A backyard swimming pool is the perfect venue for an Under the Sea party theme. Create an enchanting underwater adventure with these seaworthy ideas.

Under the Sea Party Decorations


Tropical fish floats

Bubbles – rent or buy a bubble machine to create the illusion of underwater bubbles

Fish netting – drape decorative fish netting (available at craft and party supply stores) over your backyard fence or use it as table covers

Streamers or crepe paper – use a combination of deep blue, turquoise, and green streamers or crepe paper to simulate water motion and seaweed. Attach varying lengths along the backyard fence, to the backs of patio chairs, and along the edges of patio umbrellas.

Seashells – scatter an assortment of shells on top of patio tables or place in small sand buckets

Coral reef wall decor – these lightweight, vinyl sheets (for indoor/outdoor use) can be attached to your fence with Sticky tack or double-sided tape to create an underwater scene

Under the Sea Scene Setter   Tropical Fish Floats
Photos courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com



Under the Sea Party Food


Tuna “fish” sandwiches – cut tuna fish sandwiches into fish shapes with a cookie cutter. (You can also make peanut butter and jelly-fish sandwiches.)

Shrimp cocktail

Miniature crab cakes

Goldfish crackers

Sea life cups  – make these delightful under-the-sea treats pictured below with blue gelatin dessert mix, whipped topping, crushed graham crackers, and molded chocolates

Salt water taffy

Octopus hot dogs – slice hot dogs in half lengthwise, leaving about two inches connected at the end for the head. Turn the hot dog and slice each half again, creating four “legs.” Cut each of the four legs in half again.

Crab dip

Sand dollar sugar cookies – sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar to look like sand

Gummy fish candy cups (pictured below) – place gummy fish in plastic cups with blue candy-coated chocolates to look like they’re swimming in the ocean

Under the Sea Jell-O Cups Gummy Fish and Candy Cups
Photos courtesy of Tonya Staab


Check out these additional Seafood Recipes for Your Poolside Affair.



Under the Sea Party Games & Activities


Shark Bite
   How to play:
    1. Have everyone get in the pool
    2. Choose one person to be the “shark.” When you say "Go," the person who is the shark has to swim around the pool and try to catch one of the other guests.
    3. The person that gets caught (or bit) becomes the shark for the next round

Sand art station

Crab races

Buried Treasure Race
    How to play:
    1. Pick one person to be the leader and divide the rest of the party guests into two teams. Each team stands at opposite ends of the pool.
    2. The leader goes to the middle of the pool and tosses in an assortment of diving toys, such as lobsters, starfish, turtles, and dolphins. When the leader calls out “Go,” the first member of each team swims to the center of the pool, collects as many items as they can, and returns to their team.
    3. The leader tallies the number of items each player collected for their team and then tosses the items back into the center of the pool for the next two players.
    4. After all the players from each team have taken a turn, the leader adds up the results from each round to see the total number of items each team collected. The team with the higher number wins.

Inflatable starfish ring toss
Inflatable Starfish Ring Toss

Photo courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com





Patriotic Party

Patriotic Party Theme DecorationsCelebrate the summer holidays, show your support for Team USA in the Olympic Games, or host an all-American backyard barbecue with these patriotic ideas.

Patriotic Party Decorations


Red, white and blue paper fans or lanterns

Miniature American flags – use as both décor and party favors

Patriotic pinwheels – place large ones in the ground around the swimming pool or arrange a few miniature pinwheels inside blue or red sand buckets for a festive centerpiece

Stars and stripes pennant banners – drape across tree branches or the backs of chairs

American flag bunting – hang along the fence or deck rails

Red, white, and blue table confetti

Solar powered floating pool lights – a few red, white, and blue spheres will add a festive ambiance at night

Red, blue, or American flag bandanas – use as placemats or napkins

Photo courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com


Patriotic Party Food


American flag fruit kabobs (bottom left)

Snow cones – let guests add their favorite syrup flavor(s): blue raspberry (blue), strawberry (red), or piña colada (white)

Maple-Mustard Country-Style Spareribs


Patriotic parfaits
(bottom right) – layer blueberries, raspberries or strawberries, vanilla-flavored yogurt, whipped topping, granola, and flaked coconut

Individual caramel popcorn snack boxes - these can also be displayed as part of the décor!

Hot dogs and hamburgers – set up a buffet table with all the fixings

Grilled corn on the cob

Barbecue chicken

Star-shaped sandwiches

American Flag Fuit KabobsPatriotic ParfaitCracker Jack Box
Left: Photo courtesy of Party City, PartyCity.com; Middle: Photo courtesy of Tonya Staab; Right: Photo courtesy of Chris Nease, Celebrations at Home



Patriotic Party Games & Activities

Bobbing for apples

Tug-of-War – this can be played on land or in the pool

Flag Relay
     How to play:
     1. Divide guests into two or three teams
     2. Each team gets a bucket filled with miniature American flags (1 flag per teammate). Place buckets on opposite side of the yard.
     3. On the count of three, the first member from each team runs to their bucket, picks out a flag, and then runs back to tag the next player.
     4. The game continues until all of the members of a team have gotten their flag. The first team to finish wins.

Pie-eating contest - use mini patriotic pies with star cutouts

Mini Patriotic Pies
Photo courtesy of Chris Nease, Celebrations at Home




Outdoor Speakers in Disguise

Wireless Outdoor Speakers







By Debra Maurer

Outdoor speakers can be just as beautiful as they are functional. Check out some of these unique speakers that double as rocks, lanterns, planters, statues, and more.


This wireless outdoor speaker lantern ­can be mounted onto the back wall of your house. It comes with a transmitter that is compatible with most electronic devices, allowing you to broadcast sound from your iPod, radio, computer, etc.

Photo courtesy of Audiovox Corporation







Planters with built-in speakers can be filled with real or faux flowers to spruce up your deck. They’re available in many styles and materials, including terra cotta, wood, and stone.

Photo courtesy of PlanterSpeakers.com






Faux rock outdoor speakers come in many different shapes, colors, and textures. You can choose the best one for your landscape.

Photo courtesy of Stereostone, Inc.








From fish to frogs to cherubs, statue speakers add a decorative element to your garden.

Photo courtesy of OSD Audio, www.OutdoorSpeakerDepot.com






This bench speaker provides extra seating while delivering sound to your backyard. ­

Photo courtesy of PlanterSpeakers.com





Visit our Outdoor Entertainment & Recreation Buyers' Guide for information on where to buy these speakers and other outdoor speakers/entertainment products.

Summer Fun for Kids

By Nate Armstrong

Fun Outdoor Activities










Sprinklers


A swimming pool, of course, is a great way to keep cool in the summer while keeping the kids occupied. But if you don’t have a pool, another way to keep cool and active is to connect a three-arm sprinkler toy to your garden hose or sprinkler system. Your kids will love the chance to run around the yard and play in the water.

Water Balloon Tosses

A water balloon toss is another fun and inexpensive outdoor activity and can be played a couple different ways, depending on how many people you have:

If there are an odd number of children, the kids can stand in a circle:

    1. 1. Have the kids stand in a circle, with two feet between each person.
    2. 2. Begin play by having one kid toss the water balloon to the person on their right.
    3. 3. The children continue tossing the water balloon to one another in a clockwise direction.
    4. 4. When a player drops or pops the water balloon, he/she is eliminated and the rest of the players must spread out another foot to compensate for the missing person. This is done each time a player is eliminated.
    5. 5. Continue to play and eliminate players until only one person is left. He/she is the winner and gets to toss the balloon first in the next round.

If there are an even number of children, the kids can play in pairs:

    1. 1. Divide all players into groups of two and give each pair a water balloon.
    2. 2. Line the players up in two lines, with partners facing each other, and have each person take a big step backwards.
    3. 3. Each player holding the water balloon gently tosses it to his/her partner. If their partner catches it, they each take another big step backwards. If the balloon breaks, the pair is eliminated.
    4. 4. Continue to play and until one pair is left.

Scavenger Hunts

You can map out a backyard scavenger hunt that can be played individually or in teams. Make a list of items for them to find and give each person or team a copy of the list, and let the scavenging begin. Include items that can easily be found in your backyard, such as a leaf, pine cone, flower, rock, and twig, as well as outdoor items that you can place around the yard, such as a water gun, a Frisbee, a pair of goggles, and a splash ball. Whoever returns with all the items first is the scavenger hunt champion.

“Drawn-Like-Me” Posters

A creative activity that can be done indoors or outdoors is to create “drawn-like-me” posters. You’ll need a large flat surface like your patio or driveway. You’ll also need a large roll of poster-size paper that you can purchase at craft stores or teacher supply stores. Have each child lay down on a piece of the poster paper, and then trace their outline with a pencil. Then let the kids take over and decorate their outlines with markers, crayons, sequins, and yarn for hair. They can make their drawings look like them or pirates, princesses, astronauts, or whatever they come up with.

Evening Activity: S’mores and a Story

After a long day of sun, fun, and games, settle down for the evening around an outdoor fireplace or firepit. (Make sure children are under adult supervision at all times.) Set up a s’mores station with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars. You can even get creative with the ingredients, such as using chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers, and fruit slices or chocolate peanut butter cups instead of the chocolate bars. As they sit around the fire, let the kids create a collaborative story: Have them go around in a circle, letting each person contribute a sentence at a time. It allows each child to participate and can lead to some very entertaining stories! If they’d rather watch a movie, they may not need to head indoors after all: They can watch their favorite movie on an outdoor TV or inflatable screen


About the Author: This guest post was written by Nate Armstrong of Sprinkler Juice.

 

Ideas for Father's Day

Gift Ideas for Dads









Having a hard time finding a gift for dad this Father’s Day? No need to panic. We’ve put together these 7 great gift ideas for dads who enjoy spending time outdoors.


Backyard Hammock

1. Hammock



From raking leaves to mowing the lawn to cleaning the pool, dads put in a lot of hard work around the yard. That’s why a hammock makes a great gift idea for Father’s Day: What better way is there for him to enjoy the fruits of his labor than kicking back in a nice relaxing hammock?













Photo courtesy of Hatteras Hammocks/The Hammock Source




Stainless Stell Grill
2. Grill


Turn dad into the barbecue king this summer with a new stainless steel grill. Stainless steel grills are extremely durable, will last for years, and offer countless al fresco meals during summer cookouts.

 




Got dad a grill last year? Consider putting together a “Grilling Gift Basket” filled with all the cooking tools and accessories he needs for a successful barbecue, including tongs, basting brushes, a digital meat thermometer, spatulas, and a marinating guide.





Photo courtesy of RH Peterson Co.; Photograph by Steve Pollock Studios





Outdoor TV
3. Outdoor TV


Give dad the gift of entertainment with a weatherproof outdoor television. He’ll enjoy being able to watch the big game while he’s firing up some burgers and steaks on the grill.

 


Outdoor TVs are available in screen sizes of 23 to 55 inches and can be connected to your cable box, computer, DVD/Blu-ray player, or gaming system.








Photo courtesy of SunBriteTV






Eton Soulra Outdoor Sound System
4. Outdoor Speaker System


If your dad is a guy who likes to lounge around the pool or entertain outdoors during the summer, then consider giving him the gift of music for Father’s Day.  An indoor/outdoor wireless speaker will let him rock out to his favorite bands while relaxing poolside or catching up with his buddies.

 


Though not weatherproof, this portable system includes a splash-proof plastic covering to protect your dad’s iPod or MP3 player when placed outdoors.










Photo courtesy of Etón Corporation






5. Pool Lounger


How about letting dad enjoy a lazy day in the pool this Father’s Day? With a large pillow headrest, cup holder, and infinite adjustability, this is the ultimate pool lounger for dad. The fully adjustable back rest lets him recline to the angle of his choice for total comfort. He may never get out of the pool!

Adjustable Reclining Pool Lounger

 

You can also support dad’s love of all things sports-related with a giant pool mattress plastered with the name and logo of his favorite NBA® team. Each officially licensed NBA® Giant Mattress measures 6’9” tall, holds up to 300 lbs and features a comfortable raised pillow and cup holder.

Giant NBA Pool Mattress - Miami Heat

Photos courtesy of In the Swim




Portable Cast Iron Fire Pit
6. Firepit



A firepit is a great gift idea for any dad—and a great addition to the backyard. Imagine spending summer nights with dad around the firepit, listening to his stories while roasting marshmallows and watching the flames.

 

 

Portable firepits are made of copper or cast iron and come in a variety of styles to match any outdoor décor. You can choose from wood or gas burning models.








Photo courtesy of
In the Swim



Floating Golf Game for Pool

7. Floating Pool Games




Does your dad love to golf? Instead of the typical golf balls and clubs, give him this fun floating golf game so he can enjoy his favorite pastime right at home. The floating green makes a challenging target for even the best golfers.

 

 











Floating Swim-up Blackjack TableFor card lovers, a swim-up blackjack table is a great gift idea. Your dad will enjoy having his buddies over for a round of blackjack in the pool. Waterproof non-stick playing cards and 320 chips are included. 













Photos courtesy of
In the Swim




What are you giving your dad for Father's Day? Tell us in the comments below.




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