Transform Your Yard into a Backyard Adventure
Warmer months are quickly approaching, making it the perfect opportunity to get up and spend some more time outdoors. If you have kids or grandkids, having something to keep them occupied is important. Keep their minds active with these unique and exciting DIY backyard ideas.
Color-block Sandbox

Color-block Sandbox
If you own an old bookcase that is taking up too much space, or needs replacing, don’t get rid of it! You can turn it into a sandbox for your little ones. Coordinate with your backyard colors and spray paint the bookcase to give it a lively look. It would also be a good idea to add a topcoat of polyurethane to protect the surface from water and other outside elements. Since the bookcase will no longer be used for its intended purpose, reinforce all the junctions with extra screws so it can hold the sand. We recommend also grabbing some plywood to place underneath the sandbox for extra support and to use as a lid so critters don’t get inside when it’s not in use. Fill the larger compartment with sand and use the others to store toys. This will be a great, little-sized addition to your yard!
Old Fashioned Tetherball
The next time your tires need replacing, skip paying the tire disposable fee and keep them! You can build several backyard toys with them, like a tetherball. All you need is an old tire, two bags of concrete, one steel fence post with a topper, a tetherball with a string, large rocks and a sheet of plywood.
Place the old tire on a sheet of plywood (you’ll toss the plywood later but it will help hold the concrete in the tire). Put the fence post in the center of the tire and brace a few rocks around it to help keep it in place. Mix the concrete according to the directions and pour it into the tire, filling it all the way and leaving no cracks or holes. Let the concrete harden overnight. Next, place the end of the tetherball string on top of the fence post and top it with the topper to hold the string in place. This will be sure to bring back some playground memories.
Old Fashioned Tetherball

Water Slide

Water Slide
With temperatures rising, water-based activities are a must! Instead of spending money on a waterpark or local pool, a homemade waterslide is a fun and simple alternative. You can either use heavy-duty clear plastic or go with a basic camping tarp, both of which are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores. Spread your tarp of choice over a slope and stake it down to keep it in its place. You can also add pool noodles as side-buffers if desired. Hang a garden hose over a clothes line at the top of the tarp and choose a light-spray setting. Drizzle some shampoo or dish detergent over the tarp to make it as slippery as needed. That’s it! Tarp, hose and shampoo, and your kids will spend the whole afternoon slipping and sliding.
With these easy, DIY outdoor play areas, you’re sure to keep your little ones entertained as the weather warms up!