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The Great Backyard

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Now that the days are longer and the sun is warmer, many of us are heading outside to enjoy the weather with our kids. While summer often brings family vacations, trips to the zoo and camping at the lake, that entertainment can get expensive. Luckily, there is a spot filled with family fun that is completely free and right outside your door. That’s right—your backyard! Backyard fun is a hallmark of summer vacation, and that humble green space is a place where families make memories that last a lifetime. We rounded up a list of outdoor ideas from metro moms to help kick-start your summer fun!

Family Picnic. Gather up your favorite grub, a blanket and your family. Head out back and enjoy a meal together in the great outdoors. This is a fun way to change up the normal routine and snack on some delicious treats.

Ballgames. From croquet to football, families have been playing ballgames in the backyard for generations. “We love playing baseball in the backyard. My husband and I played softball and baseball in college, and our kids seem to love the sports just as much as we do!” says Laura Hernandez, Olathe mom.

Scavenger Hunt. Whether you hide items in the backyard in advance or let nature set the stage, a backyard scavenger hunt is sure to be a hit. For a nature scavenger hunt, make a list of items like leaves, flowers and acorns. Divide the family up into teams and see who can complete the list first! Or hide some special items around the yard in advance for the other family members to find.

Barbecue. You don’t have to wait for July 4th to host a great barbecue in your backyard. Invite the neighbors or just the family. Fire up the grill and let each person make a special side dish. Or get creative and have a barbecue contest!

Get Out Your Gear. Bring out your gear from the garage and let the family enjoy it together. Frisbee? Kite? Oversize bowling? Washers? These are all great things to play with in the backyard!

Water Fun. Get out the hose, set up the baby pool and bring out the Slip n’ Slide. Playing with water in the backyard will keep you cool and provide waves of fun. “I love sprinkler time,” says Kristin Ruder, Overland Park mom. “It brings me back to being a kid before there were pools everywhere!” Want some more water favorites? Try throwing water balloons or having a water gun fight!

Bubbles. Blow them, pop them or chase them! Bubbles are always a great time. There are so many varieties of bubbles, you are sure to find one to suit every taste. You can find bubbles in all different colors and textures. There are even bubbles that don’t pop when they land!

Bugs. “Catching fireflies/lightning bugs!” says Elizabeth Maloney. “The girls get to stay up late, and they just find it so magical, especially when we let them all go at once at the end of the night.” Catching lightning bugs is only one fun backyard pastime provided by insects. Go on a bug hunt! Make a list of bugs, like ladybugs, grasshoppers, ants and roly polies, then have the family race to find them.

Races. Lace up your running shoes and get the family moving. Playing tag, running races or playing relay games are great exercise and a lot of fun for everyone. “We love playing catch and tag in the backyard,” says Shanita Terrill, Kansas City mom.

No matter how you choose to enjoy your family time outdoors this summer, remember to put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Staying safe and enjoying the people around you are the two biggest parts of a great summer!

We love the classics! We asked Kansas City parents to list their favorite backyard games from their own childhoods. Here are their top five:

New Products to Enjoy in the Great Backyard

Nerf Super Soaker Washout Water Blaster

Drench everything in sight with the Super Soaker Washout  water blaster! The Washout water blaster holds 22 ounces of water and can soak targets from up to 38 feet away with pump-action water blasting. Ready…Aim…Soak! Available at most major retailers and HasbroToyShop.com

Nerf Firevision Ignite Football

Lights out? No problem. Featuring Nerf Firevision Ignite technology, the Nerf Firevision Ignite football will glow each time it’s thrown, making each pass even more incredible. Three AAA batteries required, not included. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com

Bunch O Balloons

Tired of spending countless hours filling and tying water balloons only to enjoy throwing them for 5 minutes? Bunch O Balloons allows for 100 balloons to be filled in less than 60 seconds, are self-tying, and eliminate the hassle and aggravation of trying to tie regular balloons. Hours of fun and limited prep time! BunchOBalloons.com

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer and mom of two living in Overland Park.

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