<p>Backyards and patios have been working hard all year because of the pandemic, and this summer they can provide new ways to cool off and have fun in the water. </p>
<p>Whether you have a lot of space or a little, there’s gear ranging from water tables and tubs for kids to floating loungers with drink holders for adults.</p>
<p>One company, <a href="https://www.minnidip.com/">Minnidip</a>, makes inflatable “adult kiddie pools” that aim to transport you to some exotic travel destination. Patterns on the Marrakesh pool reference Moroccan architectural details, while the Amalfi is a nod to the blue, yellow and white tile of the Italian coast.</p>
<p>“Because for me, having a pool on our urban Chicago rooftop felt like being transported to another place,” says company founder Emily Vaca. “I wanted to capture that feeling through design and pattern. “</p>
<p>Minnidip also offers inflatable drinks coolers and glam pool balls filled with gold confetti, among other offerings.</p>
<p>Let’s dive in to some other backyard water toys for the summer:</p>
<p>WATER EXPLORATION</p>
<p>A <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fbest-choice-products-kids-3-in-1-outdoor-convertible-wood-activity-sand-water-picnic-table-w-umbrella-2-play-boxes%2F-%2FA-82323649%23lnk%3Dsametab&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617501487%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=iVWW2r134uRRjVsPkN8m1iF4aWw4GhahkKQvVhOdmsA%3D&reserved=0">multipurpose picnic table</a> from Best Choice Products has a removable top section with a little sandbox and water tub below; four kids can sit together, and there’s an adjustable umbrella, too. </p>
<p>The only water table that lets you make waves, <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.littletikes.com%2Fitem%2F651359%2Fisland-wavemaker-water-table%2F1.html&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617501487%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=6da0118tmMBn01fCGK9l8LPJCv6fGogmN9UWDUY5kYM%3D&reserved=0">Little Tikes’ Island Wavemaker</a> has a water wheel, plus cute sea creatures and a wee pirate to send paddling around the waterway or down the waterfall. Toddlers can practice their fine motor skills with <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.littletikes.com%2Fitem%2F485114%2Fspinning-seas-water-table%2F1.html&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617511482%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=d2zaCszaDOXVV1WNEzuJDNoiKkHs0Uz1pYY6SkC%2BTb4%3D&reserved=0">Little Tikes’ Spinning Seas Water Table</a>; small balls, a cup, a funnel and a water wheel set up the fun. </p>
<p>
<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kohls.com%2Fproduct%2Fprd-2907568%2Fstep2-waterfall-discovery-wall.jsp%3Fskuid%3D52968485%26CID%3Dshopping30%26utm_campaign%3DPRESCHOOL%2520TOYS%26utm_medium%3DCSE%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_product%3D52968485%26utm_campaignid%3D9836151593%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwv_iEBhASEiwARoemvDEkfVS5O2_TbK0CKqurhVCU9tv_7SzaU78t35w_tPsRQbk464zBsRoCkeIQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617511482%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=x9gvF82yHfjFBFz3hSPz2Ndqt6Jyvx8KwjZxLBsbMyU%3D&reserved=0">Step2’s two-sided Waterfall Discovery Wall</a> has adjustable toggles, spinners and chutes to send the water tumbling in lots of different ways. And <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lakeshorelearning.com%2Fproducts%2Fca%2Fp%2FLA526%2F%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dppc%26utm_campaign%3DPLA%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwv_iEBhASEiwARoemvFFmZFB0DE2nT1EBHwwqg-QaEbTFkT2p0T5EDxIKmqkp8VPvcG5imBoCI_8QAvD_BwE&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617521477%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=t4bNRu276yo3r1ja9haQnsqO83Oq6jq5XC4uaYqHSpM%3D&reserved=0">Lakeshore Learning’s Watch It Flow</a> water table features three plastic logs that can be configured however you wish. Fill the logs using a hose or bucket; gates control the flow and can close up to make long tubs. </p>
<p>
<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.littletikes.com%2Fitem%2F658679%2Ffoamo-foam-machine%2F1.html&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617531489%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Ah8RCSA5bpSNxyWybWPw8sHkDHScH0AzDfEfFikRsi8%3D&reserved=0">Foamo,</a> also from the folks at Little Tikes, creates mountains of easy-to-clean-up foam when you add the nontoxic, biodegradable foam solution to water.</p>
<p>HOSE HAPPY</p>
<p>Turn on the hose and attach it to <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westelm.com%2Fproducts%2Finflatable-rainbow-sprinkler-h7650%2F%3Fcm_src%3Drel&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617531489%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=DxDDbMYCDkj2wFMGYbsTHuu4RJbLPLX45fY0Xd%2FjRmg%3D&reserved=0">West Elm’s inflatable rainbow</a> or <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westelm.com%2Fproducts%2Finflatable-shark-sprinkler-h7651%2F%3Fcm_src%3DreducedClick&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617541468%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=8RBpbkTVDSfyn3PjMdXEUCqblkM7h2F8LD6Cyzy85MY%3D&reserved=0">giant shark mouth sprinklers</a>. <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fatbraintoys.com%2Ftoy_companies%2Fprime_time_toys%2Fhydro_twist_pipeline_sprinkler.cfm%3Fcountry%3DUS%26source%3Dgoogle_pla%26kwid%3DPTT065-1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwqIiFBhAHEiwANg9szgvjU5iVUgWLe8YnwZay43wM2GfprKfyhGxS8HsoinfDwjdBsNjaGxoCsmkQAvD_BwE&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617541468%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=KprPWQWaZebF9qXlJHUxoTGqGpI9mlHXCgApq5EQefw%3D&reserved=0">Fat Brain Toy’s</a> Hydro Twist Pipeline Sprinkler has a couple of fountains, plus a bunch of wiggly worm hoses. Or hook up to <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigmouthinc.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617551461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=TIJO69nfR%2FNIIKxK8bYSgaoDpO%2BE5ejO0bDeIvgPOms%3D&reserved=0">BigMouth’s giant 6-foot-high unicorn,</a> who shoots water out of her horn. There’s a ginormous ape, giraffe, dinosaur and giraffe here as well.</p>
<p>SWIM AND PADDLE</p>
<p>Giant inflatable water wheels let you find your inner hamster. You can find ones online for toddlers, while <a href="https://wowwatersports.com/shop/pool-floats-lounges-islands/something-different/aqua-treadmill/">Wow Watersports</a> has a grownup version they call the Aqua Treadmill.</p>
<p>Don’t forget the family pets; a nonporous, puncture-resistant <a href="https://www.frontgate.com/dog-pool-float-and-lounger/25097?searchTerm=SUGGESTION%20%E2%80%93%20Dog%20Pool%20Float%20and%20Lounger">floating dog bed at Frontgate</a> comes in a bunch of colors and three sizes. </p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.chewy.com/s?query=zippy%20paws%20floater&nav-submit-button=">Chewy has ZippyPaws Floaterz</a> sturdy turtle-shaped water toys for dogs, as well as rope-handled bumpers and a variety of floating balls.</p>
<p>A hard-sided kiddie pool can be a good non-inflatable option for cooling off; just hose it out and stow away. Other pluses: The doggos will also have fun splashing around in it, and it makes a great sand or snow play zone in colder weather. The <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwading-kiddie-pool-blue-sun-squad-8482%2F-%2FA-77334694%3Fref%3Dtgt_adv_XS000000%26AFID%3Dgoogle_pla_df%26fndsrc%3Dtmnv%26DFA%3D71700000082957574%26CPNG%3DPLA_DVM%252B0060H00000uKDlEQAW%2B-%2BSG_Q2_FY21_AlwaysOn_Ext_Search_Flight_AO%26adgroup%3DPLA_Adidas%26LID%3D700000001393753pgs%26network%3Dg%26device%3Dc%26location%3D9004211%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwqIiFBhAHEiwANg9szs8cx4AhW8NMQUuccr5lqrYV5u4jPWEiAByV5veuz5tzIQHdj0PY_RoCK1kQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617561457%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=D6CzJDmhTgfg7UeFEeKAq7okgB2iJbgWAV4OWUcE088%3D&reserved=0">Sun Squad Wading Kiddie Pool</a> is inexpensive and has an embossed bottom, so it’s less slippery.</p>
<p>SLIDE AND RIDE</p>
<p>A basic heavy-duty plastic water slide or “slip and slide” can be set up in most backyards; if yours doesn’t come with an attached barrier at the bottom, make sure to put something soft there.</p>
<p>
<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08XYWHRDH%2Fref%3Dsspa_dk_detail_3%3Fpsc%3D1%26pd_rd_i%3DB08XYWHRDH%26pd_rd_w%3DRbgc9%26pf_rd_p%3D085568d9-3b13-4ac1-8ae4-24a26c00cb0c%26pd_rd_wg%3DQzHZf%26pf_rd_r%3DEFQRAC6HDMVAR76QA0JK%26pd_rd_r%3D44108c53-b1eb-430d-92fd-8679048e3681%26spLa%3DZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFWN01DSTRaTUJDREomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMjQxOTYyS0RPOVRJUVZVTFVUJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxMTIyNzYyMExIUTFMQVRWT1VSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%3D%3D&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617571450%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=o3gRgNAlw6DMztjI2beZpbEmXEWe3ZPicGMrW5HSrcs%3D&reserved=0">Studio 21 Graphix’s slide</a> has a crash pad at the finish line, plus two lanes for racing and a sprinkler curtain to pass thru on the way down. <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwowwatersports.com%2Fshop%2Fbackyard-pool%2Fbackyard-fun%2Fslides%2Fstrike-zone-water-slide%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617571450%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=I75hqUS7kdcWZe3ckggIuNWO241Ow%2F1iz%2BBjEaLfzYc%3D&reserved=0">Wow Watersports’ Strike Zone Water Slide</a> is 25-by-6 feet of slipperiness; zigzag sprinkler patterns assure a wet ride, fat pontoons on either side keep riders inside, and two sleds are included. Got a really long yard? Get two; they can be interconnected.</p>
<p>If you’ve got lots of space, consider <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Foutdoor%2Fpdp%2Fcostway-17-w-x-10-d-bounce-house-with-water-slide-cswy4785.html%3Fpiid%3D&data=04%7C01%7Cjrubin%40ap.org%7C38e44f9a469a476600a108d91991a638%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C1%7C637568935617581442%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=0uIzDeSa3vw1o%2B5MwZ2IWjpnRA42RB4CZkEg4Z24R9o%3D&reserved=0">Costway’s</a> inflatable Bounce House and Water Slide, with a bounce area, water gun, two slides, a basketball hoop and several balls. It comes with a storage bag for easy transport. </p>
<p>POOL STYLE</p>
<p>Marisa Issa of Los Angeles says her family’s favorite pool games are corn hole and a floating basketball hoop, but her favorite is a floating mat from Frontgate "that only mom can use,” she says. The sleek, minimalist white float has a headrest, and is made of marine-grade dense foam, suitable for chlorine or saltwater pools.</p>
<p>If you prefer sitting up a little, Frontgate’s got a floating armchair with attached ottoman. Choose from aqua, blue or flamingo pink. Or splash out on a full-size pool chaise kitted out with drink holders.</p>
<p>Want to hang out with a handful of friends in a backyard pool? <a href="https://www.funboy.com/">Funboy</a> has a 9-foot-wide floating metallic crown with drink holders. Or lounge luxuriously in the company’s Bali Cabana Lounger, with a curved integrated shade, a tropical leaf print, cup holders and handy grab ropes.</p>
<p>BigMouth has some food-related inflatables like a giant ice pop, pizza slice, donut, watermelon slice, cheeseburger and taco. </p>
