Splash sessions
The “kiddie pool” has come a long way. Some larger, inflatable pools fit whole families (or a couple of adult friends with adult beverages) and might include options like filter pumps or bench seating. Easy setup is part of the allure of these; popular choices include Intex’s Easy Set, Bestway’s Fast Set and Polygroup’s Quick Set Summer Waves. These inflatable, topring pools come in sizes of 10 to 15 feet. These are available through links on Amazon; prices can range from $250 past $700, depending on size and features. Intex and other companies also offer familysize rectangular inflatable pools with options like bench seating.
Beyond inflatable pools, another memorable childhood water fun experience — the Slip ’ N Slide — is also within reach in adulthood. Of course, there is the original Wham- O Slip ’ N Slide, which is offered in three versions: the 15-foot Surf Rider ($17) and Surf Rider Double ($30) and the 13foot Hydroplane Double XL ($30) with two slide boogies. These are still great for kids’ backyard fun but could come up “short” for the grown-up crowd.
Adult- size options include the Wow World of Waterports Super Slide (from $210, Amazon), which features a zigzag spray pattern for better water coverage and comes with two “mega slides” to help the slipping. There is also the 20-foot Rave Sports Turbo Chute ($600, Target), with its “commercial strength” slippery coating and large-bumper sides.
Another, though sometimes more costly, way to go is to buy an inflatable air track used for gymnastics and cheerleading and set it up as a water slide; some merchants specifically point out their air tracks are waterproof and can double for water slides. FBsports offers its air tracks from 10-26 feet long in the $200-$500 price range. Wholesale Airtrack features three lines of air tracks based on thickness levels ranging up to 33 feet in length. Its prices start at $500 and go up to $2,200; it also takes custom orders.
If you are more into a simple dousing but want something beyond the typical garden sprinkler, inflatable sprinklers have come on the scene in recent years. BigMouth made a splash with its 6.5-foot Unicorn Sprinkler ($42, Bed Bath and Beyond) as one of the first out of the gate, and it has added a dinosaur ($54, Leslie’s Pool Supplies), pink elephant ($49, Home Depot), 9-foot-tall giraffe ($54, Amazon) and the new friendly monster ($50, Amazon), among others, to its menagerie. Other brands have gotten in on the action, such as Funboy’s Backyard Rocketship Sprinkler ($69 at Funboy.com), which sprays water out its side and the top.
Do you already have or plan to buy a netted trampoline? You can turn it into a splash and jump with a trampoline waterpark ($40 on Amazon) sprinkler hose attachment.
As for a true “wish we had it back when,” self-sealing water balloons are now widely available. Zuru’s Bunch O Balloons