Toys&Games

Have you thought about summer vacation and what you are going to do with the kids? Most families are experiencing tighter than normal times with the economy the way it is so how can you still enjoy summer vacation with your kids? Imagine the cost of gas to just drive to a fairly close vacation spot. Crazy isn't it? One of the best ways I can think of for a fun summer vacation is to turn your backyard into this year's choice vacation spot.

Use your vacation week and the money you would have spent driving or flying to your vacation spot to create a fun backyard space for the whole family and save money along the way. There are several inexpensive swimming pools on the market today many under $300 that are easy to assemble quickly in your backyard. You just need to decide where the most level place is to put your swimming pool up.

Once you decide where to put your swimming pool, it's time to fill it up. When I was a kid living in Ohio, it didn't matter that the water was only 60 degrees we just wanted to swim! That's the same way it will be for your kids also. Just keep an eye on those blue lips.

Adding some fun swimming pool toys and floats will make your backyard oasis feel even more like a vacation. There are great floats that also double as snow tubes in the winter time so if you choose carefully, you'll get double the fun. Snow tubes are manufactured of durable vinyl with hand grips guaranteeing a great time summer or winter. Pool floats are great for the adults too. There are several pool floats available today that will hold 2 adults along with their drinks. Or try a fun island to float around the pool with your kids.

Some pool toys are battery operated and others are kid powered. Super Subbies available in animal shapes such as Squiddy and Manty or as Magical Mermaids use 2 AA batteries for hours of fun. These little guys have random motion technology so you never know where they'll go next. Dive N Rise Torpedo Sharks and Dolphins are kid powered. Your child tosses them into the pool and they surface just like a shark or dolphin. The Glow in the Dark Shark is great for day or night play. All of these pool toys retail less than $10 which is very important to guarantee fun while not breaking the bank. These toys are great dog toys too!

New for 2008 is Scoobarang which is the world's only underwater boomerang. How cool is this toy? This pool toy is made of soft vinyl for safety and boomerangs back to the thrower. It can also be used to skip on top of the water or as part of a game to see who can catch the boomerang the most.

Once you have gotten the kids set up with their fun stuff, how about some great accessories to make life easy for you? An awesome must-have backyard accessory is the 5 Piece Table Set that you place in your pool. This allows you to create your own swim-up bar just like those expensive all-inclusive resorts. Enjoy a cold drink while relaxing in your pool.

Windy day? Use Boca Clips to keep those towels on the chairs. Crafted in adorable animal shapes, these towel clips hold the towel on the back of the chair so you won't have to chase your towels anymore. Tired of picking up towels? Pool and spa towel holder to the rescue. Simply place this adjustable towel holder near your back door and your kids will automatically hang up their towels as they're heading in. Accessory tray can also hold goggles, sun block, and more in one easy to find place and it retails less than $50.

You really don't have to spend several thousand dollars to enjoy a fun, family vacation. Everything mentioned above can be in your backyard for less than $600. The best part? You'll be able to enjoy your "vacation" all summer long.

By : Denise Sanger