Backyard water fun

Summer is here and that means heat. Waterparks are fun, but expensive and usually an all day affair. Here are some fun ways to cool off in your own backyard.

Kid Wash

This take on a car wash is sure to have kids lining up to cool off. Using PVC pipe (which is really inexpensive) build your wash structure. You'll need to have a base (like a square or rectangle), use joints with 3 openings. Plug the end of one pole on the base and leave one end open to put the hose into. Stick poles up and attach another PVC shape (usually echoing the base) on top. Drill holes in the top poles and when you turn on the hose, the water will drip down onto the kids going through. Add buckets and car sponges for extra fun.

Water balloon wars

Supply each side with water balloons and let your kids go at it. You can use them to enhance a variety of backyard games. You can use water balloons to tag people in capture the flag. See how long you can volley them with badminton rackets before they break. Toss them back and forth in a game of hot potato.

Backyard spa

Add some bubble bath to a kiddie pool. Or, paint the bottom of your kiddie pool black and let the water heat up all day in the sun. Then, let your kids take a soak.

Weekend Romps: Snow Games

Just because there's snow in the backyard, doesn't mean you can't use it. My kids definitely get a little stir-crazy in the winter. Here are some fun backyard games to play in the snow.

• Snowman Wars -- This is a combo of steal the flag, and a snowball fight. Each team builds a snowman and the object of the game is to steal the hat off the other team's snowman. If you get hit by a snowball you're in jail.
• Natural Bridges -- Pack snow into snow arches (you may need to use some water to melt out the middle). Roll or kick a ball through the arches for a variation on croquet. If the arches are big enough kids can crawl through for a snow obstacle course.
• Tug the Scarf -- Just like tug the rope, but with a scarf and a softer landing. With your boots stomp a shallow trench in the snow. Divide into two teams and pull on the scarf. One team tries to pull the other over the trench.
• Abominable Snowman tracker -- Give one kid a headstart, then the other kids try to track him. The first one to find the Abominable Snowman is the next one to hide.

Provide some hot chocolate and maybe a space heater on the patio and let your kids enjoy the fresh crisp air.

Active Tips for a Healthy New Year

A healthy, active lifestyle is one of the best things you can give your family this year. Active kids focus better, sleep better, have fewer health problems and take that active lifestyle with them into adulthood. Applying the principal of kinetic energy to our bodies, the more active a lifestyle we have, the more energy we'll have and the better we'll feel.

If your New Years resolution includes getting your kids off the couch and away from the screen, here are some tips.

1. Establish a No Drive Zone around your house.

This is the distance you can easily walk or ride a bike or scooter -- even if you have to bundle up. It should be at least a few blocks, it could be up to a half mile. You'll get more exercise, save wear and tear on your car, and be kinder to the environment.

2. Sign-up.

Joining a sports team, signing up for a weekly yoga class, or joining a play group at the park will put an active lifestyle on your schedule. Look around your community for things that interest you, or start your own group. Moms in my neighborhood started a hiking group for moms with kids and loved getting outside to enjoy nature.

3. Swap it.

Swap fresh fruits or vegetables for one of your snacks each day. My kids know that after school they have to have some fruit before they have anything else.

Swap 1/2 hour of active time with your kids' after school t.v. habit. They'll be able to focus on chores and homework better and go to sleep more quickly at night.