When the summer heat hits, there’s no better way to cool off and keep the kids entertained than with a fun day out in your backyard swimming pool in Toronto. Pools offer a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active, develop their swimming skills, and create lasting memories.
As backyard pool design experts, we delve into ideas to make the most of your swimming pool with your kids.
How Much Activity Do Kids Need?
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that children aged 5-17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Swimming is a fantastic way to meet this requirement, as it provides a full-body workout while being gentle on the joints. Having a swimming pool right in your backyard makes it convenient for your kids to get the exercise they need.
10 Ways to Encourage Backyard Play
1. Join them outside
Children are more likely to engage in outdoor play if their parents or caregivers actively participate. By joining your kids in the pool, playing games, and having fun together, you create a memorable experience and motivate them to be active.
2. Invest in your backyard
Transform your backyard into a kid-friendly oasis by adding a swimming pool. Consult a professional backyard pool design company in Toronto to create a customized pool that suits your space and preferences. Consider the size, shape, and features that make the pool appealing and safe for your children.
3. Invite friends
Kids love socializing and playing with their friends. Organize play dates or pool parties to encourage outdoor play and make the swimming pool experience more enjoyable. Inviting their friends creates a lively and exciting atmosphere that enhances their enjoyment.
4. Make your backyard fun
Incorporate exciting features into your pool area, such as water slides, diving boards, or splash pads. These additions will keep your kids entertained and make their day in the pool extra special. Consider age-appropriate features that add an element of adventure and make the pool a thrilling place to spend time.
5. Explore your community
Toronto’s indoor pools are also a great option providing additional outdoor play opportunities. Take advantage of these facilities to give your kids a diverse and enriching swimming experience. Plan outings to different locations, allowing your children to explore new environments and interact with other kids.
6. Join a club or team
Enroll your children in swimming lessons or a local swim club to enhance their swimming skills and foster a sense of community. They can make new friends, participate in friendly competitions, and develop a lifelong love for swimming.
7. Make it a part of the schedule
Incorporate regular swimming sessions into your family’s routine. Designate specific times during the week for swimming, ensuring it becomes a consistent and enjoyable activity for everyone. By making swimming a regular part of their schedule, your children will look forward to it and establish healthy habits.
8. Move everyday activities to the backyard
Encourage your kids to take their hobbies and activities outside. Whether reading a book, drawing, or playing a musical instrument, doing it in the fresh air can add a new level of enjoyment. Create a designated outdoor area near the pool where they can engage in these activities, providing a pleasant and stimulating environment.
9. Plant a garden
Engage your kids in gardening activities and teach them about the importance of nature. Create a garden near your swimming pool where they can enjoy growing their flowers, herbs, or vegetables. This not only promotes outdoor play but also instills a feeling of responsibility and appreciation for the environment. Involve them in the process of selecting plants, preparing the soil, and maintaining the garden.
10. Safety first
While enjoying your backyard swimming pool in Toronto, always prioritize safety. Ensure your pool is equipped with necessary safety features such as fences, alarms, and pool covers. Teach your children about water safety rules and supervise them closely while they are in or around the pool. By implementing proper safety measures, you can have peace of mind and fully enjoy your time with your kids in the pool.
The Best Pool Games for Kids
The best pool games for kids add an extra layer of fun and excitement to a day out in your backyard swimming pool in Toronto. Not only do these games keep the kids entertained, but they also enhance their swimming skills and promote healthy competition.
Pool Tea Party
Transform your pool into a magical tea party setting. Provide floating tea cups and saucers, and let your kids use their imaginations to create their own tea party scenarios. This game encourages creativity, imaginative play, and social interaction among the little ones.
Follow the Leader
Test your kids’ swimming skills with a game of Follow the Leader. Designate one child as the leader and have them perform various swimming moves, such as underwater flips, handstands, or freestyle strokes. The other children must mimic the leader’s actions while swimming. This game promotes coordination and teamwork and enhances swimming techniques.
Human Raft
This game is perfect for a larger group of kids. Have them form teams and hold on to each other’s legs to create a human raft. The teams then compete against each other in races across the pool. It’s a thrilling game that requires cooperation, balance, and communication among team members.
Synchronized Swimming
Inspire your kids to create their own synchronized swimming routines. Encourage them to practice different movements and formations in the water, such as spins, twists, and dives. This game promotes creativity, teamwork, and coordination while showcasing their swimming skills.
Relay Races
Set up relay races in your pool, where teams compete in swimming a certain distance as fast as possible. You can use pool noodles or floating objects as batons for the swimmers to pass on to the next team member. Relay races enhance speed, stamina, and team spirit among the participants.
Scuba Divers
Turn your kids into adventurous scuba divers with this imaginative game. Provide them with swim masks, snorkels, and fins, and let them explore the underwater world of your pool. Encourage them to dive for treasures, search for hidden objects, or simply enjoy observing the underwater environment. This game stimulates their curiosity, builds confidence in the water, and sparks their imagination.
Pool Basketball
Install a poolside basketball hoop and let your kids engage in friendly basketball matches. The combination of swimming and basketball makes for an exciting and challenging game. It improves hand-eye coordination, promotes teamwork, and adds an element of friendly competition to the pool activities.
Water Polo
Water polo is a popular team sport that can be adapted for the pool. Set up goals at each end of the pool and divide the players into teams. The objective is to score goals by throwing or passing the ball into the opposing team’s goal. Water polo develops endurance, teamwork, strategic thinking, and water skills.
Consider consulting with an expert design and construction company for swimming pools in Toronto to explore pool landscaping ideas that enhance the playability and aesthetics of your pool. Creating a fun and safe environment in your backyard will provide endless hours of enjoyment for your family and friends.
Outdoor Safety Tips for Families
Taking a few precautions ensures your children have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
1. Hydration
Swimming and playing in the sun can be dehydrating, so it’s crucial to keep your kids properly hydrated. Encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Have water bottles readily available and take regular breaks to ensure everyone stays hydrated.
2. Protect Your Skin
The sun’s rays can be harsh, especially during the summer months. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF on your children’s exposed skin, including their faces, arms, and legs. Reapply sunscreen every few hours, and encourage your kids to wear protective clothing, such as rash guards and hats, to shield their skin from the sun.
3. Watch the Forecast
Before heading out to the pool, check the weather forecast. Thunderstorms, high winds, or extreme heat can pose safety risks. If the forecast predicts unfavorable conditions, it’s best to reschedule your pool day. Safety should always be the top priority.
4. Discuss the Rules of Play
Establish clear and age-appropriate rules for pool play. Talk to your kids about the importance of not running around the pool, not diving in shallow areas, and not pushing or roughhousing in the water. Make sure they understand and follow these rules to prevent accidents or injuries.
5. Protect Their Eyes
Chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can irritate your children’s eyes. Consider providing them with swimming goggles to protect their eyes and enhance their visibility underwater. Goggles also encourage confidence in the water and make swimming a more enjoyable experience.
If you’re considering enhancing your swimming pool in Toronto, consult a reputable backyard pool design and construction company. They can provide you with expert advice on pool landscaping ideas and backyard pool designs that prioritize safety without compromising on aesthetics.
Where Can You Get the Best Swimming Pools in Toronto?
Looking for a company that can help you design your dream swimming pool in Toronto? Look no further than Luxury Pools. Our pool company is here to turn your backyard dreams into a reality.
With our backyard pool designs and construction expertise, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality and unparalleled craftsmanship. Whether you envision a sleek and modern pool or a luxurious oasis with intricate landscaping, we have the skills and experience to bring your vision to life. We understand that every homeowner is unique, which is why we offer customized pool solutions tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
From concept to completion, our team will guide you through the entire process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us create a stunning swimming pool in Toronto that provides years of enjoyment for you and your family.
