A DIY splash pad is a must for these summer holidays. It’s cheap, easy to make, and can be packed away when the weather turns cold. That’s a whole lot of fun for a surprisingly little amount of effort.
When I think of summers as a kid, I think of swimming in the pool every day. As a mom with a toddler and a baby, a pool is not a good option for me right now, but I still want them to be able to play in the water and cool down in summer. That’s why a splash pad is a perfect solution. They can both still cool down and splash around, without the water being too deep.
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I tried those little kiddy pools in the past. If you want a no-effort solution then that’s the way to go.
For my little family, those pools aren’t really suitable. My son loves to run through the water instead of sitting in it, so something with very low sides is better. My daughter, however, loves splashing, so sprinklers don’t really work for her.
For us, this DIY splash pad is the perfect solution to both of their preferences. I can stick the sprinkler in the middle for my son and the splash pad catches all the puddles my daughter needs.
There are 3 different ways you can make this Splash Pad, each with its own pros and cons. You can choose which way works for you depending on what tools you’re comfortable with.
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How to make your own DIY splash pad
I have to admit, that I put off making this splash pad for a long time. Almost all of summer in fact. But when I eventually got off my butt and did it, it only took me 30 minutes.
I couldn’t believe that I had wasted so many hot days because of a 30-minute project. If you’re familiar with a sewing machine and not rusty like I am, then it’ll probably take you even less time.
For this project, all you’re going to need is:
1. A tarp (whatever size you want)
2. Pool noddles (number of pool noodles vary depending on the size of the tarp you have)
3. A sewing machine.
Essentially, you’re going to sew a seam all around the edge of the tarp, that is large enough for the pool noodles to fit through.
The pool noodles will act as an edge to keep the water in. They’re easy to find, cheap and they’re also soft, so you don’t have to worry about kids falling on them and hurting themselves.
If you don’t have a sewing machine, don’t worry. I explain how to make a no-sew splash pad in option 2 below.
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Option 1: 30-minute splash pad
This splash pad initially takes about 30 minutes to make. However, once it’s done, it’ll only take 5 minutes or less to set up.
Basically, for this splash pad, you’ll need to sew a hem around the edges of the tarp, large enough to thread the pool noodles through.
Step 1 and 2. Fold one side of the tarp over, and sew a line from one edge down the tarp (as in the diagram below). However, ensure that you don’t sew all the way along. Leave about 12 inches or so from one edge, you’ll need to leave this corner free to complete the last step.
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3. Fold the next side over and sew it down.
4. Repeat with the next side
5. For this last side, you’ll need to fold it over and sew, once again leaving the last 12 inches or so free.
6. Untuck the last corner and swap the sides over. Sew along the red lines. This step can be hard to visualize, so I’ve demonstrated it with the video below.
It took a while for me to figure out the best way to sew the corners. I wanted to be able to easily remove the pool noodles so that we could pack the DIY splash pad away.
The easiest way for me to show you what I did is in the video below. I used a piece of paper to symbolize the tarp, and washi tape to show you where to sew the seam.
At the end of the video, you’ll also see me inserting pencils into each seam. I did this to show you how I insert the pool noodles. This may not be the best method out there, but it worked wonderfully well for me.
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Option 2: No-Sew Splash Pad
If you don’t want to sew anything, you absolutely can. That’s exactly what Jessica from graceandford.com did with her no-sew DIY Splash pad. This splash pad doesn’t require any use of a sewing machine. Instead you’re going to need some camping pegs and a hammer.
Step 1. Lay your tarp out flat on the grass.
2. Arrange the pool noodles around the edge (and underneath) of the tarp.
3. Use the pegs to hammer the tarp into the grass.
Although this version of the splash pad doesn’t require a sewing machine, it does mean that you will need to set it up, from scratch, every time you want to use it.
While I tried it Jessica’s way originally, my kids were very good at pulling the pool noodles out and making the water leak all over the grass.
Although I appreciate my kids’ problem-solving, I did not appreciate the waste of water. I wanted a solution that kept the pool noodles in place, no matter how much fiddling the little monsters did. Hence, sewing a seam to thread the noodles through.
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Option 3: A mix of the two
This 3rd option is a mix of the other two. You’ll create a hem, just as in the 30-minute splash pad. However, you won’t need a sewing machine.
Instead you’ll use a strong glue, instead of thread, to create the hem. I haven’t tried this method myself. However, it’s amazing what a little super glue can do.
Follow the instructions from the 30-minute splash pad to give this method a try.
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The End Result
The end result of this simple DIY project: my kids LOVED it.
My son was running through the water like crazy for ages. Splashing, jumping off the balance beam into the water, and going down our little foldable slide.
There are so many more ways to play with a splash pad too. Next, I’m going to take him fishing using our magnetic fishing game. Or maybe put the balance beam over the water so that he can ‘walk the plank’ like a pirate.
With this DIY splash pad, this summer is going to be great.
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Winter update
In Perth, winter means rain. But I discovered something fantastic this winter. This DIY splash pad makes an incredible rain tent.
If you thought that backyard forts were only for those beautiful summer days, think again.
Drape your splash pad over an outdoor table and crawl inside. You will LOVE listening to the rain pattering down onto the tarp.
It’s a fantastic sensory activity that your kids will want to make every time it rains. It is so fun to play in and, yes, get a little bit wet along the way.
We’ve also used our splash pad as an outdoor sensory mat.
This past winter, my kids were aching to get outdoors when it was pouring with rain. To regain a bit of sanity I set up a Frozen Peas Sensory Bin outside underneath our patio.
It worked like a charm. We didn’t get wet, the kids got to play outside and best of all, I figured out that Frozen Peas can turn into three different toddler activities. One of which was a huge energy burner and meant that everyone had a very good nap that day.
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Are you going to Make this DIY Splash Pad this Summer?
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