It’s Time for Backyard Fun

Step Up Your Gin & Tonic: 6 Refreshing Spins on the Classic Cocktail to Try [Fatherly](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/Qel43YK1rlmMdTV2g2GNIJO3drc=267) One of the only good things about the last few years is our collective revaluation of outdoor spaces. If we didn’t already cherish our backyards, and spending time there with the people we love, we do now. It is, after all, where we grow our flowers, take our hammock naps (if we’re lucky), and watch as our kids do something they can’t ever do quite as well inside: play — in creative and active ways — for hours. The backyard is a family play space. Here are some ways to enhance it. GEAR %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fpickleball-sets-for-families%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/T-jvJEPtHIrDcwp2h1qZao9N7VY=267 [Pickleball Is a Fantastic Family Sport. These Sets Will Get You Started.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fpickleball-sets-for-families%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/T-eGtjTAPUFgHEf6W5CpbSc17G0=267) This once-obscure sport is set up to take over the summer. [Here’s what you need to get in on the action](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fpickleball-sets-for-families%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/6fXUS56v2s23sEKkeDAC9qssqg0=267). [READ THE STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fpickleball-sets-for-families%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/FG-BuPRLKacSNIiHUVO7FtdfMCQ=267) TIPS AND TRICKS 3 Great Backyard Games For Toddlers Dinosaur Dig Letting kids play paleontologist isn’t as difficult as you might think. Just fill up a sandbox, buy some dinosaur toys and bury them, give the little scientists some shovels, brushes, and magnifying glasses, and let ‘em go! Watching how excited kids can get just by having a sense of discovery in the backyard is well worth it. Hidden Treasure Scavenger Hunt Since reading (and staying focused) can be difficult for anyone who hasn’t even made it to Kindergarten yet, create a backyard scavenger hunt that uses pictures as clues. Print out pictures of different landmarks in a park or your backyard and hide each picture in the place that leads to the next (for example, give the kids a picture of the slide to start, then hide a picture of the picnic table on the slide, etc.). Use four or five pictures as “clues” to lead kids to the treasure—which can be candy, toys, or whatever else your little one loves. Create Your Own Time Capsule Let kids make pictures and write out a list of their favorite things (with your help). Then, put the notes and keepsakes in a jar that they can decorate however they like. Bury the “time capsule” in the backyard beneath a tree and dig it up next year on their next birthday. FURTHER READING - [‘Rollors’ Is the Greatest Yard Game You’ve Never Heard Of](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Frollors-new-favorite-backyard-game-play-with-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/Z5bfhHCHN8jftwbWVDNCXa22d6c=267) - ​​​​​[This Epic-Fort-Building Kit Will Make Your Kid’s Summer](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Ffort-building-kit%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/5Cik-3QS7reSJ3eTifosqOR4gEI=267) - [The Best Way to Hang a Tree Swing](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fhow-to-hang-a-swing-from-a-tree%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/X7F3KLZ5x1UiGe3J39at5YfWVG0=267) DRINKS %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fgin-and-tonic-recipe-variations%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/rWo7hT9pWxtJ3WHDbUChmsP3E8I=267 [Step Up Your Gin & Tonic: 6 Refreshing Spins on the Classic Cocktail to Try](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fgin-and-tonic-recipe-variations%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/BNCm_TobZaAENBU8SqDyvlyPRSM=267) Gin, tonic, lime. It's an enduring backyard drink. But it can also get pretty boring. [Switch things up by making one of these variations.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fgin-and-tonic-recipe-variations%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/lixdXvBY4DkARtdq_0TsqGYVgf8=267) [READ THE STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fgin-and-tonic-recipe-variations%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/pMdE1Jt9M6U4CtKUG8s_f67Bzh4=267) PARENTING %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fbackyard-free-of-rules-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/bWmwrhemcs3ZiZrEpOpogEIUgIc=267 [My Backyard Is Now Free of Adult Rules. It’s Working.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fbackyard-free-of-rules-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/FYa8hP47lWhUYtiYmzt8ntjgDNU=267) When we made the yard rule-free, I thought it might become the Thunderdome. Instead, [it's a place to learn how to enjoy freedom.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fbackyard-free-of-rules-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/6SfutapMT_Z3vzyLVqlsa_B5mt8=267) [READ THE STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fbackyard-free-of-rules-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/R9AYjurCYlMkzH7mCi5oGb__0Nc=267) FURTHER READING - [DIY Fairy Garden Ideas for Kids Who Can Dig Their Own Dirt](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fplay%2Fdiy-fairy-garden-ideas%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/L22QjOEYaVSv39bytZNly6mdK9c=267) - ​​​​​[The Best Plants For Kids Who Garden](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fplay%2Fthe-best-plants-for-kids-who-garden%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/jDfFNUBYElxC_vF9HItcNj7mPcE=267) - [Your Kids Deserve a Mud Kitchen](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fkids-mud-kitchen-backyard-must-have%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/2rJl12QZaSEsVa7RdLanIrB6gzY=267) FUN %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-kids-outdoor-swing-sets%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/6mLlOM0f9koaEAICTcpov23gzew=267 [9 Awesomely Fun (And Safe) Kids' Swing Sets For Your Backyard](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-kids-outdoor-swing-sets%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/jajG5KPzd5v0P7TpRwN6OMwYmss=267) The backyard is a playground.[Help it rise to the occasion.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-kids-outdoor-swing-sets%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/C6Do16I9ZAMoXmldOAMCOART3A8=267) [READ THE STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-kids-outdoor-swing-sets%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/5PjY9v7Jts7Op_XtI02Smg0kbRU=267) DEFENSE %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-insect-repellents-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/r1IzzPeaEgak9kuEWdDkGEGi0UA=267 [The Best Bug Sprays for Kids and Adults](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-insect-repellents-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/PJI0JpqNhYSkGcBKI61eM0M0Jzk=267) Keep the bugs at bay with these sprays, which are even [considered safe for toddlers.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-insect-repellents-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/I8MA4KEN4dou3RvaI2hUzaB1enM=267) [READ THE STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fbest-insect-repellents-kids%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/vi6J4-DEAVNcYgPyUX_0PoIlGls=267) DIY %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fhow-to-hang-a-swing-from-a-tree%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/wbXF_YfOIcmFbA5Sok70WsVqx9g=267 [How to Hang a Swing From a Tree the Right Way](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fhow-to-hang-a-swing-from-a-tree%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/qpljGqObhpx5h3DoWGLX1yDeSkM=267) Want a freewheeling summer in your backyard? [Add a swing.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fhow-to-hang-a-swing-from-a-tree%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/SvEEKcC3lXm27IPZI5ZZYlOvtHA=267) [READ THE STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fgear%2Fhow-to-hang-a-swing-from-a-tree%2F%3Futm_campaign=27519%26utm_medium=fatherlyDaily%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/5/010001804da38211-f4bfe0aa-2b88-459d-800c-7faf3ab9567b-000000/cnvxdCcWx92PchVcFPOw4TAHPT8=267) You're receiving this email because you signed up to receive communications from BDG Media. 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