| Almost everyone enjoys spending time outdoors, | | | | wading in kiddie pools, especially if their friends are |
| even teenagers. There's just something about | | | | with them. |
| being outside that creates excitement. Although | | | | If a swimming pool or kiddie pool isn't feasible, try |
| almost everybody enjoys relaxing or playing in | | | | focusing on other outdoor water activities that |
| the back yard, some people get more or better | | | | can be fun for your teenager. Water guns and |
| opportunities than others, including teenagers. Most | | | | water balloons are always popular with teens. |
| teens love being outdoors, and in fact many can | | | | They're not only a great way to cool off, but |
| be found in their back yards during the | | | | they are a lot of fun to play with when others |
| summertime. | | | | are around. Everyone present will stay cool and |
| You might already realize that many teens can be | | | | have a fun time, whether your teen is playing |
| difficult to please. The reason is that they are at | | | | with friends or his or her siblings. |
| that certain age where it is easy for them to lose | | | | Other outdoor activities that don't involve water |
| interest in certain activities or to even get bored. | | | | can also be fun, including football, basketball, |
| If you have a son or daughter who is a teenager, | | | | soccer, horseshoes, kickball, volleyball, baseball and |
| you might want to become familiar with some of | | | | softball. Like most games, what your teen will be |
| the backyard activities that are popular with | | | | able to participate in will vary, depending on |
| teens, especially if yours will be spending their | | | | whether they are alone or with other people. |
| summer break with you at home. The process of | | | | Shooting hoops is one possibility for teens playing |
| familiarizing yourself with these activities might | | | | alone. Teenagers playing with their friends or |
| give you some great ideas for outdoor family fun, | | | | siblings will have a wide assortment of games |
| but it might also mean the difference between | | | | they can choose from, because most backyard |
| your teen spending the summer indoors or out. | | | | games are intended to be played by at least two |
| Your teenager might be set for the entire | | | | people. |
| summer if you have a backyard swimming pool. | | | | Although it is important to think about backyard |
| Many teenagers lose interest in certain activities, | | | | games and other outdoor activities, you might |
| but swimming pools have something unique about | | | | also want to consider the food your teen will eat. |
| them. If they could, many teens would choose to | | | | You might even want to let your teen eat in the |
| spend their entire summer in the swimming pool. | | | | back yard if he or she will be spending a lot of |
| Not all teenagers are proficient swimmers, | | | | time there. When an adult will be present, a |
| however, so you might want to set some ground | | | | barbeque is perfect. If not, you could suggest a |
| rules for using your pool, especially if your teen | | | | backyard picnic to your teen. An easy and safe |
| will be home alone. These ground rules can help | | | | backyard meal can be created with a few |
| keep your teen safe while swimming alone. | | | | sandwiches, snacks and drinks. |
| Although swimming is extremely popular among | | | | Because teenagers are at the age where they |
| teens, not everyone has their own backyard pool. | | | | want to make their own decisions, you might |
| If you want to give your teen a way to keep | | | | want to get yours involved in the actual planning |
| cool during the summer but you don't want to | | | | or organization of any backyard activities. Your |
| buy an expensive swimming pool, you might want | | | | teenager may have something specific in mind, |
| to consider getting a kiddie pool instead. They | | | | even if you make some good suggestions. It's |
| provide a safe and fun way for teenagers to | | | | fine if this happens, but make sure your teen's |
| keep cool during hot weather. Not every teen will | | | | outdoor activities are safe as well as fun. |
| want to use one, but many teenage girls enjoy | | | | |