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    26 Products That’ll Make Your Backyard An Actually Pleasant Place To Be When It’s So Damn Hot Out

    Your outdoor space is going to feel like a tropical oasis in no time.

    1. A triangular sail that'll block harmful UV rays while providing you with necessary shade. These will help keep your backyard from turning into a toaster oven, especially since they're massive and can literally cover your entire outdoor space if need be!

    2. A splash pad if you want to keep folks entertained for hours with minimal effort on your part. It's designed for kids, but the the whole family — especially fur babies — can partake. All you do is plug your hose into it and then you've got yourself a private waterpark.

    3. A flexible adjustable mister so you can make sure you don't overheat when you're lounging around outside during a really hot day. Just hook it up to your hose and voilà! It's ready to go.

    reviewer photo of a green mister outside by someone sunbathing
    reviewer photo of a blue mister attachment wrapped around a pole

    The mister will cool the surrounding area by 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsical detail.

    Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool mist on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    4. An outdoor ceiling fan to add a bit of tropical flair to your space while providing you with that island breeze you so desperately seek in the summer.

    The brown fan hanging from a porch ceiling

    5. A nine-pattern sprinkler so you can keep your lawn in tip top shape, but more importantly have something to run through to cool down when it gets way too hot out.

    kids running through small round sprinkler spraying water in all directions

    6. tall table cooler combo for keeping all your favorite beverages ice cold while you hang out outside, because no one wants a warm soda when it's 100 degrees out. 

    Promising review: "This product is sturdy, easy to assemble, and very nice decor. It has many uses as a table or cooler. Well made, looks nice. Highly recommend for outdoor cooler and table combination." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $81.58+ (available in graphite or brown).

    7. A unicorn sprinkler, because if you're going to stay cool this summer, it might as well be because of a unicorn that shoots water out of its horn. 

    Reviewer's unicorn shoots water from its horn
    Reviewer's unicorn shots water from its horn

    Promising review: "Used this for my 29th birthday party. It was a hit. Sprinkled us with water all day while we floated around in the pool. Definitely not just for kiddos. Great for adults, too. I’m 5'10 and got the large, not the jumbo. Was still huge! Came with four yellow stakes to keep it from blowing away!" —Sarita Hillyita

    Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two sizes).

    8. Twister Splash, so the kids can stay cool *and* get some energy out. Just make sure you have plenty of pillows, because afterwards everyone will need a nap. 

    The game comes with an inflatable splash mat, hose connector, waterproof spinner, and gameplay instructions.

    Promising review: "Fun for all ages. Such a fun twist on an already loved game! This kept my 4- and 7-year-olds' attention for a while! Each spot you put your hand on sprays water, whoever stays up the longest wins! Even the adults had to try it out. I was a little nervous with the quality of the plastic, but it withheld adults and kids moving all around it without any holes." —Deborah Gaffney

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (also available in a larger size).

    9. A colorfully patterned blowup pool that'll provide the perfect backdrop for your summer selfies. Why settle for a boring design when you can have this aesthetically pleasing one instead?!

    Reviewer's blow up pool is on a brick patio

    10. Or an inflatable pool if you want something bigger, plus it has a built-in bench and cupholder. 

    Promising review: "This pool has been a great summertime addition to beat the Texas heat! My daughter, husband, and I are enjoying it so much! It’s a pretty good size, easy to set up and so far is holding up pretty well! I did purchase a couple of additional items to keep the water/ pool clean and covered. I was quite skeptical at first as we had already purchased another pool this summer that didn’t last but this pool was it! If you’re looking for something to relax in and cool off, go for it!" —Pineapple_Beauty94

    Get it from Amazon for $49.90 (also available with pump).

    11. And an even bigger inflatable pool that'll give you ample room to glide around, or have a dozen of your besties over for a pool party. 

    a reviewer lounging in the pool
    a reviewer sitting in the inflated pool

    Promising review: "Very easy to unbox and get set up. I used an electric pump (not included) and followed the easy directions. Took me only about 10 minutes to get it inflated. Then it only took me maybe an hour to fill with a garden hose. I love the drainpipe underneath that is angled away from the pool so the water is directed out of the area. But I can see that it might not be good for the pool lining if someone stepped on it from inside the pool. So I was careful to let my kids know not to step in that corner. Overall, great quality, good size (fits three full-size floaties!) and my kids loved it." —Karen Moreland

    Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in two sizes).

    12. And finally, a portable wading pool for pets and small kids, though I won't judge you if you buy this for yourself, a grown-up. There are four sizes, and all of them are under a foot tall. 

    reviewer's golden retriever in a pool
    A reviewer and their child in the pool

    Plus it isn't inflatable like other little pools, so you don't have to worry about your dog puncturing it. And while we're on the subject, check out hot-weather pet tips from the ASPCA.

    Promising review: "This came in handy. Had a water balloon birthday party and this was perfect to hold all the water balloons. Then after kids loved splashing in it. So easy to fold and put away. I'll never buy a plastic or blow-up kids' pool again." —elizabeth matheson

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

    13. A mesh raised dog bed to give your pampered pooch a designated spot for lounging. Because it's raised, it will detract heat when it's hot out so your furry friend doesn't overheat because it's laying on the hot ground.

    a review photo of a raised bed with a dog laying on top

    14. Or try a fully enclosed mesh outdoor cat tent so your feline BFF can be part of the outdoor festivities too! Just make sure you position it under shade so it's not in direct sun. 

    Promising review: "I bought this cat tent because our two fur babies will sit in the window and cry if we are outside. I tried a leash, but they didn't like that, and they often escaped it. I came across this tent, and it was the BEST purchase I made. The quality is great! Both cats fit in it, so the size is perfect. Very excited that this is actually a product for the cats!!!" —hgrizz

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three colors).

    15. canopy swing that rocks and swings *and* provides you with shade on extra sunny days. It's zero gravity, so when you're all tucked in you'll feel weightless. 

    a reviewer sitting in a blue swing using a laptop
    the blue swing in a different reviewer's yard

    Promising review: "We love this lounge chair!!! The price was fabulous!! (And just a note... If you take care of your things — i.e. cover up the swing with a tarp and bring the cushions in when not using it — It will stay like new. Sun and rain can age anything! Easy-peasy!!) This lounge swing is so comfortable, and made very well!! And it only took my hubby and I only 25 to 30 minutes to put together. Take my word for it... you are not going to find a nicer lounge swing at this price!!" —Marash

    Get it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in nine colors).

    16. A hands-free personal fan so you can keep cool wherever you go. Reviewers say this thing is AWESOME. From hiking and camping to lounging by the pool, it's a personal cooling device that you'll never want to take off (well, until fall hits). 

    The rechargeable fan lasts for up to 16 hours, and it has six different speed settings. Reviewers say it's especially great for people who work outside all day and still need their hands free to do tasks.

    Promising review: "Best thing I’ve bought in a very long time!! Living in Texas means HOT summers and I hate always being so sweaty! This fan is a lifesaver and everyone who has seen me with it has asked to try it and loved it. Buying a second one today. 👌🏼" —Laura W. 

    Get it from Amazon for $13.59.

    17. A pack of waterproof playing cards to play while you're lounging in your pool or near a splashpad. No need to worry about drink spills or sudden summer showers, either.

    transparent playing cards made of a plastic material so they won't get ruined if they get wet

    18. A tiny, portable outdoor Bluetooth speaker that's splashproof and rainproof, making it the perfect companion for your pool party. Over 100,000 reviewers give it 5 stars, and often remark that the volume is "surprisingly loud." The speaker has 100 feet of Bluetooth range and can play up to 14 hours of tunes on one charge.

    Reviewer's speaker sits on the ground next to the edge of a pool

    19. A quilted hammock with a detachable pillow so you can take a long nap outside, provided you can put this in a place with shade. It's huge — so spread out and get comfortable.

    20. A giant inflatable unicorn for your pool, because why settle for any old pool float when you can rock a unicorn with a rainbow mane instead?

    a reviewer laying in the oversized float of a white unicorn with a rainbow mane and tail

    21. A set of four drink holders that you push right into the ground. Now your bottle of rosé or sparkling water will be within reach, so you can stay hydrated while you enjoy summer's outdoor festivities.

    Four metal drink holders are in the grass

    22. And a wine-chilling bucket to add a big dose of fancy to your outdoor spread. Keep that bottle as cold as possible, because nothing beats a cold drink when you're hanging out in the heat. 

    The copper chilling bucket holding a bottle of wine on top of a set table
    Amazon

    It can fit practically any 750-milliliter bottle of wine, and should be washed by hand.

    Promising review: "We love this! We had been in need of an ice bucket but I'm so glad I opted for this instead bc it has so many more uses! Fits a bottle of Champagne perfectly and kept ours chilled until we finished the bottle. Super easy to toss in a bag and take on a picnic. We chill ours beforehand, and voila." —Roselyn

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in stainless steel or copper finishes). 

    23. A pack of 100 rapid-fill water balloons so you quickly fill 'em up and hand 'em out. You'll be able to fill and tie 100 balloons in 60 seconds!

    tub full of water balloons
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Perfect for my three boys. The balloons were easy to fill. They’re using one bunch at a time, gives them plenty to play with and the pack of balloons will provide many times of water balloon games." —bull75

    Get 350 balloons from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three color varieties and a 450 balloon pack).

    24. Or some reusable water balloons made of eco-friendly material so you can eliminate your use of single-use balloons but still have a water fight. 

    a reviewer with the set of five different colored water balloons
    reviewer holding the water balloons

    Promising review: "The adults in this house love water balloons but not the mess…plus with toddlers around, it didn’t quite make sense to have water balloons but we saw a random video on TikTok and HAD to find reusable water balloons to try out. These were the first ones we bought to try out, and WHOA we were blown away! Super easy too for the 2- and 3-year-old to use, which means more fun for all of us!! Do not think twice or continue with regular water balloons, you’ll waste precious time cleaning up and filling that could be used to make memories." —Taurus

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in a variety of pack sizes). 

    25. A slip-and-slide with three body boards so kids and adults alike can get their whole body soaked — perfect for those extra hot days when you really need to cool off. 

    three models sliding through the sprinkler on the slip-and-slide board
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is a throwback to my childhood with major improvements. Not every backyard is appropriate for a pool. And even if you do have a pool, there’s just something special about running through a sprinkler. I bought this for the nieces and nephews. We set it up in no time flat. My brother and I were laughing about how much things have improved since our childhood. This slide has three lanes and inflatable body boards. How are these kids going to ever learn to fight over who’s next and bandage up there stomachs after friction burn? This toy is all fun and no risk. But seriously, this is fantastic. Three lanes for racing with water arching over them. It really was a blast. And yes, my brother and I tried it and I won!" —Will-Review4u

    Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in three sizes).

    26. And a Nerf Super Soaker RoboBlaster to drench your friends who are up to 30 feet away. 

    A child model playing with the automatic water blaster machine
    reviewer's gif showing how the automatic water gun machine blasts out water

    There are also targets you can aim for if your friends aren't interested in getting soaking wet.

    Promising review: "This water blaster connects to your garden hose — and then it's so much fun for the kids. We've had some recent hot days, and my son and his friends have entertained themselves for hours outside with this SuperSoaker blaster. It comes with some targets to aim at — but the kids like spraying each other." —Kevinbeijing

    Get it from Amazon for $22.49+ (available in two versions).

    How you'll basically feel every time you step into your backyard this summer: