Sure there’s the hose, and maybe the sprinkler and even a handful of other water features for kids to use in the backyard. But do any of them double as a bed? Probably not.

Giant Outdoor Water Bed

This DIY water bed has been swimming around Pinterest for some time now, and for good reason. Its easy, cheap and an insane amount of fun. After the kids get tuckered out from hours of jumping, sliding and splashing on this water blob bed, they can do it all again tomorrow since it should last a few days. Here’s an adaptation from Paging Fun Moms on how to make.

All you’ll need is:

  • Plastic sheeting or painter’s plastic (approx. 10×25 ft, 4mm thick)
  • Parchment paper
  • Ironing board and iron
  • Duct tape

How to Make a Giant Outdoor Water Bed Directions

Directions:

  1. Lay your plastic out flat in a large room or driveway, and fold it in half. This will be how big the bed is (be conscious of this before you buy the plastic sheeting, just in case it’s too big or too small).
  2. Grab a piece of parchment paper and cut it about 2 feet long, and fold it in half, lengthwise. Draw a line two inches from the fold—this will serve as a guide.
  3. Turn your iron to the hottest setting.
  4. Begin with the open edge of plastic opposite the fold. Open your parchment paper and place it around the plastic, lining up the fold with the edge of the plastic. Make sure the line is on top.
  5. Firmly but slowly use the iron to melt the 2-inch edge of the plastic, using the line on your parchment as a guide (and your ironing board underneath). Be sure not to let your iron actually touch the plastic, just the parchment.
  6. Let the area cool for a few seconds before removing the parchment and moving on to the next section, otherwise you can stretch and tear the plastic.
  7. Make sure you overlap a bit, just in case there are holes.
  8. Do this all around the open sides of the plastic. When you’re done, cut a small, hose-sized slit in the folded end of the plastic, near the corner.
  9. Bring your creation outside, and place over a soft surface like grass.
  10. Insert the hose, and elevate to make sure it doesn’t fall out. It should take about 15-30 minutes to fill, depending on the size of the plastic.
  11. Add some blue food coloring for that Caribbean look!
  12. When it’s done, cover the hose slit with a piece of duct tape.
  13. Add a bit of water to the surface to make it slippery!

Check out this video to see just how fun a DIY water bed is!