I’ve been pinning and sharing water blobs for the past few summers…and I finally decided it was time to make my own! I had a few concerns….and I’m sharing what worked for me….and things that were craptastic.I actually did a facebook live video as it was filling up—You can head HERE to watch it!
I bought plastic sheeting from Home depot (the links to the original inspiration posts are down at the bottom! )
Here is what the plastic sheeting looks like (this one is a bit thicker than the one I bought!)
It’s huge so I stretched it on my lawn and doubled it up before bringing it in and ironing the edges… (vs duck taping the edges–again links down below!)
So let’s get real: It was a blast. But we had holes left and right. My son described it perfectly when he said “it’s a win and a fail”Â
So here was the concerns..
A. It was big. and I only had two kids home. I probably could have cut it in half and made two. (one for another day!) But if you are doing it for a birthday party–perfect. Â (which makes our blog 10×12 ish.)
B. So many holes. I ironed it pretty well… I thought. We had a roll of duct tape to patch any holes…but maybe it was too big with too much water…or my kids were too rough (they did use it as slip and slide at one point!) but it was covered with duck tape at the end of the day!
C. Food coloring was a bust. Unless you add super concentrated stuff –After it got all mixed in you couldn’t even tell. BUT it was super cool to see it spread around at the beginning.
D. I was concerned about age appropriateness. I think it’s perfect for younger kids…water fun without the fear of drowning. But my kids loved it. (8 and 10) They would have loved it more if they had friends out there with them–the two together got bored fast. They actually loved playing on it before I sprayed it down with water. They could sit on it and play with their toys and get cool but not soaking wet. Â BUT after 5 hours when the water was all over it…it got a new life and they had a blast getting soaked again in their clothes.
E. The heat. it was 88 degrees outside. When I was draining it…the water was quite warm (6 hours after filling it up) I would definitely tell you to keep an eye on it with young kids. If you hose it down with a little water it should be fine! The plastic was warm too…but hotter weather could make the plastic hot!
F. Could you keep it again? First…you can see all the duck tape patches. If I maybe had splurged for the thicker more expensive version and had no holes…Maybe. but you have to dry that sucker out 100% or it’s going to be moldy and stinky as you store it….and I am WAY to lazy for that crap. (and the grass will die underneath if you leave it up longer than 2 days)
G. $$$ Someone on my facebook page said, “Sounds like a lot of work and money for something you are going to throw away” BUT look at it this way. To take my kids to the pool–it’s $28. Plus I have to pack treats. Â This was $10…an hour 1/2 of my time to iron and set up. Â (aka…2 CHUCK episodes on netflix) Then I got to work on this old blog for 4 hours while they played. so to me ….totally worth it.
I. Just a random thought…if you are doing this for a birthday party…it would be fun to plan some games on it. After the initial laying on it and jumping on it…it’s kind of like, “what else am I supposed to do with it” We did slip and slide and toys and pool noodle swords. I would think of some fun games (like the twister game down below!!)
SO….would I do it again?
ummm. yes.
BUT. I wouldn’t do it too often. Once a summer at the most. I wouldn’t want my kids to get bored of it. What do you think? Have you tried this? Wanting too? Let me know!
This is where I read about ironing the plastic...
and here is the MINI blobs!
and I’m super bummed I didn’t see this until now!!! TWISTER BLOB
Not ready to commit…make a mini version!
Missy says
You always have so many fun ideas! This is awesome!
Lauren says
I’ve been wanting to try this too, but now I don’t know after reading this, lol. I’m not sure if my three year old will be able to handle encountering any holes without a temper tantrum!
Lauren | http://alsoknownasmama.com
C says
In your cost analysis of the giant blob, you forgot to mention the cost of the WATER! No one’s water is free, and especially in Southern California, that can be significant.
Spencer says
My kids would love this! Thank you for sharing your ideas!
Lisa says
We did one a couple years ago for a Cub Scout activity. It was a big hit!! We used just the duct tape and did get a couple holes. We let the boys help put it together. But they still had a blast. I do think several kids together have more fun.