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Free Things to Do in Wisconsin

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Free Things to Do in Wisconsin

Madison and Milwaukee both offer up a lot of fun activities. Of course, there are great things to do in other parts of Wisconsin as well. Whether you’re traveling there or from the state, you’ll enjoy these free things to do in Wisconsin. There are activities and entertainment for all ages.

Free Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin. It’s also a great college town that happens to have five large lakes. Therefore, you’ll find that there are a lot of great free things to do here. Destination Madison recommends:

  • Enjoy the water at any of the aforementioned five Wisconsin lakes.
  • Go hiking and/or biking on Madison’s 200+ miles of urban and mountain trails.
  • Enjoy nature indoors and outdoors at Bolz Conservatory, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and UW- Madison’s Arboretum.
  • Dance on the rooftop to free music weekly at the Monona Terrace during the summer. This is one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin if you’re there during the six weeks it takes place each year. If you enjoy music, then you might also like Concerts on the Square.
  • Take historic tours of the State Capitol and/or the Governor’s Mansion
  • Visit the free campus and local museums and galleries which include art museums, historical museums (including one specific to veterans), and a geology museum.
  • Enjoy the animals at the local zoo. Most zoos around the country charge admission. Therefore, you’re lucky to have the chance to enjoy this as one of the free things to do in Wisconsin year-round.

Free Things to Do in Milwaukee

Although Madison is the state’s capital, Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city. If you’re looking for urban free things to do in Wisconsin, then you might head here. Visit Milwaukee recommends the following free activities:

  • If you love music then you’ll enjoy summers in Milwaukee. Throughout the summer, you can find free concerts almost every evening of the week.
  • Watch the Milwaukee Art Museum’s “wings” (an architectural sun screen) open in the morning, flat at noon or close in the evening. You can see them from the shore of Lake Michigan, which itself is one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin.
  • Check out free art indoors and out. Milwaukee has some great murals that you can do your own walking tour to see. Additionally, the Haggerty Museum of Art offers free admission. You might also want to check out The Warehouse Art Gallery.
  • Take the RiverWalk. This is a three-mile downtown urban walk that will give you a real feel for the city. Enjoy the sculpture along the way.
  • Enjoy hiking, biking, running and the general beauty of the outdoors at many of the city’s wonderful trails. You can also go cross-country skiing here in the winter.

Other Free Things to Do in Wisconsin

Of course, you can also enjoy free things to do in other parts of the state. In fact, a road trip (which is just the cost of gas if you live there) can be a great way to enjoy the area. Wisconsin has a lot of beautiful natural scenery. Find the local trails, lakes, parks, and other nature spots wherever you go in the state. Only In Your State specifically recommends checking out the free Aquanut Water Shows in Kenosha. Other free things to do in Wisconsin that they recommend include a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory, a visit to the National Mustard Museum, and an informative trip to the Iron River National Fish Hatchery to learn about fisheries.

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20 Great Places to Find Coins

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great places to find coins
Obligatory fictional character looking for coins

I like to walk and when I walk, I am always on the lookout for coins. I don’t really consciously do this — it has become a habit over the years. What I do know is that most years I add over $100 to my savings (you would need to keep way more than $10,000 in your local bank to earn the same amount in interest) simply by keeping my eyes open and knowing where to look.

Here’s the funny thing about finding coins. If you are doing this to try and make extra money, it’s not likely to work. While it may be hard to understand, finding coins really isn’t about the money although it never hurts to add what you do find to your savings.

I have had friends in the past that have heard about how I am able to find money and decide they are going to try it too. Invariably, they come back in a week’s time saying they haven’t found anything. The truth is, you won’t find anything most days. That being said, if you are not looking, the days that you do find money you probably wouldn’t had you not been looking. The people that are successful at it view it more as a game and treat it as such. Here are some of my favorite places to find coins in no particular order:

Car Washes

Coins come out of pockets at car washes and a fair share of them end up on the ground where they can be found. Pay special attention to the areas around the vacuum stations. It seems that a lot of people that are cleaning out their cars don’t think that the change is worth keeping and throw it out with the rest of the trash they find under their car seats and car mats.

Homeless Camps

For some reason, homeless people aren’t great at keeping track of their coins. I’ve been walking around several of these camps, and in a lot of cases, I’ll find several pennies.  This might be because homeless people aren’t good at tracking they money, but it may also be that they have a lot of coins.

Highway Rest Stops

People that have been on long road trips have made numerous stops and gathered up a pile of change in their car and pockets. They are tired and not paying as close attention as they might at other times and it seems a fair amount of those coins end up slipping out of the car and staying in the rest area. It’s also a great place to check vending machines.

Melting Snow

If you live in an area of the country where it snows, you’ll love spring if you become a coin hunter. When people drop coins in the winter, they often find it too cumbersome to pick up the coin, or the coin falls into the snow where it’s difficult to find. That leaves an accumulation of coins that appear in the Spring when the snow begins to melt off.

Fast Food Dive-Up Windows

When people hand over money to people at the drive up windows and receive their change, the exchange of coins doesn’t always go perfectly and a coin may fall from time to time. Many people aren’t willing to make the effort to open their car door and search around for where the coin ultimately landed. That means that a quick glance in the area of fast food drive-up windows can put a few coins into your pocket.

Self Pay Parking Machines

Much like the fast food dive up window, I always pay special attention when I walk past a parking lot that has a self pay machine as the person is exiting. People are leaning out the window putting coins into the machine and sometimes a coin drops. Most of the time when this happens, the person isn’t going to get out of their car and look underneath it for the coin. Instead, they will write it off as a loss and just leave. When this happens and the timing is right, that coin will become yours.

Bars, Waiting Rooms, Transit Areas, Etc

It seems that there are a decent number of people that wear pants that simply don’t hold their coins in too well. If you scan around bars, waiting rooms, transit areas and the like, there is a good chance that you will be able to add a few coins to your findings. This is especially true if they have sitting areas with couches or the like where coins can hide.

Your Own Home

I don’t actually count the money that I find in my home toward the total amount of money I find each year since I consider it already to be mine, but that being said, you probably have a decent amount of coins lying around your house that you don’t know about or have forgotten. Decide to do a Spring cleaning and you’re likely to end the day with more money than when you started. Check pant and coat pockets from time to time and you’ll likely find a forgotten bill or change.

At the Beach

There is a reason that you see people on the beach with metal detectors scanning the sand. People go to the beach and coins get dropped because bathing suits don’t have pockets when people are changing. Those coins often get covered in sand so that the person that lost them doesn’t even notice they are gone. While it can be more difficult to spot these coins, they are definitely there for those who have a keen eye. Using detectors at the beach is also a good option, as once coins or jewelry are buried in the sand then can nearly impossible to spot.

You can get a good entry level detector for between $75 and $300 dollars on Amazon.com. The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is a good example.

At Parks

Parks are popular during the summer months so that can be a great time to keep your eyes open in the parks. With all the commotion and large number of people, a few coins always seem to get left behind. This is also true after any holiday weekends or events.

Wherever crowds have gathered

If there is a crowd, there is a good chance that coins can be found, especially directly after the crowd begins to dissipate. Places where money transactions take place outside like art fairs, Saturday markets and other community events are also prime locations to find a few extra coins lying around on the ground.

Copy Machines

This isn’t as good of a place to find coins as it used to be when nobody had a home computer and printer in their house, but it is still a place to check the coin slot or credit count when you walk past them. It seems that a fair number of those that use copy machines are in a hurry and simply forget the extra money they have put into the machine.

Telephones

Much like the copy machine, this used to be a great place to find coins, but with everyone now carrying around a cell phone it’s becoming more difficult to find coins around phone booths. Still, it’s worth a look since money does drop and people do forget the coins they are feeding into the phone from time to time.

Coinstar Machines

When people put their money into change counting machines, there are often a few coins that get spit out into the coin slot because the machine couldn’t decipher the coin properly. Some people don’t realize this or forget and leave the coins there so it’s always worthwhile checking when you pass them.

Sidewalks

When people walk, most of them don’t look at the sidewalk. It’s surprising the number of people that walk right on by money simply because they never have seen it. If you keep your eyes on the sidewalk whenever you happen to take a walk, you are sure to find some coins.

Gutters

When you are walking on the sidewalk, stay to the street side. While you may find a few coins on the sidewalk, you’re likely to find even more in the gutter beside the sidewalk during your travels since people are even less likely to be looking there when they walk.

Intersections / Crosswalks

I’m always on the lookout for money when crossing the street. For some reason, coins seem to gather there more than on the sidewalks and gutters along the main portion of the street.  This is often because people are, very reasonably, watching traffic and not on the look out for extra money.

Train / Subway Stations

Public transportation stations are a good place to find fallen coins. People are taking out money to buy tickets, sitting and standing quite a bit and invariable a coin drops to the ground here and there.

Stores

People are at stores to buy things so they are taking money out of their pockets to pay for items they want. Coins get dropped and not all of them get found. Keep your eyes open along the sides and corners and you will find a stray coin from time to time.  This is especially the case in front of cashiers stations in most stores.

Parking Lots

If I have an opportunity to cut through a parking lot, I don’t do it to save time or distance, but to look for coins. I tend to park as far away as I can from the store to let me walk across parking lots when I go shopping. Parking lots are one of the better places to find coins.

Around Vending Machines

If there are vending machines, there is a good chance that there is a lost coin around. This is especially true in winter when it’s cold outside and people are wearing gloves (I find far more coins in winter around vending machines than I do in summer). They don’t have a feel for the coins and are more likely to drop one without noticing. Of course, don’t forget to check the coin slots as well.

For more places to find coins, or even how to make more money with the coins you find check out these articles.

17 Coins in Your Pocket Worth More Than Face Value
35 More Places to Find Coins
50 Places to Find Coins

 

When Is It OK To Treat Yourself?

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When Is It OK To Treat Yourself

Treat yourself. We see this advice all of the time. And yet, it’s all too easy to mistake the meaning. In other words, it’s easy to go overboard with spending as you “treat yourself” which only leaves you later regretting those choices. So, when is it OK to treat yourself? I’d argue that it’s okay any time, all of the time, but only when you keep certain boundaries and considerations in mind.

What Does It Mean to Treat Yourself?

The problem with this idea really stems from the fact that marketing has taken over its meaning. With my own eyes, I’ve seen “treat yourself” (or the more popular “treat yo’self”) on signage and websites for everything from ice cream to spa retreats. Don’t get me wrong – I love ice cream and spa retreats. However, the underlying message here is “buy our thing and you will feel happier.” When we fall prey to that kind of messaging, we’re never truly satisfied.

So, it’s critical that you dig deep inside yourself to ask what it even really means to treat yourself. What actually makes you feel good? When you’re having a hard day, what type of experience lightens the load? Brainstorm the biggest list that you can think of. Keep adding to it every time that you think of something. Then, do me a favor: divide that list into three categories: free things, cheap things, and expensive things.

When is it OK to treat yourself? Anytime. However, focus on using the free and cheap means of treating yourself. Only on rare occasions will you treat yourself with the expensive things. And then, only if you truly feel like that’s the only one thing that will make you happy.

When Is It OK To Treat Yourself?

When is it OK to treat yourself? Any time – under the following conditions:

  • You understand what you really need. In other words, don’t treat loneliness with ice cream. Don’t treat work frustration with Netflix binges. Ask yourself what you really need and then meet that need.
  • You’ve explored a variety of options and chosen the best way to treat yourself in the moment.
  • If the treat costs money, you can afford it. In other words, it’s within your budget or you have discretionary funds to cover the costs. Going into debt won’t make you feel better in the long run. It’s not a way to treat yourself.

In my opinion, based on personal experience as well as my education in psychology, it’s absolutely okay to treat yourself well and often. In fact, I think you should give yourself little treats every single day. Just make sure their the right kind.

Free and Cheap Ways to Treat Yourself

Load yourself up with idea of free and cheap ways to treat yourself. Here are some of my favorites, although they’ll be different for everyone:

  • Pausing everything to snuggle with my pup.
  • Making a phone call to someone who uplifts me.
  • Sending adorable text messages to someone I care about.
  • Looking through old photos.
  • Reading a book in the middle of the afternoon.
  • Taking a nap.
  • Walking through a park, even a small one.
  • Going on a photo walk, letting my camera notice all of the little things around me.
  • Grabbing a coffee with a friend I haven’t seen in awhile.
  • Browsing online through new books available at my library. Then adding them to my “for later” shelf.
  • Listening to True Crime podcasts.
  • Watching reality TV.
  • Making myself a really cozy meal.
  • Scrolling through Instagram, which I’ve carefully curated to include only inspiring things.
  • Listening to music.
  • Crocheting or collaging.

These are all cheap or free things that I like to do. When I do them, I feel better. Therefore, I try to incorporate them into my days. I try to “treat myself” regularly to things that give me pleasure. As a result, I feel less lack in my life. And as a result of that, I don’t get tempted to “buy” experiences or items in order to feel good.

When Is It OK To Treat Yourself With Costly Things?

I believe that if you’re treating yourself daily with small things, then you’ll desire fewer costly things. But, let’s face it, sometimes the treats we both want and need do cost money. For example, I absolutely love getting spa massages. In fact, I love them so much that I work them into my quarterly budget. By figuring out in advance how to pay for that treat, I can enjoy it without any regrets.

Many people like to treat themselves with travel. Some people like to treat themselves with fancy meals. Other people enjoy treating themselves with tickets to concerts, symphonies, etc. These are all great things that you can do for yourself. And you should. Depriving yourself of the joys of life makes life less fun. Moreover, you risk going on a spending binge if you withhold those things from yourself too often.

So, when is it OK to treat yourself with these more expensive things? When you know that it’s the thing that you truly want / need plus you’ve figured out how to pay for the cost.

Keep Refining How You Treat Yourself Well

The most important thing about all of this is that you keep checking in with yourself. Regularly ask yourself if the “treat yourself” experiences are really doing what you want.

For example, sometimes I treat myself with reality TV. If I’ve worked hard, my brain is fried, and I don’t want to do anything except zone out, then that works for me. However, I can also easily go too far with this. I can watch episode after episode to the point where I feel totally numb and brainless and don’t actually feel good anymore. If you don’t feel good, it’s no longer a treat.

Similarly, some people can enjoy a terrific cocktail or two. Other people find that if they’re honest with themselves, it doesn’t feel all that good in the long run. So, that’s not the way they treat themselves.

Whether big or small, expensive or free, your self-treats should be things that really satisfy you. That’s when you’ll feel good. That’s how you’ll know when it’s OK to treat yourself.

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10 Free Things to Do This Summer 2021

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Free Things to Do This Summer 2021

You’re probably itching to get out and do things this summer. After all, many of us spent a lot of time cooped up and nesting during COVID-19. Now that things have relaxed a little bit, you might want to get more active. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun this summer. Here are ten free things to do this summer 2021.

1. Everything Your Library Offers

I can’t exaggerate enough how much I love my local library. I’m lucky to live in San Francisco, which has an amazing library system. Their offerings go far beyond just books. However, even in small towns I’ve seen some amazing library activities and services. Therefore, start there when looking for free things to do this summer 2021.

Go to a local branch or check the website to see all of their events and activities. Just a few of the things they might offer include:

  • Book readings and other talks
  • Multi-media presentations and performances
  • Online and physical rental of books, movies, music, games, and more
  • Lessons: in craft, computers, cooking, and so much more
  • Educational tours, sometimes around town
  • Summer camp activities for kids

2. Read Every Day

One of the summer challenges that libraries often suggest is a reading challenge. You might even find that your library gives rewards for logging you’re reading. (Yes, even for adults. San Francisco’s Summer Stride 2021 is one example.) Whether or not you do it through the library, though, make it a point to read every day. It’s a great way to start a day, end an evening or take a break each afternoon. You might have reading hour in your house when everyone puts the devices away and just reads quietly. This is one of those free things to do this summer 2021 that can actually build lifelong good habits.

3. Visit Every Park In Your Area

Do some research to learn about the different parks in your town, city, or region. Then make it a point to visit each and every one of them this summer. You might want to rank them. Alternatively, you might want to name the best thing you like about each of them. Another idea is to take a photo at each one to create a scrapbook. From the tiniest park to the largest, there’s always something to see if you look closely enough. You just might discover magic right in your own backyard.

4. Host a “What’s In The Pantry” Potluck Party

Hosting a party doesn’t have to cost any money. Make it a low-key afternoon potluck. Invite everyone to bring something that’s already in their fridge or pantry. Pull out some of the stuff that you have. Then let that be enough. So often we think that we have to get elaborate if we want to invite people over to our homes. However, that’s not the case at all. The company matters far more than the snacks.

5. Dig the Balls, Bikes, and Kites Out of the Garage

What equipment do you have sitting around your house that you haven’t used in awhile? Put it to use this summer. Got a bike that just needs to be pumped up? Get it ready for a ride? Have a science kit, kite, or drone that you’ve always planned to use but never gotten around to. Summer is a great time to declutter your house. As you do, use the things that you haven’t used, yet. If you see some things that you’re still not going to use, then donate them. Let someone else make use of them this summer.

6. Visit Your Local Landmarks

I went to go visit my sister in Brevard, North Carolina, recently. Her neighborhood has started a local signage project to honor the Black history of the area. We walked around, reading the plaques, learning about the history of the region. It was something we just happened to stumble upon. However, pretty much every town has self-guided walking tours and opportunities to visit local landmarks at no cost. These are some of the best free things to do this summer 2021. It’s a great way to learn about your area’s history. This helps you connect to your community in a new way.

7. Free Outdoor Movies, Plays, and Concerts

There are so many free entertainment options each summer. In Ashland, Ohio, we used to go to this tiny park where we would some of the best musical performances ever at no charge. I’ve been to Shakespeare-in-the-Park in several cities. There are small concerts and large ones, outdoor movie screens, street fairs, and so many other opportunities to mingle with creative people at no cost. Pack yourself a picnic dinner. If you are just tired of sitting at home in perfect weather, and you do not have company for walking together, then you can visit meetville.com. You can find a company for evening walks or like-minded people.

8. Go Window Shopping

If you enjoy people watching then a day spent window shopping might be for you. First, you get the chance to observe all of the people around you. Second, you get to see all of the random different things for sale. Of course, this only works if you’re the type of person who can pass up buying things. I enjoy just looking – at everything from flea markets to fancy stores. So this works for me. I like to pick a certain neighborhood each month to browse. Does this option work for you?

9. Volunteer

Research shows that when you help others, you feel better yourself. Therefore, volunteering is as good for you as for the people you’re helping. Find a cause that you care about. Offer to get involved and help. This is a terrific way to spend a summer without spending any money.

10. Staycation

Hang in there with me for a moment. Some people are quick to say that the last thing they want to do this summer is stay home. I get it; COVID-19 made people feel really cooped up. However, there were a lot of good times that came out of those days stuck inside with just your family. Did you make pillow forts? Cook dinner together? Perhaps you went on long evening walks? Maybe you played a lot of board games and made a lot of puzzles. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Take a week off together and stay home, doing just the things you actually like about being home alone together. You just might find these are the best free things to do this summer 2021 after all.

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10 Free Things to Do In Lansing, Michigan

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free things to do in lansing michigan

Lansing, Michigan, is the state’s capital. The area has a rich history, as well as plenty of opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation. However, if you’re a budget-conscious local or traveler, you may not have a ton to spend on an outing. Luckily, having fun here doesn’t have to cost you a dime. If you’re on the hunt for free things to do in Lansing, Michigan, here are some stellar options that are worth checking out.

Michigan State Capitol

In 1992, the Michigan State Capitol building became a historic landmark. Along with being an architectural beauty, it’s brimming with amazing art, lighting, furniture, and much more. Plus, the building has a vibrant, intriguing history while also serving as the center of the state’s government.

The Michigan State Capitol actually offers a variety of tour options. If you want some flexibility, you can go with a self-guided tour. Simply pick up a tour booklet – which is available in multiple languages – from the information services, and you can take your time learning about the various public areas.

If you would prefer a guided tour, those are also available. Along with the standard tour, you may also find limited-run tours that focus on a specific aspect of history or that provide specific services, like having sign language interpreters available.

Fenner Nature Center

If you’re looking for a nice outdoor space with plenty of room to stretch your legs, the Fenner Nature Center is a great option. There are 134-acres of land, all of which is open to the public. You can enjoy the four miles of trails, take a stroll through the maple groves, or learn about local wildlife in the visitor center.

In the Visitor Center, there are also some hands-on exhibits. This can be fun for people of all ages, making the learning process much more engaging.

If you enjoy your trip and have a little cash to spare, donations are welcome. The Fenner Nature Center recommends $2 per adult and $1 per child. However, that isn’t a requirement, and you can always enjoy the property without paying anything.

River Trail

Another great option for exploring the area is the River Trail. This 16-mile stretch is paved and passes through Downtown as well as several parks and natural landscape. You can walk, bike, or skate along the path. If you’d like to picnic, bring a lunch and plan to stop once you reach a park.

Of course, you aren’t required to travel the full 16 miles. You can enter or leave the trail at almost any time, giving you the flexibility you need to plan an outing that meets your needs or aligns with any limitations.

Brenke Fish Ladder

If you want to see something a bit unique, consider taking a trip to the Brenke Fish Ladder. You can actually access it from the River Trail, making it a nice place to pause on your walk.

The Brenke Fish Ladder was designed to help fish swim past the dam safely. If you visit the area in early fall, you may be able to spot some salmon working their way up the stairs, continuing their journey up the Grand River.

Adado Riverfront Park

When Adado Riverfront Park was designed, it was to serve as a place for festivals. There are plenty of wide-open spaces, ensuring there is enough room for different kinds of events.

When there isn’t a festival taking place, you can simply enjoy the open areas. It’s an incredible space near the river that’s perfect for games, picnics, or a nice stroll in the sun.

During the year, there are many events at Adado Riverfront Park, including some free festivals. However, it’s important to note that while some festivals don’t charge for admissions, others do, so they won’t all be available at no cost.

Old Town

If you’re looking for historic charm, head to Old Town. It’s brimming with buildings that have stood the test of time and the area has recently been revitalized into a thriving neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Like Adado Riverfront Park, Old Town also hosts a variety of events during the year, like arts and crafts festivals. Often, you can enjoy these festivals for free, so it’s worth seeing if anything may be happening in this part of the city while you’re in the area.

Downtown Sculpture Walk

If you’re an art lover and would appreciate seeing an eclectic collection, take the time to wander the Downtown Sculpture Walk. By following the path, you can see dozens of pieces representing a wide range of art styles.

Since the sculptures vary so greatly, you’ll never know what to expect as you approach each one. The photo ops are also exceptional, giving you a chance to capture intriguing images of the various pieces. Plus, since the trail gets you walking, it’s an excellent way to squeeze in some exercise.

Woldumar Nature Center

StoryWalks

Run by the Capital Area District Libraries and dotting the Lansing area, StoryWalks lets families enjoy reading a story together while taking a stroll outside. Each page of a story is posted along a path, letting the tale unfold a bit at a time as you journey between pages.

Many of the StoryWalks also incorporate activities designed to help young children develop important skills. Along with reading, there may be opportunities to write, sing, or play, making the walk even more engaging.

Michigan History Museum

If you’re looking for free things to do in Lansing on a Sunday, you’re in luck. The Michigan History Museum is free to everyone on Sundays, allowing you to enjoy the museum without having to pay an admission fee.

The Michigan History Museum focuses on the state’s rich past. From the time the area was being settled to the late 20th century, you’ll learn about the state’s growth and evolution over time, as well as its role in historical events.

MSU Bug House

If you’d like to learn more about amazing insects, one of the best free things to do in Lansing, Michigan is to attend one of the MSU Bug House free open houses. They happen regularly throughout the year, usually during the evenings or on weekends, and you don’t need an appointment to attend.

Along with being able to view a wide variety of species, you may even get a chance to handle a few. This can be a great hands-on experience for people of all ages, making the world of bugs seem like a treat.

Are there any other free things to do in Lansing, Michigan, that people need to check out? Why not tell us about them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Make Your Very Own 100-Foot Water Slide!

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I think my father took me to a waterpark once or twice when I was a child. And I absolutely hated the experience. I just never understood the appeal of mass bathing with strangers in public places. (Maybe I never got over my stranger danger impulses ingrained into me in the early 1980s?) And maybe such experiences could be more appealing when they are closer to home. I grew up in the South Bronx and it was common in the summers for someone to open a fire hydrant so the neighborhood kids could cool off in the heat. However, there is an easier, and cheaper, alternative to visiting a waterpark or risking a fine by opening fire hydrants to cool off. Learning how to make DIY waterslides is a cheaper and hassle-free way to cool off.

Water parks are big business now, but they are also a hassle to patronize. You will end up standing in a long line to get in and then stand in another long line to get on your favorites rides and waterslides.

And water parks are not free. Depending on the water park you visit, you will have to pay anywhere between $35 to $95, or more, on admission per person. And those costs don’t include travel costs, food, and potential lodging costs if you visit a faraway corporate-owned water park.

You could pay anywhere between $30 to $600 on store-bought waterslides and waterslide contraptions.

DIY Waterslides – The Basics

If you and or your neighbors have a large enough backyard or common grassy area, industrial-grade plastic sheeting or tarp, a hose, and a few other items, then making DIY waterslides should be a no-hassle project. And it will probably take an hour or two to set up.

The first thing you must do to set up DIY waterslides is to scout the perfect area to set one up.

Scout the Layout

According to a 2016 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, over 2 million Americans injure themselves while frolicking every summer. And over 65,000 Americans injure themselves while engaging in watersports activities or at amusement parks.

Safety must always be a priority when you are installing DIY waterslides in your backyard, front yard, or nearby area. So, before you start any work, you need to find a soft, grassy, and relatively flat stretch of grass that extends for 100 to 150 feet.

Walk along the area. Are there rocks protruding from the ground? Is the ground soft and grassy enough? If you lay plastic sheeting or a tarp on hard ground, the contact friction of people jumping and sliding on it will wear it out quickly. And someone is bound to injure themselves jumping on plastic laid on hard ground.

DIY waterslides should be laid down on soft, grassy hills with an incline. There should be enough space to run and jump before jumping on the waterslide. And there should be enough space at the end of the waterslide to slow down and stop.

Try to construct the waterslide so it ends at a soft, flat portion at the end of a hilly incline.

There should be no obstructions at the end of the waterslide, like parked cars or trees. Also, you need to be near a water hose or source of water to keep the slide wet.

Mentally map out the area and scout it so everyone has fun safely. It may even be a better idea to draw a simple schematic.

DIY Waterslides Material

Buy a long tarp or plastic sheeting at a hardware store with a thickness of at least 6 millimeters, or 1/5th of an inch. And it should be at least 5 feet to 6 feet wide.

You may need to buy it in sections to reach a full waterslide length of 100 feet at least.

Additionally, make sure you buy light-colored plastic sheeting. Black-colored plastic sheeting will absorb sunlight and potentially become very hot in the midday sun.

Assembly

Try to get two or three people to help you with assembly. Roll out the plastic sheeting on the hill. Use garden staples as stakes to hold the plastic sheeting in place. Then, cover the tops of the staples with thick duct tape.

You may want to roll the ends of the slide around pool noodles and then use garden staples to stake them to the ground. You will create a soft boundary barrier on both sides so people don’t slide off the waterslide midway. It will take extra effort, but it will be worth it for safety’s sake.

Take a walk along the length of the waterslide. Safe DIY waterslides don’t build themselves, so make sure it looks safe before you let children, teens, or adults run and jump on it.

Squirt cheap dishwashing or shampoo soap along the length of the waterslide. Affix a sprinkler attachment to a water hose at the top of the waterslide so that water flows along the length of the waterslide. You may need 2 to 3 water hoses to get the water slide appropriately wet.

Test it out a few times before letting others use it.

And that is it. You can find many DIY waterslides tutorials online to fit your own personal circumstances.

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