Summer activities are often centered on areas where swimming pools or beaches are present, and more often than not, they involve being out of the water. Whether it’s tossing around a Frisbee, playing beach volleyball, or making sand castles, all these activities require you to get out of the cool water and into the scorching heat.

It’s for this reason that dozens of pool toys are being developed. From inflatables of different shapes and sizes, to loungers of equal grandeur and innovation, pool toys have evolved into something else entirely. From life-sized sharks and whales to tubes with the heads of alligators and birds attached to one side, these once-simple blow-up playthings have actually hiked up their level of fun and excitement.

Here’s a list of some of the best swimming pool toys for your backyard.

1. Dunk-It! Ring Pool Basketball Set – The advantage of this basketball ring set is that it doesn’t float away while you’re trying to shoot. And although the floating target might prove to be a more challenging game for you, this inflatable guarantees no less an enjoyable experience.

2. Dolphin Volleyball Set for Ring Pools – For those moments when you want to take a dip and in the mood for a little sport.

3. Floating Basketball, Volleyball and Water Polo Set – Don’t have a ring pool? Aren’t satisfied with just a basketball ring or a volleyball set? Throw in some water polo and this pool set has it all!

4. Baby Racer Bumper Cars – Who doesn’t enjoy bumper cars? This toy is the perfect joy ride for both you and your baby!

5. Alligator and Whale Ride-On Toys – A great source of fun and entertainment for the bigger kids.

Of course, when considering what toys to purchase for your pool, it’s always good to take into account their safety hazards. In addition, some inflatables are best played under the supervision of an adult. Summertime is boatloads more fun when risks are minimized.

The heat is one of the harshest things to escape from during the summer. The best form of escape usually comes through a dip in the pool, or better yet, a trip to the beach. The problem is that beaches are usually packed this time of the year, making it difficult to find a good spot to relax and lounge about. This makes public and private swimming pools a better option for those just looking to cool off. And if you’re feeling bored lounging about by yourself, why not throw a pool party?

When it comes to pool parties, creating a fitting playlist can be challenging. Taste in music varies considerably, so it’s always good to mix both old and new hits. The idea is to think what your guests would like to listen to at the party; if they want to dance or just sit back and chill.

A key element of a great pool party is an amazing soundtrack. As a tribute to the summer, here’s a list of songs inspired by the season. Taken from both old and recent albums, many of them are charming additions to your pool party playlist.

1. Groovin – The Young Rascals
2. Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow
3. Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes
4. Pool Party – The Aquabats
5. Swimming Pool – The Submarines
6. Hey Ya! – Outkast
7. Walking On the Sun – Smash Mouth
8. Into Yesterday – Sugar Ray
9. Young Folks – Peter, Bjorn & John
10. Happy (Fatboy Slim Remix) – Max Sedgley
11. Stand Tall – Dirty Heads
12. Upside Down – Jack Johnson
13. The Locomotion – Little Eva
14. Island in the Sun – Weezer

It’s important to have a theme in mind when creating your list. It also helps to know what types of activities you have planned for the event. With the details of the party organized, you can structure and compile your desired songs according to how they fit the mood of the party.

If you’re just about ready to get your summer thrill going, then here’s a definite treat for you. Backyard Ocean is holding a contest using Pinterest and will be giving away gift certificates to five lucky winners. This is a great chance to enjoy Backyard Ocean’s wide range of swimming pools and swimming pool products!

Contest Period

The contest will commence on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 6:00 AM Pacific Time and end on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Mechanics

To enter, register at Pinterest.com and follow Backyard Ocean. To sign up for a Pinterest account, go here: http://pinterest.com/landing.

Create a Pinterest board (Entry) entitled “My Sizzling Summer with Backyard Ocean” and post entries between July 23, 2012 and August 6, 2012.

Each Entry must have 10 to 20 summer themed photos pinned to their boards, with at least 3 pins being products from the Backyard Ocean website. Remember to hashtag #SizzlingSummer and #BackyardOcean.

Once the board is complete, entrant must post a link to the Entry on the Contest announcement pin on Backyard Ocean’s Pinterest page.

Only one Entry is allowed per Pinterest user. All entries become the property of Backyard Ocean and are non-returnable.

Prizes

Backyard Ocean will assign a panel of judges to award five winners based on the following criteria:

1. Creativity and originality (75%)
2. Total likes and repins (25%)

Don’t forget to visit Backyard Ocean’s Facebook page for the Official Contest Rules. Entries that fail to comply with the rules shall be disqualified. The winners will be chosen five days after the contest ends.

The prizes are as follows:

• – 1^st Place: One (1) $200 Backyard Ocean gift certificate
• – 2^nd Place: One (1) $100 Backyard Ocean gift certificate
• – Three Consolation Prizes: One (1) $50 Backyard Ocean gift certificate each

Be sure to get your entries in before August 6, 2012 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. This is definitely an opportunity that you and your family don’t want to miss. Spread the word about the contest to be able to get as many of your friends to support your pins!

The key to having an incredible camping experience with the family has a lot to do with the planning stages. It’s always best to be prepared for anything. When the risk factor of camping is significantly lessened, the whole family can enjoy themselves. It frees you from any worries you might have, whether environmental, physical or mechanical.

Here are a few key points to remember when planning your camping trip.

• Get to know the area – It’s important to know the area surrounding your camping grounds. Be familiar with nearby towns or roads in case you get lost. Mark them on your map and calculate the distance so you’ll know how long it takes to get to these points in case of an emergency.

• Be prepared for anything – Safety first! Pack your first aid kit and make sure there are enough supplies to last your whole trip. Besides weather anomalies, you also have to take into account medical concerns and emergencies.

• Be familiar with the wildlife in the vicinity – Are there bears in the area you’re camping in? Perhaps moose or wild cats? It’s important to know how to deal with these animals for possible encounters with them.

• Acquaint yourself with essential camping tools – In case you run out of lighter fuel or matches, flint and steel are good replacements. Learn to start a fire from scratch. Pitching up your tent also requires a bit of practice before the actual trip.

Finally, here’s a list of some of the essential materials you will need on your trip.

• Bandages
• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• Aspirin
• Allergy medication or creams
• Cold/flu medicine
• Antibacterial wipes or soap
• Several flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Blankets
• First Aid Kit
• Army knife
• Hats
• Umbrellas
• Sweaters and hooded rain jackets
• Full sets of extra clothing
• Quick snacks and camping meals

Once all that’s taken care of, then you can think of possible luxuries and games that would be fit for a rainy day. In fact, you can even bring an outdoor solar shower. Here are more suggestions:

• Travel or pocket board games
• Books, coloring books or picture books
• Puzzles, dolls and puppets

Planning begins with considering unexpected factors that might suddenly present themselves during your trip. There are a lot of unforeseeable elements that can bust your camping trip, so it’s always good to think ahead.