I don’t usually write about things that are private, but I thought this was so cool. My Uncle turned his garage into an indoor beach party for the kids!
It is not nearly nice enough outside for kids to play in the water and the sand, so he set it up inside his garage. On one side of the garage he laid out astro turf (the green outside rug) for grass, and put a small pool filled with warm water. On the other side was a plastic sheet (the kind used for construction). On the plastic was a pile of play sand, with sand toys. There were some chairs set out for the parents to watch, and around the edge of the garage were some riding toys and push toys (the race track!).
Since none of the kids were actually his (they were grand kids, and cousins and such), he put out candy, pop, chocolate and chips. There were hot dogs for lunch. (Not the diet most of us have in mind for our kids, but once in a while it’s alright!)
The kids had such a great time! He had water balloons, and a little tykes kitchen, and they were allowed to play however they wanted. They helped themselves to candy whenever they wanted (until parents had had enough), and were just kids.
What a great idea! I think any garage could be set up for this (as long as it’s heated!) any time of year.