What makes Play Outside different from other outdoor clothing brands?

Play Outside creates comfort-first outdoor essentials designed to work across real life, not just one activity or season. Our clothing is sun-safe, versatile, and built to perform from beach to snow while remaining soft, flattering, and easy to wear.

Is Play Outside clothing flattering on real women’s bodies?

Yes. Our clothing is designed for real women’s bodies, not idealized or Instagram-perfect fits. We prioritize movement, softness, and ease so pieces feel comfortable, drape well, and look great throughout the day.

Is Play Outside clothing made for outdoor performance?

Absolutely. Our pieces are built to perform outdoors in changing conditions including heat, wind, cold, and movement, while still being suitable for everyday life, travel, and time outside with kids.

What is sun safe apparel?

Sun safe apparel is clothing designed to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Play Outside uses UPF-rated fabric so sun protection is built directly into what you wear without extra layers or chemical treatments.

What’s the difference between UPF and SPF?

SPF measures how sunscreen protects your skin, while UPF measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. UPF clothing provides consistent protection that does not wear off or require reapplication.

Why do you use bamboo fabric?

Bamboo fabric is naturally soft, breathable, temperature-regulating, and gentle on skin. It stays comfortable in warm weather and layers well in colder conditions without stiffness or itch.

How can the same clothing work in both summer and winter?

Play Outside clothing uses temperature-regulating bamboo fabric and layer-friendly construction. It stays breathable in summer and retains warmth when layered in winter, allowing the same piece to work year-round.

Do you release new styles every season?

No. We focus on timeless, versatile pieces that remain in our collection year after year. Each iteration is refined using real customer feedback to continuously improve performance, comfort, and fit.

The Best DIY Outdoor Water Play Setups That Aren’t a Pool

No pool? No problem! When the temps soar, there are so many fun (and affordable!) ways to keep kids cool and entertained right in your backyard. These DIY outdoor water play ideas require minimal setup, use items you probably already have, and promise hours of splashy joy.

Best of all, they pair perfectly with our bamboo sun shirt, designed for fast-drying comfort and sun protection.

Why Skip the Pool?

Less maintenance, less cost, more creativity
Easier to supervise, especially for younger kids
Encourages open-ended, imaginative play
And well, sometimes we just don't have one available

1. Sponge Bomb Toss

Cut kitchen sponges into strips and tie them into bunches using rubber bands. Dunk in water and toss them back and forth or play dodge sponge!

No sharp edges, no cleanup, and safe for toddlers too.
Pro Tip: Dress them in a bamboo sun shirt like the ONE Shirt. It dries quickly and protects their skin while they play.

Shop the ONE Shirt

2. DIY Car Wash for Bikes and Toys

String up pool noodles, hang sponges from rope, and set out buckets. Let kids ride their bikes or push their trucks through a “car wash.”

Add bubbles for extra fun, or let them wash your actual car windows (sort of).

3. Water Painting Station

All you need is a bucket of water and a few paintbrushes. Let kids “paint” fences, driveways, or tree trunks. It dries quickly, which keeps the fun going.

Great for toddlers and sensory-sensitive kids who prefer low splash.

4. Slip-and-Slide Remix

No store-bought slide? Use a tarp, a hose, and a little dish soap. Add pool noodles to the sides for bumpers.

Always supervise and test the ground beneath first for safety.

The bamboo sun shirt is perfect for this—it won’t cling uncomfortably when wet and protects from sunburn.

5. Ice Excavation Station

Freeze small toys or nature items in a muffin tin or bowl. Let kids use warm water, squeeze bottles, and spoons to free their treasures.

STEM meets splash play.

6. Backyard River or Waterfall

Shape foil or use old gutters to build a mini river on a slope. Add toy boats or balls and see how far they float.

Add rocks or leaves to create rapids and dams.

7. Sensory Soak Bin

Fill a shallow bin with water, bubbles, and scoops. Add plastic animals, cooking utensils, or natural elements like flower petals.

Especially great for toddlers and calming sensory play.

What to Wear for DIY Water Play

Full sun protection, fast-drying comfort, and sensory-friendly fabric is key. The bamboo sun shirt:

Shields from harmful UV rays (UPF 50+)
Dries quickly after splash zones
Feels soft on sensitive skin
Is tagless and easy to put on/take off

Get your ONE Shirt here

Final Thoughts: Splash More, Stress Less

You don’t need a pool to make a summer full of water-filled fun. With a few household items, the right shirt, and a little imagination, your backyard can become the coolest spot on the block.

For more outdoor summer play ideas, visit the Play Outside blog.