Splish splash it's more fun than taking a bath

Anyone with kids knows how popular a Slip 'N Slide Water Slide can be. Children never tire of running and diving onto the yellow vinyl mat and being propelled to the "Splash Zone" at the end. Wham-O, Emeryville, Calif., has a bevy of new versions designed to give kids the perfect way to stay cool and wet, getting them off the couch and outside for a drenching good time. The Original Slip 'N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor ($9.99), at 16' long, assures that kids get totally soaked by adding an extra wave of water at the end of the ride.

Derivative versions include Slip 'N Slide Heat Wave and Big Splash ($29.99 apiece), and Splash Track, Splash Slugger, and Soccer Soaker ($19.99 each).

For fun in the pool or lake, it's tough to beat Wham-O'e Boogie Board, Battle Boogie ($16.99). This radically different blow molded boogie board has a water trigger for nonstop squirting action. The built-in adjustable nozzle water cannon can blast liquid up to 20 feet. Opponents, take coved That goes double for Battlescope ($24.99), where the attacks come from underwater.

Of course, if you want to get soaking wet without going in the pool, how about a round of SoakerTag, The Ultimate Water Survival Game? Using the Super Soaker, the Original High-Performance Blaster by Hasbro, Pawtucket, R.I., SoakerTag is played with completely water-soluble body targets that are clipped and fastened to your clothes, with the object being to dissolve your opponents' targets before they blast yours. We loved the Super Soaker Helix ($9.95), which has two adjustable spinning streams of water and a huge 34 oz. water tank, with a quick fill cap. The blaster comes with eight body targets and a body target clip.

These products are available at mass merchandisers and pool supply stores.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group