Making Shade outside

[KrisM]

Our backyard gets very little shade. It's very sunny until at least 4PM. I'm trying to figure out what to get to give DS a shady place to play. Obviously, there are umbrellas, but it seems like to get a big enough one, it would be heavy to move around. Is there a kid product for making shade that is portable?

[pritchettzoo]

What about the big tent/cabana like things they have at Sam's/Costco? I think they're around $100 and provide a nice shady place you wouldn't have to move around.

Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03)
and a BOY! (coming July '05)

[neeter]

We just got a cheap market umbrella from Ikea for $5, along with an umbrella stand (that you fill with water) for $15. We leave the stand outside, and bring the umbrella indoors when not in use. The umbrella is pretty big, and even if it only lasts one season, its okay. Its big enough to shade DS in his sandbox. HTH!