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Sarah Goertz

Splish-Splash Fun: Water Play Activities for Kids This Summer

Summer is the perfect time for kids to engage in water play, offering endless opportunities for fun, learning, and cooling off. Whether you have access to a pool, a backyard, or just a small outdoor space, here are some exciting water play activities that your kids will love.



1. Water Balloon Fight

A classic favorite, water balloon fights are a fantastic way to enjoy some active play. Fill up a bunch of water balloons and let the kids go wild. You can even create teams and set up a friendly competition with obstacles and targets.


2. Sprinkler Fun

Set up a sprinkler in the backyard and let the kids run through it. This simple activity provides endless entertainment and helps them stay cool on hot days. You can find sprinklers in various fun shapes and designs, adding an extra layer of excitement.


3. Slip and Slide

A slip and slide is a quintessential summer activity. Lay down a plastic tarp or buy a ready-made slip and slide, add some water, and let the kids slide away. For added fun, you can use a bit of baby shampoo to make the slide extra slippery.


4. Water Table

Water tables are great for younger children. They can splash, pour, and play with various toys and containers. You can add items like boats, water wheels, and even small animals to create different themes and keep the play engaging.

5. DIY Sponge Bombs

Make sponge bombs by cutting sponges into strips and tying them together with rubber bands. Dip the sponge bombs in water and let the kids throw them around. This activity is a great alternative to water balloons and is reusable.


6. Ice Excavation

Freeze small toys or objects in blocks of ice and give the kids tools like toy hammers, spoons, or spray bottles with warm water to excavate them. This activity combines water play with a bit of scientific exploration.


7. Water Painting

Give the kids paintbrushes and buckets of water, and let them "paint" on sidewalks, fences, or driveways. They’ll have fun creating art that disappears as it dries, which means there’s no clean-up needed!


8. Water Relay Races

Organize relay races with a water twist. For example, have kids fill a cup with water, run to a designated spot, and pour it into a container. The first team to fill their container wins. This activity promotes teamwork and physical activity.


9. Bubble Play

Make a bubble solution and provide different bubble-making tools such as wands, straws, or even homemade devices from pipe cleaners. Kids can create and pop bubbles, enhancing their fine motor skills and having a blast.


10. Paddle Pool Fun

If you have a small inflatable pool, fill it with water and let the kids enjoy some splashing. Add in some pool toys, floating devices, or even water-safe dolls and action figures for imaginative play.


11. Fishing Game

Create a fishing game by placing floating objects in a small pool or water table and giving the kids toy fishing rods or nets. They can "catch" the items and sort them by color, size, or type.


12. Water Bead Play

Soak water beads in water until they expand and become squishy. These beads provide a unique sensory experience as kids scoop, pour, and play with them in a container or water table.


13. Car Wash

Set up a car wash station for toy cars, bikes, or even the family pet! Provide sponges, brushes, and a bucket of soapy water, and let the kids clean their toys. This activity is both fun and practical.



Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Water Play

  • Supervision: Always supervise children during water play to ensure their safety.

  • Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to protect kids from sunburn, especially during outdoor activities.

  • Hydration: Ensure kids stay hydrated by providing plenty of water to drink.

  • Safety Gear: Use appropriate safety gear like life jackets or floaties for younger children or weak swimmers.

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