Summertime is a great opportunity for kids to play with water. There are many fun and creative ways for them to do so! In this article, we will explore 30 different ways for kids to have fun playing with water. From swimming and diving to making art and playing games, there is something here for everyone! So get ready to cool off and have some fun!
21 Fun Water Activities with Kids
1. Swimming:
Swimming and diving are great ways for kids to play with water. They can splash around, dive for toys, and even race each other. If you have a pool, make sure to supervise your kids while they are swimming. Note that babies from age 6 months and up can start taking swim lessons.
2. Making art:
Water can be a great medium for making art. Kids can use watercolors, paintbrushes, and even their hands to create beautiful works of art. If you don’t have any supplies at home, you can easily find them at your local arts and crafts store.
3. Playing games:
There are many fun games that kids can play with water. Try adding a few drops of food coloring to a bowl of water and let your kids use their fingers to make designs. Or, fill up water balloons and have a water balloon fight!
4. Water balloons:
Water balloons are great for both playing games and cooling off on a hot day. You can buy them pre-filled or fill them up yourself using a water balloon filler. They come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to get the right size for your kids.
Below are some water balloon games for kids;
- Water Balloon Toss Game: This is a classic game that can be played with any number of people. All you need is a water balloon for each person and a large open space. The object of the game is to throw the water balloon back and forth to your partner without dropping it or having it burst. If either of these things happens, you are out!
- Water Balloon Spoon Race: This is a fun game that can be played with two or more people. You will need one water balloon for each person and a spoon for each person. The object of the game is to race from point A to point B without dropping your water balloon. If your balloon pops or falls off of your spoon, you are out!5.
- Water Balloon Musical Chairs (Hot Potato)
- Water Balloon Squat Race
5. Sprinklers:
Sprinklers are a fun way for kids to play with water and stay cool at the same time. You can find them in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small hand-held ones to large ones that cover a whole yard. Just make sure to place them in an area where your kids can safely run around and play.
6. Water tables:
Water tables are great for both indoor and outdoor use. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that is perfect for your space. Water tables are perfect for kids who love to play with water but may not be ready for a pool just yet.
7. Sand tables:
Sand and water tables are similar to water tables, but they also have sand for kids to play with. This is a great way for kids to explore different textures and materials. Just make sure to supervise them closely, as the sand can be a choking hazard for young children. Read reviews of 5 top sand table brands here.
8. Spraying water:
Kids love to spray water! Whether it’s with a hose, a water gun, or even just their hands, they will have a blast. Just make sure to dress them in clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
9. Water wheel:
A water wheel is a fun way for kids to play with water. They can use it to move objects around or even race each other. Water wheels can be found at most toy stores or online.
10. Pumping water:
Pumping water is a great way for kids to get some exercise while they play. They can use a water pump to fill up a bucket or even race each other. Water pumps can be found at most toy stores or online.
11. Drip painting:
Drip painting is a fun and easy way for kids to create art with water. All you need is some food coloring, water, and paper. Simply drip the food coloring into the water and watch as the colors swirl and mix. Then, use a straw or dropper to drip the colored water onto the paper. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild!
12. Foam art:
Foam art is a fun and unique way for kids to play with water. All you need is some shaving cream, food coloring, and water. Simply mix the shaving cream and water together to create a foamy mixture. Then, add some drops of food coloring and let your kids use their imaginations to create foam art!
13. Paint with water:
Painting with water is a fun and easy way for kids to create art. All you need is some water and paint. Simply fill a cup with water and add some drops of paint. Then, use a paintbrush to paint on any surface. This is a great way for kids to explore different colors and textures.
14. Water xylophone:
A water xylophone is a fun and unique way for kids to play with water. All you need is a container of water, some glasses or cups, and a spoon. Simply fill the glasses or cups with different amounts of water to create different notes. Then, use the spoon to strike the glass and make music!
15. Water relay:
A water relay is a great way for kids to have fun and get some exercise. All you need is a bucket of water, two cups, and two teams of kids. The object of the game is to see which team can fill up their bucket first. To play, each team member must fill up their cup with water and then carry it to the bucket. The first team to fill up their bucket wins!
16. Water balloon toss:
Water balloon toss is a fun and cool-off activity for kids on hot days. All you need is a water balloon and two people. The goal of the game is to see who can keep the water balloon in the air the longest. To play, each person must alternately throw the water balloon at each other. If the balloon bursts, whichever player dropped it is out of the game! The last remaining participant wins.
17. Water race:
A water race is a fun and athletic way for children to spend time. All you need is a bucket of water, two cups, and two groups of kids. The goal of the game is to see which team can fill its bucket first. Each member of the team must fill their cup with water and then carry it to the bucket before any other team does so. The first team to do so wins!
18. Water balloon dodgeball:
Water balloon dodgeball is a fun and exciting way for kids to play with water. All you need is a water balloon and two teams of kids. The goal of the game is to hit the other team’s players with water balloons while avoiding getting hit yourself. To play, each team must stand on opposite sides of an area. Then, each team must take turns throwing water balloons at the other team. If a player gets hit by a water balloon, they are out of the game! The last team with players remaining wins.
19. Water balloon target practice:
Water balloon target practice is a fun and challenging way for kids to play with water using a water balloon and a target. The goal of the game is to see who can hit the target with a water balloon. To play, each person must take turns throwing water balloons at the target. The person who hits the target the most wins!
20. Water gun fight:
Gunfights with water using specialized toys such as orbeez guns are always a hit with kids. Water gun fights are a great way to have lots of fun and stay cool on hot days. All you need is a water gun and some water. To play, each person must fill their water gun with water and then try to shoot the other person with it. The first person to get shot wins!
21. Play with sponge bombs:
Sponge bombs are a great way for kids to have fun and stay cool on hot days. All you need is a water gun, some sponges, and a bucket of water. To make sponge bombs, simply soak the sponges in water and then put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, cut them into small pieces. Then, when you are ready to play, fill your water gun with water and shoot at the other person. The first person to get hit wins!
Tips to ensure baby or toddler safety when playing with water
1. Always supervise children when they are playing with water.
2. Make sure children are wearing life jackets when near or in bodies of water.
3. Teach children how to swim and about water safety.
4. Avoid using electrical appliances near bodies of water.
5. Be careful not to slip and fall when wet.
6. Wear appropriate clothing when playing in or near water.
7. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
8. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
9. Check the temperature of bodies of water before entering to avoid getting too cold or too hot.
10. Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from dangerous areas.
11. Listen to the lifeguard and follow their instructions.
12. Do not play with water near traffic or in other dangerous areas.
13. If you see someone in trouble in the water, do not go in to save them yourself; instead, call for help.
With these tips in mind, playing with water can be a fun and safe activity for children of all ages!
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Sandra W. Bullock is a grand-mom to two boys and is part of the review board here at Motherhoodhq.com. She is responsible for the quality control of content and is among our most experienced moms. She has over 20 years of writing parenting content online focussing on baby safety indoors and outdoors. She has written widely on babyproofing nurseries and homes for infants and toddlers and published work on privacy and the safety of baby monitors. She is a renowned advocate for non-wifi baby monitors that cannot be hacked and spends a lot of time educating parents on how to secure their homes – including ways to secure the baby from harm in and around homes. Sandra is a native of Atlanta where she also works. She can be reached using her email, Sandra.w(at)motherhoodhq.com