You want to get the kids out of the house and moving, but it’s just too hot. Try one of these 8 water activities for kids to cool down.
Water activities for kids are one of the best ways to beat the heat and have fun outside. Throwing water balloons or running through the sprinkler can make for an afternoon of endless fun. But there are many other water activities for the kids to do.
“Water play is an amazing tactile sensory play experience that is perfect for many ages,” says Sarah McClelland, the creator of Little Bins for Little Hands. “There are tons of great learning opportunities, including language development, social skills, early STEM concepts and fine motor skills when playing with water. Add funnels, strainers, scoops, squeeze and squirt bottles along with basters to your water play.”
When heading outside for some water play, you need to remember a few things. Cassie Krygsman, the founder of Curiosity Box, reminds parents not to get upset when your child spills. “This is bound to happen when playing with water! Go outside, cover the table with tea towels, get a plastic tablecloth or just have fun and not worry about the mess — it’s just water!”
Krygsman also suggests using warmer water — even on a hot day. “We always use warm water with our water activities and water table. I find that children will play longer with the activity or at the water table when the water is warm.”
If your kids love water play, here are 8 fun ways for them to get wet:
- Throw Sponge Bombs
Not only will the kids enjoy cooling off with these sponge bombs from Inner Child Fun, but they can also enjoy making them. All you need are some kitchen sponges cut in thirds and an elastic hair tie. Once you have them assembled, dunk the bombs in water and throw them at your target! Deenan says that this is a perfect way to beat the heat and not worry about wasting water. “Plus, you can reuse your sponge bombs throughout the summer.” - Make a Waterfall Water Wall
This waterfall water wall from Playing by the book may just be the one of the best water activities for kids. It takes some time to assemble but once it’s done, your kids will have a blast. Let the kids give their input on how they want their wall constructed. You will be amazed at where their little minds will take them. - Water Guns
Have your kids take aim with this water gun target practice from Raising Memories. Line up empty cans or bottles and use water pistols to try to shoot them down. If you don’t have water guns on hand, you can use spray bottles or a hose instead. - Construct a PVC Sprinkler Tunnel
This PVC sprinkler tunnel from Come Together Kids is super easy to put together and inexpensive. Have the kids ride their bikes or toys through the tunnel to create a toy car wash. - Create a Water Blob
Kids don’t want to get wet but they want to play with water? Try this water blob from Play at Home Mom. Just fill a plastic tarp with water and some blue food colouring to create a giant squishy water bed outside! - Paint With Water Guns
Instead of filling up the water guns with plain water, fill up your water guns with washable dyes or watered down washable paint, like Kids Play Box does. The kids will love getting messy — you’ll love that it washes right off. - Set Up a Water Obstacle Course
Set up the ultimate water activity with a backyard water obstacle course like the one found on Meaningful Mama. This one takes a little thought and setup but the end result will be totally worth it. From water balloon piñatas to turning your regular slide into a water slide, there are a ton of ideas to create this yourself. - Hold a Water Relay Race
All you need for this water jug relay race from Cornerstone Confessions is water, two empty milk jugs and some cups. Have two children sit with empty milk jugs on their heads. Their team members must run with a full cup of water and carefully pour it into the milk jug before trading places with the seated team member. Set a timer and see who can fill their jug the most!
Text source: Stephanie Glover is the writer and photographer behind A Grande Life. When she doesn’t have her camera in her hands, you’ll find her with a cup of coffee.