One of the best and easiest ways to keep kids busy when it’s warm outside is to play in the water. The best thing is? You don’t need a pool or costly gear; all you need is some creativity, some things you already have around the house, and some water. There are games for kids of all ages, from enjoyable water games at home to indoor water play for preschoolers. This post will give you 10 fun and safe water play ideas for kids that will help them make wonderful memories of their childhood.
Why Water Play is Great for Kids?
Let’s talk about why water games inside and outside are good for you while we wait for our list:
- Kids can learn about different sizes, shapes, and speeds of things when they play in water.
- Your motor skills will get better and your balance will get better if you splash, pour, and scoop.
- Kids make up games and stories.
- Kids learn how to share and get along when they play with others.
- Cooling down is great for hot summer days!
10 Fun Things for Kids to Do with Water
Here is our carefully chosen selection of fun, safe, and imaginative water activities for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
1. Setting off water bombs in the back yard
In the summer, kids love to play water balloon toss because it makes them laugh and helps them keep their balance.. For each throw, have the kids stand farther apart and throw the balloon back and forth. The first team to drop it loses, but they will get splashed, so it’s still fun.
Tip: To be more environmentally friendly, use balloons that break down naturally.
2. Make your own water table
Preschoolers can play in a small plastic tub or tray that has water in it. Putting cups, spoons, funnels, and toys that move inside will keep kids busy for hours.
No matter what the weather is like, kids can still play in the water. Inside, this is a great thing to do.
3. Having fun in the yard with a pool
Connect a sprinkler to your yard hose and let the kids run through it. To make things more fun, you could even set up an obstacle course. This is one of the easiest and most fun things to do in the water in your backyard.
4. Sponge Relay Race
Put the sponges in a bucket of water after cutting them into fun forms. The kids wet their sponges, run to a bucket that doesn’t have any water in it, and squeeze the water out. The first person to fill their bucket wins.
This is a fun summer game for kids that also helps them get better at using their hands.
5. Treasure Hunt on the Ice
Put little toys in ice cubes and let the youngsters try to “rescue” them using spoons, salt, or simply their hands. This is a fantastic way to learn about science while playing water games at home.
6. Car wash with bubble bath
You could use dirty water to wash dolls, cars, or even bikes for little kids who like to play in the water. Give kids sponges and brushes, and they can clean.. Kids learn how to be responsible while having fun.
7. Races with small boats
Make miniature “boats” out of leaves, paper, or sponges and race them in a shallow tub or kiddie pool. Kids can blow on their boats or use small fans to make them go.
This is a simple method to turn kids’ ideas for water play into a fun engineering project.
8. Place for Mixing Colors
Put some water and a few drops of food coloring in a few tiny containers. Let kids mix colors with droppers or spoons. This is a fun way for children to play with water inside and learn about basic science ideas like mixing colors.
9. Slip and a slide in the back yard
Put down a big piece of plastic and some dirty water. The kids can slide on it. Always make sure that everyone is safe. The water toys are fun and keep you moving. They’re also great for hot summer nights.
10. The Race from Cup to Cup
Set the cups out in a row. The kids put water in the first cup and pass it down the line without spilling. The winner is the team that moves the most water in the least amount of time. This is a fun way for kids to play in the water this summer at a party or with family.
How to Keep Yourself Safe in the Water?
Playing in the water is fun, but you should always be careful:
- You should always keep an eye on kids when they are in close water.
- Use mats that won’t move for play inside.
- Choose things to do that are great for their age.
- Little kids shouldn’t play with big pots.
- Make sure play areas are clean so kids don’t trip and fall.
Combining Learning with Water Play
Many water activities for toddlers and older kids can be educational. Here’s how:
- To improve your counting skills, count scoops, cups, or toys while you play.
- For fun with science, talk about why some things rise and others sink.
- Fine motor skills -Squeezing sponges and pouring water makes your hands stronger.
- Think creatively: Tell kids to make up their own water games.
When combined with learning, fun water games at home become even more valuable.
Quick Ideas for Indoor Water Play for Preschoolers
Here are some simple alternatives for indoor water play for toddlers if the weather isn’t good for playing outside:
1. Play in the kitchen sink : let kids “wash” safe dishes or plastic food.
2. Water Painting : Give them a brush and a cup of water to “paint” the walls or the pavement.
3. The Sink or Float Experiment : Use things around the house to see how buoyant they are.
4. Bath Time for Toys : Pretend to wash dolls or stuffed animals (only ones that can be washed).
Advantages of Water Activities in the Backyard
Choosing to play in the water outside instead of indoors can:
- Encourage people to work out.
- Encourage people to explore outside.
- Get vitamin D from the sun.
- Get kids outside and into it.
Here are some water play ideas for kids that can be used inside or outside.
In the End
Water games are fun, teach you new things, and help you stay in shape. For the summer, you can help kids make crafty or fun water games. Little kids should be able to play, splash, and look around in the water without getting hurt. This is true whether they are inside or outside.. You can make your house the best water park in town if you really want to.
Read Also : How Weather Affects Your Child’s Water Needs?
The Following Q/A are About Water Activities for kids.
What can I use instead of a water table?
A baby bathtub, a big plastic container, or a storage bin can all be used instead of a water table.
What can I do to make water play fun and educational?
Add counting, mixing colors, experiments with sinks and floats, and stories to the exercise.
Is it possible to play in the water in the winter?
Yes, by making a safe place for preschoolers to play with water inside with warm water.