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As the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like water activities to keep toddlers and kids entertained and cool. I know some of my most fond summer memories as a child and teenager included water. There’s nothing boring about these simple backyard setups, and the world is your oyster with everything these options have to offer. Here are some exciting water activity ideas that are perfect for the little ones that you both can enjoy at the comfort of your home.
1. Backyard Water Party
Transform your backyard into a water wonderland with a water party! Set up a kiddie pool filled with shallow water for safe splashing fun. Add colorful water toys like squirt guns, water balloons, and floating rings to enhance the excitement. Create a mini water park atmosphere with a small slide or a sprinkler designed for kids. For a sensory experience, incorporate water tables with cups, funnels, and water wheels. Don’t forget to provide sunscreen and hats to protect your kiddo’s skin from the sun! With these simple yet engaging activities, your kids are sure to have a blast while staying cool and active outdoors.
2. DIY Water Table
Don’t have a water table? Don’t worry! Create a DIY water table that will keep toddlers and kids entertained and engaged for hours! Start with a sturdy plastic storage container or a repurposed sensory table as the base. Fill it with a few inches of water, making sure it’s shallow enough for safe play. Enhance the sensory experience by adding colorful plastic cups, spoons, funnels, and small toys that float and sink. Incorporate water-safe objects like plastic animals or sea creatures for imaginative play. To add a playful twist, include something that can create bubbles in the water like bubble bath soap. Encourage exploration and creativity by letting toddlers pour, scoop, and splash to their heart’s content. This DIY water table is not only budget-friendly but also a fantastic way to promote sensory development and outdoor fun for little ones.
3. Bubble Bonanza
Transform your backyard into a whimsical bubble wonderland with a bubble bonanza for toddlers! Set up bubble bath solution in a water table or bucket, or even use bubble machines or use bubble wands and solution to create a magical cascade of bubbles. Encourage toddlers to chase and pop bubbles of various sizes, promoting hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Add bubble tools like bubble guns, bubble hoops, and bubble machines that produce giant bubbles for added excitement. Enhance the sensory experience by using scented bubble solutions or incorporating colored bubbles. Create a designated bubble play area with soft mats or grass for safe play. With their imaginations soaring amidst a sea of bubbles, toddlers are sure to giggle and delight in this fun outdoor activity that can include water or not!
4. Sprinkler Games
Turn your backyard into a playful water paradise with sprinkler games designed specifically for toddlers! Set up a gentle sprinkler that emits soft, refreshing sprays for safe and enjoyable play. Create a game of “Follow the Sprinkler” where kiddos dance and move along with the water jets, promoting coordination and gross motor skills. Incorporate colorful hoops or rings for toddlers to jump through or crawl under as they dodge the sprinkler’s spray. Another fun game is “Splash Tag,” where toddlers take turns running through the sprinkler while others try to tag them with wet sponges. For a sensory twist, add non-toxic colored dye to the water for a vibrant visual experience. With these engaging sprinkler games, toddlers can stay cool, active, and entertained outdoors during warm summer days.
5. Water Balloon Bash
Host an exciting water balloon bash for toddlers in your backyard! Fill colorful water balloons and scatter them across the lawn for an interactive and refreshing playtime. Encourage your kids to pick up and toss the balloons at designated targets or at each other in a friendly water balloon toss game. Create a water balloon relay race where little ones carry and pass balloons to their teammates, promoting teamwork and coordination. For added fun, incorporate a “Balloon Pop” game where toddlers try to pop as many balloons as they can within a set time limit. Ensure adult supervision and use biodegradable balloons for eco-friendly fun. With laughter echoing and splashing around, a water balloon bash is sure to create lasting memories of summertime joy for all.
6. Beach Day at Home
Transform your backyard into a seaside paradise with a beach day at home that’s perfect for littles! Set up a shallow kiddie pool filled with clean water for safe splashing fun. Create a mini beach area with soft sand or kinetic sand for toddlers to build sandcastles and dig for buried treasures. Add beach-themed toys like plastic shovels, buckets, and molds to enhance the imaginative play. Incorporate beach games like a mini beach ball toss or a beach-themed scavenger hunt with seashells and beach toy treasures hidden around the play area. With these simple yet engaging activities, kids can enjoy the delights of a beach day right in the comfort of their own backyard.
7. Water Obstacle Course
Create a thrilling and safe water obstacle course that will keep toddlers entertained and active in your backyard! Begin by setting up a series of fun and age-appropriate obstacles such as small inflatable tunnels, low hurdles to step over, and balance beams made of sturdy materials. Incorporate water elements by adding a gentle sprinkler or a kiddie pool filled with shallow water for splashing fun. Include interactive stations like a water balloon toss, where toddlers can practice their throwing skills, or a sponge relay race, where they soak up water and transfer it to a bucket. Ensure that all elements of the obstacle course are child-proof and supervised by adults to maintain a safe environment. With this engaging water obstacle course, toddlers can enjoy a day of active play and laughter while staying cool outdoors.
Water activities offer a fantastic way for toddlers and kids to stay active, engaged, and refreshed during warm weather months. These activities in your own backyard provide hours of splashing fun while fostering creativity, motor skills, and a love for outdoor play.
Get outside and enjoy the summer sun by staying cool with these fun water adventures. Make sure you lather up with plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated of course!
XOXO,
Katie
