8 Water Play Activities for Home

With the days getting longer and the air getting warmer, your kids may be itching to play with some water. Whether inside or out, we have you covered on some super fun things to do with H20! Children should not participate in water play without close adult supervision.

Indoors

Glow Stick Bath 

Fill the tub, lower the lights, and toss in a few glow sticks for a super cool, glowing water effect.

Popsicle Bath

It is exactly like it sounds: a popsicle in the bathtub. All the fun of a popsicle and none of the mess — a win, win!

Easy Clean-Up Bath Paint 

Ingredients

• Body wash
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Food coloring

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of body wash with 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
2. Divide into smaller containers like small food storage containers or an ice cube tray.
3. Add a drop of food coloring to each container and stir to mix.
4. Have fun finger painting!

Ice Bin Transfer 

This is a great activity for the littles to promote fine motor skills.  

Supplies

• Two large bins
• Food coloring
• Kitchen utensils (ladles, tongs, and serving spoons are great)
• LOTS of ice

Instructions

• Lay a towel down on the ground, then put both bins on top of it
• Fill one bin with water, and add some food coloring.  
• Fill the other bin with ice.   
• Add some kitchen utensils, and invite your child to scoop the ice from one bin to the other, and back again.  
• Your kids may be inspired to add small plastic animals, dolls, or more to up the fun factor even more!

Outdoors

Sponge Relay/Fill the Bucket

Independently, or as a group, this is a great option for fun. All you need is one big bucket of water and a sponge and a small bucket or cup for each player. The idea is for each child to run to the bucket of water, fill their sponge, and then race back to their own bucket to squeeze as much water out as possible. The first person to fill their bucket wins! Kids can time themselves to work on going faster or set up a fun race with their siblings.

Painting with Water

All you need is a bowl of water, some paintbrushes, and a sidewalk for unlimited water fun.  Your child can paint pictures with water, or you can challenge them to some literacy-rich activities. For example, you can encourage your child to paint letters they know, their name, words, etc. Take this activity indoors by swapping the sidewalk with some colored construction paper. 

Play Water War

Turn the classic card game into a fun water game with these simple instructions.

Supplies

• 1-2 decks of playing cards
• 8 plastic cups filled halfway with water
• 1 large pitcher

Instructions

1. Like the game of War, players turn over one card at a time, at the same time as their opponent.
2. Whoever draws the higher card wins.
3. The winner gets to dump a cup of water on the other player’s head! Tip: Have an adult available to help refill the glasses as needed. 
4. If the players get War, the winner of that hand gets to dump the pitcher on the losing player's head.
5. Play until the cards or fun runs out.

Super Soaker Sponge Balls

Create your own super soaker sponge ball by Natural Beach Living. All you need are a few sponges, some string, and a bucket of water. Your kids will be howling with delight!