Summer is here and with it comes the heat and the need to cool off. Water activities for kids at home are a great way to beat the heat and provide hours of fun for kids of all ages. There are still plenty of water activities that can be enjoyed at home. In this post, we will cover 15 water activities that are perfect for kids to try at home, whether you have a pool, a backyard, or just a few water balloons.
Indoor Water Activities for Kids at Home
While it may not be as fun as being outdoors, there are still plenty of indoor water activities that kids can enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Water Balloon Piñatas
Fill a few water balloons and tie them to a string. Hang the string from a tree or a sturdy indoor structure and let kids take turns hitting the balloons with a stick or bat.
Indoor Water Obstacle Course
Set up a course using hula hoops, pool noodles, and other props. Let kids race through the course, splashing and jumping through the obstacles.
Water Balloon Toss
Divide kids into teams and have them stand a few feet apart. Give each team a bucket of water balloons and have them take turns tossing the balloons back and forth.
DIY Water Table
Fill a plastic bin or container with water and add toys such as plastic cups, measuring spoons, and more. Let kids play and experiment with the water and toys.
Indoor Water Balloon Baseball
Set up a net or use a pillowcase as a catcher’s mitt. Divide kids into teams and have them take turns hitting water balloons as if they were baseballs.
When doing these indoor activities, make sure to have plenty of towels on hand and make sure that the floor is waterproof before starting the activity.
Outdoor Water Activities for Kids at Home
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, and there are plenty of water activities that kids can enjoy in the backyard. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Water Gun Fight
Provide kids with water guns or spray bottles and let them run around the yard, squirting each other and trying to stay dry.
Slip and Slide
Set up a plastic tarp or pool noodle on a gentle slope and add water to make it slippery. Let kids slide down and splash into a kiddie pool or sprinkler at the bottom.
DIY Sprinkler
Use PVC pipes, a hose, and a few fittings to create a homemade sprinkler that kids can run through.
Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest
Cut a watermelon and let kids take turns trying to spit the seeds the farthest.
Water Balloon Dodgeball
Set up a net or use a pillowcase as a catcher’s mitt. Divide kids into teams and have them take turns hitting water balloons as if they were baseballs.
When doing these outdoor activities, make sure to apply sunscreen and have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated.
Pool Activities
If you have a pool, there are plenty of water activities that kids can enjoy. Here are a few ideas for pool activities that kids can try at home:
Pool Noodle Relay Race
Divide kids into teams and have them race across the pool using pool noodles as their mode of transportation.
Pool Volleyball
Set up a net across the pool and let kids play a game of volleyball using a beach ball or inflatable ball.
Pool Treasure Hunt
Hide small toys or trinkets in the pool and have kids search for them using goggles or a snorkel.
Pool Balloon Pop
Tie a few water balloons to the side of the pool and have kids take turns trying to pop them using their hands or a pool noodle.
Pool Obstacle Course
Set up a course using pool noodles, inflatable toys, and other props. Let kids race through the course, splashing and jumping through the obstacles.
When doing these pool activities, make sure to have adult supervision at all times and ensure that all participants know how to swim.
Summer is a time for fun and there are plenty of water activities that kids at home can enjoy, whether you have a pool, a backyard, or just a few water balloons. From indoor water balloon piñatas to outdoor slip and slides, there are endless possibilities for keeping kids active and entertained during the summer months. We hope that this post has provided you with some inspiration for your next summer adventure. Remember to always have adult supervision and to follow proper water safety guidelines while participating in these water activities for kids at home. Have fun and enjoy the summer!
Yumna is the lead author. She is a mom to two young children and have always been passionate about finding fun and educational activities for them. With her background in early childhood education, she strive to create engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development in toddlers.
