Summer. That one word evokes warmth, sunlight, and joy. Yet, with summer comes soaring temperatures and the relentless pursuit of ways to cool off. Nothing beats the exhilaration of diving into some refreshing water. Whether you prefer the ocean, a lake, or your own backyard pool, if you’re a summer lover, chances are you’re eager to splash into any body of water.
Related: Engaging Pool Toys That Will Keep Kids (and Adults) Entertained for Hours
Even if a pool isn’t available or you’re apprehensive about water safety, there are still plenty of exciting water games to help you and your family cool down. It turns out, water games are popular, with a staggering 22,200 searches each month! Here are some creative water activities that may entice your kids outdoors for some refreshing fun.
- Cup Transfer Challenge
Divide into two teams, with an empty bucket at the back of each line and a full bucket of water at the front. The objective is to transport water to the back. Players can either scoop water into their cups and pour it over their heads to the person behind them or pass a full cup over their heads to the next player. Keep going until the back bucket is filled to a predetermined line. - Sponge Relay Race
Similar to the cup transfer, players use soaked sponges instead of cups to move water along the line to the last person. - Sponge Tag
For a mess-free alternative to water balloon fights, play tag using wet sponges. You can even make “sponge bombs” by cutting sponges into strips for added fun. - Sponge Baseball
Transform baseball practice by using a sponge or sponge bomb instead of a traditional ball. There are no winners, just lots of soaked kids! - Mini Pool Pickup Sticks
You’ll need a kiddie pool filled with water and various sinking items (like marbles or toys). Kids can use their feet to collect as many items as possible within a time limit. - Water Bottle Toss Relay
Each team must pass an uncapped water bottle from one person to the next. Players will inevitably spill water, so if it’s too easy, increase the distance between teammates. - Cup Races
Recreate a carnival game using water guns to propel plastic cups strung between two chairs. The first cup to reach the finish line wins! - Water War
Gather all your sponges, sponge bombs, water balloons, and water guns, and let the fun begin! There are no winners—just plenty of laughter and splashes. - Water Balloon Toss Relay
In this relay, teams toss water balloons back and forth without breaking them. Once they reach the end, the last player must break the balloon into a bucket to continue. - Water Balloon Volleyball
Using towels or pillowcases, players catch and toss water balloons over a net. Points are awarded for successful catches or if the balloon bursts. - Water Wall Creation
Construct a waterfall using a fence or pallet, with various kitchen tools to guide the water down. Kids will love watching water flow through hoses, funnels, and colanders. - DIY Water Park
With a tarp, PVC pipe, and a hose, create a backyard water park featuring drips and sprays at different heights. For extra fun, add a soapy tarp for a slip-n-slide effect. - Rain Gutter River
Purchase a section of gutter and mount it on your fence. Fill it with water for kids to race small boats or bars of soap. - Create Your Own Water Table
Instead of buying a water table, consider building one with PVC pipes and a storage container to keep water clean all summer long. You can dye the water for extra sensory fun, as suggested by Mama Of Littles. Happy Toddler Playtime also offers creative ideas for water table activities. - Water Spray Tag
Like regular tag, but the player who is “It” uses a spray bottle to tag others. You can also adapt this into a freeze tag variation. - Toddler Sponge Bath
Fill a large container with water and various sponge shapes. This activity engages toddlers in fun while learning shapes and colors in a playful manner.
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In summary, summer is an ideal time to enjoy water games with family. From sponge relays to DIY water parks, these activities promise hours of fun while keeping everyone cool.
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