Water Play Ideas for Kids

Water Tag

• Fill a bucket with water and get a large car-washing sponge soaking wet. Designate someone to be "it." That person will chase everyone else with the wet sponge and try to tag people. The last person with the damp sponge mark on his swimsuit is the next "it." This game is appropriate for elementary age and up. Some preschoolers may enjoy it, but they need strict supervision.

Squirting Contest

• Line everyone up and hand each person a squirt bottle filled with water. Place a wide target (roll of banner paper or large board that will show water spots) 5 feet from the line of players. Tell everyone to squirt the target. Everyone who hits the target stays in the game. Keep moving the target farther away until there is only one player left. All age groups may enjoy this game.

Water Obstacle Course

• Line up all players on one side of the yard. Place objects to create a water obstacle course between the players and the goal line. The course can include a wading pool filled with water, a water balloon toss, a sprinkler and Slip 'n Slide. Time each player while running from one end of the course to the goal line, completing the instructions for each activity on the way. Some instructions can be taking at least two steps in the wading pool, tossing water balloons at a target until one breaks, hopping back and forth a designated number of times in the sprinkler and sliding on the Slip 'n Slide. The player who completes the course in the shortest time wins. Elementary-age kids and up can enjoy the obstacle course.

Toss the Water Balloon

• Group the children in pairs and have them stand 10 feet from their partners, forming two lines. Give each child three balloons filled with water. Have the group on one side try to toss balloons to their partners without breaking them. When a balloon breaks, the partner must use a fresh water balloon. The team with the last balloon at the end of the game wins. This game is for preschool age and older.

Wash the Rides

• Give the children buckets of water, sponges and towels. Line up their bicycles and tricycles for a kid version of a car wash. After they're finished, all their rides will be clean and shiny. This is appropriate for all ages.

Paint the Wall or Fence

• Hand each child a paintbrush, a squirt bottle and a bucket of water. Give each a section to "paint." They can draw pictures, practice their alphabet and numbers or just make designs with water. You may also use watercolors if the surface isn't porous. Afterward, you can wash it by hosing it down. This activity is fun for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary-age kids.