In This Article Show
When the temperature rises, water play becomes the easiest way to keep kids cool and happy. But we also know safety is a big deal, especially with younger children around. This list of fun and safe water activities gives you ideas that range from totally splashy to simple and sensory-friendly, most of which can be done right at home with basic supplies.
These activities are designed with all kinds of families in mind, whether you have a backyard, a driveway, or just a few feet of open space. I’ve also included notes on what ages they work best for and how to keep them safe, so you can relax and let the kids enjoy the summer splash without worry.
Here are 13 fun and safe water activities to try with your kids this season.
1. Backyard Splash Pad Fun
Set up a store-bought splash pad or one of those water-spraying mats in the backyard. It’s low to the ground and great for toddlers who aren’t ready for pools yet. They can run, sit, or roll around while staying cool.
- Best for: Ages 1–6 with adult supervision nearby.
- Safety tip: Place on soft grass to avoid slips.
2. Water Table Play
Fill a water table (or large bin) with water, plastic cups, spoons, and floating toys. It’s a great sensory activity that keeps kids engaged for long stretches and doesn’t require much space.
- Best for: Ages 1–5.
- Safety tip: Always supervise—kids can tip over even small amounts of water.
3. DIY Car Wash for Toy Cars or Bikes
Kids love pretending they’re at a real car wash. Set up buckets of soapy water, sponges, and a hose. Let them “wash” their bikes, scooters, or toy cars. It’s creative play with a splashy twist.
- Best for: Ages 3–8.
- Safety tip: Keep an eye on slippery pavement.
4. Water Balloon Toss (Soft Balloons Only)
Use soft, thin balloons filled halfway with water to toss between kids or into buckets. It’s active and silly but still safe when done on grass or a soft surface.
- Best for: Ages 4+ with gentle supervision.
- Safety tip: Pick up popped balloon pieces quickly—they’re choking hazards for little ones.
5. Ice Cube Painting
Freeze colored water in ice cube trays with popsicle sticks. Let kids “paint” on sidewalks, paper, or cardboard with the melting cubes. It’s cooling, safe, and fun to watch the colors melt and mix.
- Best for: Ages 2–7.
- Safety tip: Use food coloring or natural dyes to avoid staining skin and clothes.
6. Sprinkler Games
Running through a sprinkler never gets old. Add challenges like “freeze when the sprinkler hits you” or dance moves. It’s simple outdoor fun and works for solo play or groups.
- Best for: Ages 3+
- Safety tip: Make sure kids wear water shoes to prevent slips.
7. Sink or Float Science Game
Fill a large plastic bin with water and offer a selection of items—spoons, plastic toys, sponges, etc.—then guess and test what sinks and what floats. It mixes learning and splashing in one activity.
- Best for: Ages 4–10.
- Safety tip: Keep a towel nearby in case things get messy.
8. DIY Water Wall
Use recycled plastic bottles, funnels, and tubes attached to a fence or board to make a water wall. Kids pour water at the top and watch it flow down through their creation. It’s hands-on, quiet play that still feels like a water adventure.
- Best for: Ages 3–8.
- Safety tip: Keep it securely attached and supervise to avoid tipping or loose pieces.
9. Sponge Toss Game
Soak big sponges in water and toss them at targets, into buckets, or even at each other. It’s a low-mess alternative to water balloons and great for coordination and cooling off.
- Best for: Ages 3+
- Safety tip: Play on grass or a soft surface, and use non-slippery shoes.
10. Frozen Treasure Hunt
Freeze small plastic toys in a block of ice and give kids safe tools—like squirt bottles with warm water, small wooden spoons, or toy hammers—to “excavate” the treasure. It’s part science, part puzzle.
- Best for: Ages 4–10.
- Safety tip: Avoid metal tools and supervise closely during the digging.
11. Toddler Pool Sensory Play
Fill a shallow toddler pool with a few inches of water and add plastic cups, balls, and water-safe toys. This is perfect for younger kids who love to splash and scoop.
- Best for: Ages 1–4 with constant supervision.
- Safety tip: Never leave toddlers unattended, even in very shallow water.
12. Cup-to-Cup Water Relay
Set up a relay where kids pass water from one cup to another down the line until they fill up a container. It’s a great group game that encourages teamwork and gets everyone giggling.
- Best for: Ages 5+
- Safety tip: Keep towels handy and make sure everyone’s wearing non-slip shoes or barefoot on safe surfaces.
13. Homemade Slip ‘N Slide
Lay out a plastic tarp on the lawn, wet it down with a hose, and add a tiny bit of dish soap. Kids can slide across on their bellies or with pool floats for a full backyard splash experience.
- Best for: Ages 5+
- Safety tip: Check for rocks or bumps underneath the tarp and supervise turns to prevent collisions.
