Summer is here, which can only mean one thing: your kiddos are probably begging to go to a water park, a pool, the beach, or any place with water, really. Great news: Water play is an important part of childhood development, as it encourages a wide range of skills kids need to know. Below are some ideas on how to cool off during the hot months while helping kiddos develop those all-important sensory skills.

Water play develops a child’s senses, peaks their curiosity, and helps them build up their fine and gross motor skills, like hand-eye coordination. These are vital skillsets kids need to grow and develop, and they’re skills that help them learn about other important competencies, like writing and playing sports. Even if it’s something as simple as reaching for a toy on a water table or pouring water from one cup into another, water play can define a kid’s childhood by creating core memories and helping them develop hand-eye movement.

So, what are the best water play games for kids? There are plenty, from water tables to pool time – let’s dive in:

Water Tables

Available at most major retailers, water tables are fun small “pools” that kiddos can use to fill with water and add small water toys to, like rubber duckies, diving toys, cups, or even STEM-related accoutrements (i.e., wheels and ramps). Items, like water tables, also help kids problem solve (how do I get this toy to go down the ramp?) and enhances their concentration by focusing on the task at hand.

Sponge Water Bombs

Get the hose out and some fresh sponges! Soak the sponges in water, and allow your kiddos to (gently) throw their “water bombs” at one another in the backyard. This introduces them to the concept of “cause and effect,” and they’ll definitely invent a game around it.

Baby Splash Mat (DIY version!)

Grab a new tarp and lay it down in a flat part of your yard, anchoring it with baby-safe weights, like sandbags. Add a thin layer of water. Let baby crawl, roll around, and splash. You can also add age-appropriate water toys, a couple of ice cubes, or a popsicle. Just make sure to keep a constant eye on child, so they’re not at risk for drowning.

Color Mixing

Inject some color into your toddler’s water playtime! Add food coloring drops to cups of water, secure said cups with lids, and allow your babe to shake and play to their heart’s content.

Sink or Float Challenge

Fill up a tub with water (you can even use your own bathtub!). Get some household objects, like a big wooden spoon, some plastic play jewelry, a rock, a toy car, a peeled orange, an unpeeled orange, etc. Before dropping in each object, ask your kid which they think will sink and which will float? Afterwards, see what was the correct answer, and if they were right or wrong — and why do they think they were right or wrong? Spoiler alert: The orange is particularly interesting, as the peel has tiny holes that allow it to float, whereas an unpeeled orange doesn’t have those holes, so it sinks! The tiny holes act like a life vest for the orange.

Water play is an important part of a child’s development — and it’s fun for caregivers and parents, too! Throw on your bathing suit, flip flops, sunscreen, and get outside with your kids to enjoy sunshine, learning, and fun.

Sources

I’m the Chef, Too!, Cool Down With Fun Water Activities for Kids at Home. – Rad Kids, Why Water Play is More Than Just Fun: 7 Developmental Benefits for Kids. – NAPA, 7 Sensory-Rich Water Play Activities for Kids and Toddlers. – DrSensory, Benefits of Sensory Water Play for Toddlers and Children. – Kodo Kids, Water Play! – KidyPulse, Nature, Water, and Play: Best Summer Activities for Kids. – Bright Path Kids, Simple Water Play Activities That Help Your Toddler Learn and Grow. – Park n Play Design, The Benefits Of Water Play In Early Childhood Development.