Aliz Sass Summer is here. I mean summer is really really here in Florida, so that means outdoor activities have to include water for our kids. Water activities are fun and educational, they help with social and emotional development, plus kids rarely get bored of them.
Kids usually love water, especially when it is about playtime. Personally my little one is not a pool fan yet, but when it comes to water play, he is always there and having fun.
As a mother of boys, my bookmarks and Pinterest pins are full of active play, other than the occasional craft here and there that requires sitting at a table. If you have a pool, that can save you hours and hours of surviving humid summer days. But, if you don’t, here are 5 of my favorite (minimal preparation) games for your preschooler and even younger kids to have fun.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase something we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. To view our full policy please click here.
Bubble blowing
This activity I would probably be best for 4 and up, as they can swallow the soap. I even like to join in! You for sure have everything you need for this at home. Plastic container, straw, soap and water. Just make sure you practice first without soap so they won’t accidentally swallow any soap.
Icy Animal rescue
Just put a few plastic animal figurine in water. Freeze them and give a spray bottle with water, plastic hammer or any other tools that can help (or pretend that it can help). Side note: if you have a child with very low patience, don’t be surprise if he/she will just throw the whole piece of ice for a faster rescue:)
Tarp Time
A large, heavy duty tarp with soap and water is an awesome and fun time for the whole family! You can even play some music and try to dance on the slippery surface. Just be careful:) I couldn’t do this activity in our previous home, but the boys always loved to have some water paint fun in the bathtub.
Water Beads
Water beads give endless opportunities. Sorting, hiding objects, scooping, pouring. I get addicted sometimes:). Just please make sure you are always there with your children for this activity. It is safe to play with, but they are not edible. Another good option would be tapioca pearls however, I haven’t tried that yet. I just always supervise my kids and join the fun. (Or they supervise mama…)
Create your own bin of fun with these colorful water beads or get this ready made Sea Life Water Bead Play Set.
Go Fishing!
Go fishing with pipe cleaners. Draw a fish bowl on a paper and place a bowl of water on top. Add little fish made of pipe cleaners and give your child a tool he can use to fish. It can be a fork, chopstick or any other safe material. This is very good for hand eye coordination, learning colors and numbers.
Water play provides hours of rich and valuable childhood experiences to develop children’s creativity and imagination. I highly recommend at least 2-3 times a week. What are some of your favorite summer water activities?
