Bath Time Activities

TugboatMaterials A quart milk carton Empty wooden matchboxes Tube from toilet paper roll Glue Directions Cut the milk carton in half, lengthwise, to make the boat bottom (hull). Glue two of the matchboxes together to make the cabin. Glue the t...

Paddleboat VoyageMaterials Scrap block of wood: 4" x 8" x 2" Thin strip of wood: 2" x 8" x ¼" 2 long nails Rubber band small and thick Hammer Sandpaper Directions This activity requires an adult to help hammer or hold the wood steady while ...

Tub-Sponge Sculptures Materials Assorted sponges Scissors Water-resistant glue, such as Elmer Stix-All Directions Cut the sponges into geometrical shapes. Involve your child in deciding which pieces to use to build interesting shapes: boats, ic...

EggbeaterTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Plastic tub or bowlLiquid detergentHand-cranked eggbeater Directions The eggbeater is a tool that is safe, noisy, and fun to use. Fill the tub with water and add a squirt of liquid detergent.Then step back ...

Whale in the BathTime 15 to 20 minutes Materials Empty plastic milk-gallon carton or juice jugScissorsPermanent marker Directions This creature of the deep can make bath time more appealing and fun. Turn the jug on its side so that the handle is ...

Water Balloon Catch Materials Balloons Water Directions Fill several balloons with water and play catch with them. Use sidewalk chalk to draw a target on the sidewalk and aim for that instead. ...

Soap CrayonsThese are fun to write with in the tub or to use when washing little hands. Materials 1 1/2 cup pure soap powder (Ivory Snow) Food coloring 1/2 cup water Small containers or ice cube tray Directions Mix water and soap powder together....

Michelangelo's BathroomTry this idea if your child hates getting water on her face when you wash her hair. Materials Colorful pictures Tape Directions Tape some colorful pictures to the ceiling over your bathtub. (Old calendars are a great source...

Waterfall Game Materials Pennies Bowl, cup, or other container Water Directions Fill a container almost to the top with water. Give each player a supply of pennies. Take turns dropping a penny into the container. The game ends when one player dro...

Cork RaceYou will need one of each of the following items for each player. Many toddlers haven't yet mastered the skill of blowing through a straw, so you may want to save this idea for when your child is a little older.Materials Cork 9-inch by 1...

Colored Ice CubesIce cubes will melt fairly quickly in a warm bath, but they can still be a choking hazard for little ones. Please supervise carefully. Materials Ice cube tray Water Food coloring Directions Make colored ice cubes by adding a drop...

Bathtime Bubbles Materials Bubble solution Bubble blower Directions Blow bubbles for your child while she sits in the bath. Have her try to catch them in her open hands or clap her hands together to pop them. ...

Water Play for ToddlersThis bathtime variation is great for long, rainy days. Materials Plastic baby bathtub Bath toys Directions Sit your diapered child in an empty bathtub. Fill a plastic baby bathtub or other large container with water and set...

Bath Paints This game is an all-time favorite with our children, but merits a few words of caution. If you have ceramic tile in your bathtub area, you may want to skip this one, as the food coloring may stain the grout. If your child has sensiti...