- Summer VacationAmerica's Top Family-Friendly Water ParksThere's no better way for parents and kids to cool off on a hot summer's day than with a plunge down a water slide. Here are some of our favorite family water parks around the country. ...
- Water PlayBath-Time FunBath-Time Fun Bathtime (or pooltime) is fun time for your toddler. Playing with water is both fun and fascinating. Your child can see it, and he can touch it, but he can't hold it for more than a second before it washes out through his fingers. ...
- Pool GamesWater GamesWater Games As we learned earlier, team sports are great for teaching kids about strategy, teamwork, and social interaction. Add some water and see how quickly they learn how much fun summer can be! Water Basketball—Splashketball! High Score ...
- Water Play5 Best Backyard Water Games for All AgesBackyard water games are a blast for kids of all ages. When the temperatures start to rise, break out the hose and sprinklers and cool off with these wet and wild games. More: The 7 Best Sprinklers for Kids for Summer Fun ...Lindsay Hutton
- Science ActivitiesMuddied WatersMuddied WatersMaterials 3 clean jars Garden soil Sand Dirt Stick Directions The object of this activity is to observe how water gets muddy and clears again. Fill the jars two-thirds full of water. Drop a handful of garden soil in one, a handf...
- Science ActivitiesFlotation ExperimentFlotation ExperimentMaterials Bathtub or sink Lightweight objects corks, feathers, plastic lids or caps, sponges Heavier objects paper clips, pencils, buttons Directions Fill the bathtub or sink with water. Set all the objects nearby within you...
- Water PlayPavement PaintingPavement PaintingMaterialsPlastic bucket Large paint brushes Old sponges Water Directions On a dry, warm day give your child a plastic bucket of water, one or two paintbrushes, and an old sponge. Find a safe driveway, wooden deck, cement wall, o...
- Activities for BabiesWater PlayWater PlayTime 30 minutes Materials Wading or plastic tub with a few inches of waterWaterplay equipment such as empty squeeze bottles, plastic cups, boats, funnels, balls, floating objects, plant sprayer, sponge or dish rag, etc. Directions Babie...
- Water PlayFirst Water SlideFirst Water SlideTime 15 to 20 minutes Materials Plastic tarp, old shower curtain, or heavy-duty plastic garbage bagWarm water Directions Babies love water, and this is an activity that encourages water play and a good workout on a warm day. On a...
- Learning Activities for ToddlersTabletop Water-PlayTabletop Water-PlayTime 20 to 30 minutes Materials Large and small plastic bowlLarge plastic cooking spoonWater Directions The motion and properties of water are mysteries to toddlers, and exploring them can provide great entertainment. Sit with ...
- Learning Activities for ToddlersWater SwingWater SwingTime 10 to 20 minutes Materials Lawn sprinklerToddler seat swing Directions Turn on an oscillating sprinkler that has been up near a swing so the drops fall on the baby as he swings back and forth. This activity should bring squeals o...
- Water PlayFunnel and FillFunnel and FillTime 20 to 30 minutes Materials Several small funnelsPlastic bottlesWater Directions Set out an array of small funnels, cups, and plastic bottles and work together to transfer the water from one bottle to another. Extensions Pret...
- Water PlayBull's-EyeBull's-EyeTime 15 to 20 minutes Materials Variety of hand-sized spongesBucket of waterChalk Directions Draw a target on outdoor pavement.Soak the sponges in the bucket of water and toss them into the center of the target. Extensions Play until t...
- Learning Activities for ToddlersIce BlocksIce BlocksBuild giant ice blocks and balls for a toddler to play with outside. If small ice cubes melt too quickly, try making a larger block of ice to play with in the bath or outside on a warm summer day. Materials Clean milk carton Water Food ...Trish Kuffner, author of The Toddler's Busy Book