Water Play

There'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. ...

Bath-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. ...

Water 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 ...

Backyard 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 ...

Muddied 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...

Flotation 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...

Pavement 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...

Water 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...

First 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...

Tabletop 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 ...

Water 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...

Funnel 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...

Bull'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...

Pretend Car WashMaterials Bucket of warm, soapy water Cloth or sponge Hose Riding toys Directions Help your child set up a toddler car wash. Give her a bucket of warm, soapy water and a cloth or sponge, and let her wash her riding toys. She may n...