splash-splash magic
The joy of water play for kids - or - if in doubt, add some water!
Ever had a rough or just seemingly endless day with your kids? One of the best parenting advises I ever got was, “add some water!”
So let’s dive into a world of wonder and giggles as we explore the enchanting realm of water play for kids. Whether you’re fortunate enough to have a sunny day or you’re creating indoor fun, water play has a special kind of magic that captivates children of all ages. Somehow water excites and calms them at the same time and keeps their interest for an unusual long time.
Whenever you need to reset your day, try one of these activities:
The magical bathtub
Our everyday go-to is as simple as it can get. Get in the bathtub!
There are a million ways you can make a bath fun, and bath time is not only for the evenings during your bedtime routine.
What do you dream about if you have a stressful day? I bet many of you will see yourself in a relaxing bath with a book, some candles and a glass of wine. It’s a cliché for a reason.
Obviously books and wine are not ideal choices for kids, but if you walk through your house there are a surprising number of toys and items that can safely go in a bathtub.
Blocks, Legos, all kinds of plastic figurines, cars and dolls. Our dolls seem to get the chicken pox a lot (thanks to washable markers) and the bathtub turns into a hospital where they get healed miraculously.
In your kitchen and recycling bin you’ll find cups, bottles, funnels and spoons to keep those little hands busy.
Add color or bubbles to get the imagination going. There are a lot of safe option for kids out there and if you only add a couple of drops of food coloring it won’t stain the skin. Bath bombs (store bought or made at home) are considered a special treat in our house.
But here are our two favorites: pom pom and popsicle baths!
Buy a big bag of colorful pom poms, let them rain on your kid and let the fun begin. The first couple of times my daughter didn’t need anything else and simply loved splashing in those soft little balls. Now I usually add some cups, bottles and spoons and watch her make soups and magic potions. When you’re done, just scoop up those pomp oms, put them in a mesh laundry bag and throw them in the dryer.
And last but not least, if times are really rough, do a popsicle bath! Warm water, a popsicle and maybe even some music and I can guarantee you a couple of quiet minutes and usually a much better mood afterwards.
The car / toy wash
Grab two plastic containers, washable markers or paint, some old sponges, brushes and towels and some water.
In the first container the kids can get messy and paint their cars or other plastic toys. If it’s the season they can paint eggs or pumpkins.
And now the magic: in the second container let them do some of the clean-up for you and let them wash those toys! (Yes, you’ll still have to clean up, but they’ll be super proud. And since it’s basically two activities in one, they’re busy for a long time.)
Perfect potions
Have some little witches and wizards?
Let the kids collect leaves and flowers in the backyard or on a walk. (Of course have a look at what they’re gathering. You don’t want to make an actual poisonous potion, so only let them get what you know is safe.)
Put some pots, bowls, bottles, spoons and scissors in a container and offer a jug or bucket of water and let the magic begin.
Some of the secret ingredients like bigger leaves will have to be cut into teeny tiny pieces first, others will have to be stirred counterclockwise 13 times.
Pro tip: Give them 2-3 jugs of water and add some food coloring to each of them. It makes the potions more realistic and lets them experiment with mixing different colors.
Bubble Bonanza
Bubbles and water go hand in hand, and there’s something utterly mesmerizing about watching bubbles float, shimmer, and pop in the sun. Grab a bubble wand and a bucket of soapy water, and let the bubble bonanza begin. Challenge your little ones to see who can blow the biggest bubble or who can catch the most before they burst.
Sensational sink or float
Water play isn’t just about getting wet; it’s also an opportunity for learning and discovery. Gather up an assortment of objects from around the house and have a “sink or float” experiment. Kids can make predictions, test their theories, and watch as objects either glide or dive in the water. It’s a great way to introduce scientific concepts in a fun, hands-on way.
Water art gallery
Combine creativity with water play by letting your little artists paint with water. All you need is a paintbrush and a bucket of water. They can “paint” on the sidewalk, patio, or even the fence, and watch their masterpieces magically appear before their eyes. It’s a mess-free way to unleash their inner Picassos.
Miniature boat races
Set sail for adventure with mini boat races! Craft simple boats out of materials like aluminum foil, corks, paper or even leaves, and let your kids decorate their vessels with markers or stickers. Then, release the fleet into a small pool or a stream and watch as they race to the finish line. The excitement and cheers will make you feel like you’re at the grandest yacht race in the world.
Water balloon frenzy
What’s more magical than watching a water balloon explode in a kaleidoscope of colors? Water balloons are the quintessential summer accessory for kids. Filling them up, tossing them in the air, and experiencing the thrilling anticipation before the pop – it’s like a mini fireworks show in your backyard!
Water limbo
Put a watery twist on the classic limbo game. Use a stream from the hose as the limbo bar, and have kids take turns bending backward to see how low they can go without getting splashed. It’s a hilarious and refreshing take on a beloved game.
DIY splash pad
Turn your backyard into a water wonderland with a DIY splash pad. All you need is a tarp, a garden hose, and a sprinkler. Lay out the tarp, set up the sprinkler, and voila – you have your very own mini water park! Kids can frolic through the spraying water, dance, and create their own water games.
Of course, you can also go the even easier way (like I did) and buy a splash pad. They’re not too expensive and if you ask me well worth the money.
Jump in muddy puddles
Sometimes, all it takes to make a kid happy is a simple activity like jumping into puddles. You know they’re irresistible! So the next time you find yourself faced with a tempting rain-soaked street, don’t think about the mess and wet clothes and let them take a leap into those shimmering pools of water. On a cold day, you can always pick a puddle close to home and send them straight to a nice warm bath when they come in.
Jumping into puddles is a timeless, rainy day tradition and a reminder that sometimes the most fun can be found in the unlikeliest of places.
Remember, the magic of water play for kids isn’t just about getting wet; it’s about creating memories, fostering creativity, and sparking imagination.
Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a rainy afternoon, embrace the splashes, laughter, and pure joy that water brings into your child’s life.
So, jump in and make a splash water-loving adventurers!
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