Excitement and Delight with Water Games for Kids

Get ready to make a splash and beat the summer heat with a collection of thrilling water games for kids. From the joyous laughter of water balloons to the exhilaration of poolside adventures, water games offer endless entertainment and refreshment. We explore a wide range of water games and activities that will keep your little ones cool, active, and thoroughly entertained. Whether you are in your backyard, at the local swimming pool, or even indoors, there’s a water game for every occasion. So, grab your swimsuits ( ‘togs’ if you are in Melbourne or ‘cossies’ if you are in Sydney, Australia), put on some sunscreen, and get ready for a splashing good time.

Content Links for Splish Splash

• Outdoor Water Games
• Swimming Pool Games
• Water Balloon Games
• Sprinkler Games
• Water Olympic Games for Kids
• Water Activities for Toddlers
• Indoor Water Games for Toddlers
• Safety Precautions for Water Games
• Storage and Maintenance Tips

Outdoor Water Games

Discover a variety of outdoor water games that will turn your backyard into a water wonderland. From classic games with a watery twist to unique and creative options, these games are perfect for creating memories under blue skies.

Fave 1:  Sponge Tag

• Set up boundaries for the game area in your backyard
• Fill up a bucket with water and dunk a large sponge until it is soaked
• Choose one player to be “It” and give them the soaked sponge
• The other players scatter within the game area
• The player who is “It” tries to tag the other players by touching them with the wet sponge
• Once tagged, the player becomes “It” and continues the game
• The game continues until everyone has had a chance to be “It” or until players decide to finish the game.

 

 

Fave 2:  Water Limbo

• Set up a sprinkler or water hose to create a stream of water
• Position the stream of water horizontally at a height suitable for players to limbo under
• You might find it easier to designate a hose ‘holder’- but can you trust them to not soak the players?:)
• Players take turns to limbo under the water stream without touching it
• After each successful round, lower the water stream slightly
• Players who touch the water or fall while attempting to limbo are out
• The player remaining without touching the water wins the games

Have you heard of ‘Duck Duck Splash!’? You can find it in our Outdoor Games for Families

Swimming Pool Games

Make a splash at the swimming pool with a selection of engaging pool games. From relay races to diving challenges, these games will keep kids entertained while improving their swimming skills and building confidence in the water

Fave 1:  Marco Polo

• Choose one player to be “Marco”
• The other players spread out within the pool
• The player who is “Marco” closes their eyes and shouts, “Marco!”
• The other players must respond by shouting, “Polo!”
• “Marco” uses their hearing to locate and tag the other players
• Once a player is tagged, they become “Marco” in the next round
• The game continues with players taking turns being “Marco”
  

  Boy swimming to bottom of pool to retrieve treasure

Fave 2:  Underwater Treasure Hunt

• Toss a variety of small, waterproof objects into the pool.
• We like to use coins
• Players take turns diving underwater to find hidden treasures
• Each player can only retrieve one treasure at a time
• The player with the most treasure at the end wins
• For added fun and challenge, ask the players to turn their back when the treasure is tossed into the pool.

Water Balloon Games

Water balloon games bring a burst of excitement and laughter to any outdoor gathering. Almost any game can be converted into a balloon version, that will leave everyone soaking and smiling.

Fave 1:  Classic Water Fight

• Fill up a lot of balloons
• Divide players into two teams and scatter
• Throw your balloon at the opposing team members. Huge!
• Variation: You can also have every person play for themselves.

Fave 2:  Water Balloon Pinata

• Hang a water balloon from a tree branch or elevated structure
• Blindfold one player and give them a bat or stick
• The blindfolded player tries to hit the water balloon, attempting to burst it.
• The other players can give verbal cues to help guide the blindfolded player
• One the water balloon bursts, everyone gets soaked with the splashing water

Fave 3:  Water Balloon Emu Bob

• This is a favourite of our Australian mothers
• After your water balloon game day, there will be lots of little pieces of broken balloons lying around your yard.
• These can be choking hazards for birdlife wildlife
• Make the cleanup process into a game
• Tell everyone they get a point for every balloon piece they pick up.
• Offer a small prize to the winner

You will find more Water Balloon Games in Outdoor Games for Families

Sprinkler Games

Turn your backyard into a water park with fun-filled sprinkler games. Kids can run, jump, and dance through the refreshing spray, keeping cool while having the best time. Get ready for wet and wild adventures

Fave 1: Freeze Dance Splash

• Set up a sprinkler in the middle of the playing area
• Turn on the sprinkler and play music
• Kids dance and splash and squeal through and around the sprinkler while the music is playing
• When the music stops, players must freeze in their current position
• The game leader inspects and eliminates any players who continue moving
• The last player remaining after multiple rounds wins the game

 

Fave 2:  Bowl Fill

• Provide each child with a plastic bowl
• Each player places the bowl on their head while they stand under or near the sprinkler
• When they think their bowl is full, the kids walk or run to a large bucket or container
• See how long it takes to fill up the bucket.
• Younger children can work together to fill one container.
• Older kids can have separate containers to race to fill their containers first

 

 

Water Olympic Games for Kids

Bring the spirit of the Olympics to your yard with water-themed Olympic Games. Create a series of Challenges incorporating water activities, such as water relays, water balloon shot put, and sponge toss. Ignite the competitive spirit in kids while keeping them cool and refreshed

Fave 1:  Water Balloon Shot Put

• Set up a throwing area with a designated throwing line
• Players take turns trying to throw a water balloon as far as possible, similar to shot put
• Measure the distance from the throwing line to the spot where the water balloon lands
• The player with the longest throw wins the event
• For added fun, create a mini “medal ceremony” to celebrate the winners

Fave 2:  Water Relay

• Divide players into teams
• Give each team one full cup of water, and an empty cup per person, and an empty bucket of water for each team
• The first player carries the full cup of water to the next player, and transfers the water.
• The second player carries their cup of water to the next player, and transfers the water, and so on
• The last player pours their cup of water into a final bucket at the finish line.
  

  Girl running across grass lawn

• The team that successfully transfers the most water wins

Fave 3: Individual Water Race

• Each person is given a bucket full of water, and a cup and stands at the start line
• An empty bucket per person is placed many meters down the yard.
• Ready set go, each person fills their cup, runs, and empties their cup into their bucket
• The person that successfully transfers the most water within a given time wins the race
• Tip: Reduce the length of the track and increase the size of the cup for younger players

 

Water Activities for Toddlers

Even toddlers can join in the water fun with age-appropriate water activities. Explore water tables, sensory play, and gentle water games designed to delight and engage your little ones, promoting their sensory development and coordination

Fave 1: Nature Sensory Water Table

• Fill a shallow water table or large shallow container with water
• Add various rocks, sticks, grass, leaves, and even dirt.
• Include  a cup, a scoop and other plastic tools for toddlers to explore, play, and experiment
• Encourage them to pour, splash, and feel the water, engaging their senses and fostering sensory development

Fave 2: Floating Objects

• Fill a basin or bathtub with a small amount of water
• Provide your toddler with objects to float, such as rubber ducks or small toys
• Let them experiment with placing and moving the objects in the water, promoting hand-eye coordination and understanding buoyancy

 

Indoor Water Games for Toddlers

No pool, no yard? No problem! There are indoor water games that can be enjoyed even on rainy days. From bathtub fishing to sink splash to sink splash, these games provide a splash of fun right in the comfort of your own home

Fave 1: Sink or Float

• Fill a basin or a sink with water
• Give your toddler different objects and ask them to predict whether each object will sink or float
• Let them drop the objects into the water and observe the results
• Engage in conversation about density, weight, and buoyancy while having fun with water indoors

 

 

Fave 2: Splash Painting

• Lay out a large plastic sheet indoors
• Provide your toddler with a cup of water and non-toxic, washable paint
• Encourage them to dip their hands or brushes into the water and then into the pain
• Let them create colourful splashes and patterns on the plastic sheet, exploring their creative and artistic expression

 

 

Safety Precautions for Water Games

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during water games, it’s important to take the following precautions:

• Constant Supervision: Assign a responsible adult to supervise the water games at all times, especially when children are playing in or near water sources.
• Put Down Your SmartPhone: It is important to ensure that supervisor has ‘eyes-on’ all children involved in the water games
• No Napping in the Sun: The designated supervisor must be actively observing
• Swim Skills and Safety: Ensure that children participating in swimming pool games have basic swimming skills. Relying on floatation devices is not recommended. Teach them water safety rules, such as not running near the pool and always swimming with a buddy.
• Water Depth and Conditions: Check the depth of water areas and ensure they are appropriate for the age and swimming ability of the participants. Be mindful of any underwater obstacles or currents that may pose a risk in natural environments.
• Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body before engaging in water games. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after water-play or excessive sweating. Provide shade and encourage the use of sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Water Balloon Safety: Teach children to throw water balloons in a controlled manner, avoiding aiming for the face or sensitive areas. Discard any broken balloons and clean up balloon remnants to prevent slipping hazards and choking hazard for wildlife

Storage and Maintenance Tips

Proper storage and maintenance of water game equipment will ensure that you can use the gear safely for a long time. Consider the following tips:

• Dry Thoroughly: After each use, dry water toys, inflatables, and other equipment completely to prevent mold, mildew and deterioration
• Clean Regularly: Clean water toys and equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally use mild soap and water to remove any dirt and debris. Rinse well and allow them to dry before storing
• Deflate and Fold or Roll: If using inflatables, deflate them after use and fold or roll them neatly to save space and prevent damage. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect water toys and game equipment for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Replace any items that are broken or pose a safety risk
• Store in a Dry Area: Store water game equipment in a dry, clean area to avoid moisture damage. Use designated storage bins or shelves to keep items organized and easily accessible for future water play
  

  Young girls with toys sitting in small tub

By following these safety precautions and storage tips, you can ensure that water games for kids are not only fun but also safe and long-lasting

Conclusion: Water games for kids brings laughter, joy, and a refreshing escape from the heat. Whether enjoying outdoor water games, swimming pool adventures, or exploring water activities indoors, these games offer a beginning for endless possibilities for fun and engagement. With safety precautions in  mind and proper storage practices, you can make the most of these water games, creating memories to last a lifetime and providing hours of entertainment for your children. So, get ready to splish, splash, and create unforgettable water games for kids. Let the splashing begin.