Looking for a fun way to keep your little one cool in the summer heat? We’ve got you covered! In this post, we’re sharing 9 different water activities that are sure to keep your toddler entertained all season long and will teach them something along the way.
1) Water Balloon Letter Smash
via School Time Snippets
Beat the heat AND teach your little one their ABCs with this exciting water balloon game! Start by filling up 26 water balloons and writing a letter of the alphabet on each balloon. Next, use sidewalk chalk to write the alphabet on the ground. Let your little one pick out a balloon and have them smash the balloon on top of the corresponding letter. (Tip: have your child sound out each letter as they go!)
2) Ice Table
via Busy Toddler
Cool down with this fun twist on a classic water table! This Ice Table takes hardly any prep at all, so it’s perfect when you are in need of a quick activity. Simply add ice and water to a sand or water table, then let your child use slotted spoons, collandars, and other utensils to enjoy this sensory activity.
3) Pom Pom Water Transfer
via Happy Toddler Playtime
This activity is so simple, but will definitely keep your toddler occupied! It’s also an awesome way to boost their fine motor skills. All you need are two containers, pom poms, and some water. Fill the first container with the pom poms and water, then have your little one transfer all the water to the second container by squeezing the pom poms. You can introduce different textures and absorbencies by using sponges, washcloths, or cotton balls as well!
4) Letters and Numbers Water Race
via Inspirational Laboratories
Make learning fun with this super easy matching game! First, write letters and numbers on a foam sheet in permanent marker, then cut them out and put them in a bucket with some water. Label two more containers with “123” and “ABC.” Tell your little one to pull out a letter or number from the first bucket and have them sort it by placing it into the corresponding container. (Tip: have them count to each number and sound out each letter as they sort them!)
5) Pouring Station
via Busy Toddler
Not only will your toddler have a blast with this activity, but it teaches them an essential skill as well: how to pour! For this one, you’ll need different sized containers, water, food coloring, and a large plastic tub. Put the containers in the large tub and fill each one with a little bit of water and food coloring. Then watch the magic happen as your little one pours, mixes, and comes up with their own color concoctions.
6) DIY Water Wall
via TinkerLab
This Water Wall requires some DIY work, but it’s totally worth it for all the fun your child will have this summer! Plus, it’s a great way to recycle old plastic. Start by gathering a bunch of old plastic bottles and containers, then cut holes in the sides of them. Arrange the containers on a fence or wooden board so they pour into each other, and use a drill and some screws to secure them to the wood. Let your little one pour water into the containers, creating a waterfall effect. You’ll have just as much fun watching your little one figure out their new water feature as they do playing with it.
7) Muddy Trucks and Car Wash
via Busy Toddler
Let your child get a little messy this summer with their very own mud pit and car wash! Fill a large tub or kiddie pool with mud and a second container with soap and water. Let your little one romp in the mud with their toy cars and show them how to wash them off afterward, turning cleanup into a game!
8) Toddler Fishing
via I Can Teach My Child
Improve your little one’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination with this incredibly fun fishing game! Set up their kiddie pool, put some toys in the water, and have them fish out their toys using a net. (Tip: teach your little one the names of things by calling out different animals and shapes for them to catch!)
9) Numbers Spray and Dump
via Happy Toddler Playtime
This is another great game to teach your little one all about numbers! Using chalk, write out several numbers on the concrete based on your child’s counting ability. Give them a squirt bottle, call out a number, and have them count to that number as they spray it away!
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