Six Water-Themed Activities for the Whole Family

When the sun is shining and the temperature rises, nothing brings more joy than a little water play! Whether you're cooling off in the backyard, heading to the local splash pad, or looking for creative indoor ideas with a splashy twist, this collection of water-themed activities is perfect for families with kids of all ages.

1. Do-It-Yourself Backyard Splash Zone
Turn your backyard into a mini water park! Here’s how:

• Set up sprinklers, baby pools, and buckets of water.
• Fill sponges or water balloons for tossing games.
• Make a water run obstacle course with pool noodles and hula hoops. Add shaving cream or dish soap for some bubbly fun!

2. Chalk and Water Art
Try this artsy twist on sidewalk chalk:

• Dip colored chalk in water to deepen the color and make it glide like paint.
• Let kids draw waves, fish, or their own watery worlds.
• Watch the artwork evolve as it dries!

3. Water Science at Home
Introduce a splash of science with these simple experiments:

• Sink or Float Test: Gather objects and guess which will sink or float.
• Color Walking Water: Place colored water in cups and connect with paper towels—watch the colors “walk” and mix!
• Homemade Ocean in a Bottle: Fill a bottle with water, oil, blue food coloring, and glitter for a calming sensory experience.

4. Splish Splash Storytime
Grab a towel, find some shade, and cool down with a story! Here are a few great splash-themed picture books:

• Over in the Ocean by Marianne Berkes
• Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
• Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae
• Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck
• Wow! Ocean! by Robert Neubecker

Check out these other great water-focused books.

5. Bubble Bonanza
Make your own bubble solution and blow giant bubbles in the yard!

• Mix 6 cups of water, 1 cup of dish soap, and ¼ cup of corn syrup.
• Use cookie cutters, pipe cleaners, or DIY wands to experiment with bubble shapes. 

6. Rainy Day Splashes
If it rains, don’t cancel the fun:

• Put on boots and jump in puddles!
• Use rain to water a garden or wash toys outside.
• Collect rainwater and measure how much falls with a homemade rain gauge.