Someone definitely turned up the heat and SA is showing off in all her December summer glory. However, keeping little ones cool while ensuring they stay entertained can feel like a challenge. Thankfully, water play is the perfect solution! It’s a great way to beat the heat and offers endless sensory exploration and development opportunities. Here are some creative DIY water play ideas to keep your baby or toddler cool and entertained.
Mini Splash Zone
Turn your backyard into a mini splash park with a few household items. Lay out a plastic sheet or tarp, spray it with water, and let your toddler slide and splash to their heart’s content. Set up a sprinkler or use a water hose with different spray settings for added fun. Babies can sit on the sheet and enjoy splashing in shallow puddles, while older toddlers will love running through the sprinkler.
Frozen Treasure Hunt
No, in this instance, we do not reference Elsa or Anna. Freeze small, baby-safe toys like rubber ducks, plastic animals, or colourful blocks in ice cube trays or larger containers. Give your child a shallow basin of warm water and safe tools like spoons or small scoops to “excavate” the treasures. This activity combines the cooling effect of ice with the excitement of discovery, making it a hit for curious toddlers.
Sensory Water Table
We love the science behind all things fun. TD Dodge, LJ Colker and C Heroman, authors of The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, highlight that “Engaging in water play strengthens fine motor skills through pouring, squeezing, and stirring, while also encouraging problem-solving and experimentation.” If you have a water table, greatโbut if not, a shallow plastic container or shallow dish works just as well.
Fill it with cool water and add fun items like sponges, cups, plastic spoons, or floating toys. For older toddlers, you can introduce more complex items like funnels or water wheels to enhance their problem-solving skills. Toddlers can practice pouring and scooping, while babies will love splashing and grabbing at the floating objects. Add a few drops of baby-safe food colouring for extra sensory stimulation, or throw in slices of citrus fruit for a refreshing aroma.
DIY Sponge Water Bombs
BOMBS AWAY. Create soft, reusable water bombs using cut-up sponges. Simply tie sponge strips together with string to form a ball-like shape. Dunk them in water and let the fun begin! Older toddlers can toss them into buckets or at harmless targets, while younger ones can enjoy squeezing and splashing with the wet sponges.
Ice Painting
Combine art and water play by making ice-paint blocks. Mix a few drops of baby-safe food colouring with water, pour the mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze. Give your toddler some large sheets of paper and let them “paint” as the ice melts. It’s a cooling activity that sparks creativity and keeps their little hands busy. Please ensure your little ones are always supervised when working with ice.
Bubble Bath FunโOutdoors!
Set up an outdoor bubble bath by filling a baby pool or shallow tub with water and baby-safe bubble solution. Add waterproof toys, and let your child splash and play in the bubbly goodness. This is a great way to cool down while keeping things easy to clean up.
Rain Shower Play
Recreate the magic of rain with a plastic watering can or an empty bottle with holes poked in the lid. Let your toddler enjoy “rain” showers as you pour water over them, or encourage them to make their own showers. Babies will giggle at the sensation, and toddlers can practice their pouring skills. Set up the sprinkler for this one, and Mom and Dad will enjoy the rain play, too.
*Warning: Never leave kids unsupervised. An adult (not another older child or teen) must always be present for safe water play.
