It’s no secret that one of the best ways to stay cool in the summer heat is with pool days and water activities! Not only is this a great way to have fun, but playing in the pool can also keep the family active and promote better overall health. If you’re looking for some exciting water activities for your children, check out some of our go-to summer favorites:
Swim Games
For kiddos who love to swim, try some of these:
- Obstacle course: Use pool floats, noodles, hula hoops, and anything else you think may enhance the fun! This great customizable activity can be adjusted for any skill level.
- Mermaids: This one is perfect for strong swimmers with great imaginations! To add an extra dose of magic, you can buy a mermaid tail like the one listed here
- Relay Race: This one is best suited for large groups. Get the whole family to play!
- Deep Divers: Use pool toys that do NOT float and scatter them across the floor. See who can deep dive to get the most!
- New-Do: Come up with the best ways to style your hair in the pool, such as with the classic George Washington or Princess Lea buns!
- Cannon Ball Competition: Who can come up with the most creative way to jump into the pool?!
- Splash Dance: Create your own synchronized swimming routine! Complete by choreographing the best songs of the summer!
- Monkey in the Middle: A classic that’s great for all!
- Racehorse: Using a pool noodle as your racehorse, see who crosses the finish line first.
- Dive-in movie: Set up an outdoor projector near the pool, and complete with your favorite pool floats to relax on during the film!
Remember, no matter how strong of a swimmer they might be, water safety should never take a backseat to fun. Always have an alert adult to monitor that everyone is staying safe. Check out this link to the Red Cross for water safety tips: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety.html
Games Without a Pool
While pool days are a blast, they’re not the only way to enjoy the water. The below activities are great if you don’t have a pool available to you, don’t swim, or have children who may not be old enough to play those games quite yet. Here are some exciting options that you don’t have to get in the water for:
- Pool Deck Portraits: Using a regular pool, kiddie pool, or even a bowl of water, get some paintbrushes and “paint” on the ground outside in a race against the sun! Can you finish your picture before the sun dries it?
- Water Balloon Toss: How many times can you throw it back and forth before it breaks?!
- Icy Treasure: Fill large silicone trays with small toys and water then freeze them. When they’re frozen, try to figure out how to get them out! Pro tip: This one is especially fun with toys affected by temperature, such as color-changing Hot Wheels!
- Water Table: Available at places such as Amazon and Costco—this water toy is a great sensory activity for young kiddos.
- Spray Bottle Freeze Tag: This one is especially great for those with a big yard or at your local park! If you have older children, try replacing spray bottles with water blasters.
- Animal Wash Sensory Bin: Use a bucket or kiddie pool, sponges, and water to make a little bath for all of your favorite animals!
- Pool Noodle Sprinkles: Tape a few pool noodles together, poke holes in them, and connect a hose for a fun DIY activity. Check out a tutorial here: https://ziggityzoom.com/ultimate-pool-noodle-sprinkler/
- Slip n’ Slide: As anyone who grew up in the 90s can tell you, these are fun for all ages, including parents! Check out one of our favorite styles.
- Water Limbo: Use a hose as the bar and see who can stay dry the longest! How low can you go?!
- Aqua Drawing Mat: Just add water and create a whole world of sea creatures!
Beat the heat by trying one of these exciting water activities for kids! If you’re looking for someone to help bring some summer fun for the kiddos, contact us at Nanny Authority today! Email info@nannyauthority.com, call (973) 466-2669, or visit www.nannyauthority.com. Wishing you a happy and safe summer!!