When the temperatures rise, water play is one of the easiest ways to keep children cool, active, and engaged. Whether you’re running a daycare program or a summer camp, water activities offer plenty of opportunities for sensory exploration, teamwork, movement, and good old-fashioned fun.
The best part is that many water activities require very little preparation and can be set up using supplies you already have on hand. From sprinkler fun to sneaky learning water games for preschoolers, there are so many different water activities for kids of all ages. Don’t forget to communicate the plan to parents ahead of time so they can pack bathing suits and towels, sunscreen and hats. Let’s get down to planning for a hydrating day of outdoor water activities at daycare or summer camp.
1. Ice Freezing and Excavating
There is no shortage of fun that can be had with something as simple as freezing objects in ice. For toddlers and preschoolers, they will love the sensory and learning experience of “excavating’ items from ice. You can use themes such as dinosaurs, shells & rocks, or plastic flowers, or up the game for preschoolers and older kids by freezing pieces of lego that they can then turn into something fun.
Learning benefits: Gross motor skills, scientific exploration, patience.
2. Pouring station
What toddler or preschooler doesn’t love a good pouring station? Not to mention the hand-eye coordination benefits as an added bonus! Set up a giant tub or bin and add a plethora of pouring appartus’, such as mini water cans and buckets, juice jugs, plastic beakers, and more. Check out your local dollar store! You can also add food colouring to the mix and watch as colours mix together. Kids can see if they can pour from one vessel to another without spilling a drop. A pouring station can be so fun and keep kids busy for hours. Busy Toddler has some excellent tips to help you get started!
Learning benefits: Gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, early math.
3. Sponge Relay Races
This low-prep water activity for camp or daycare is perfect for kids of all ages. Divide children into teams and provide each group with a bucket of water and a large sponge. Children race to soak the sponge, carry it to an empty bucket, and squeeze out the water before tagging the next teammate.
Kids love sponge relay races because it’s active, competitive, and guaranteed to get everyone laughing.
Learning benefits: Teamwork, gross motor skills, and problem-solving.
4. Water Balloon Toss
Pair children up and have them gently toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a small step backward after each successful catch. For younger children, consider using reusable water balloons to reduce waste and simplify cleanup. Some other fun ideas include water balloon hot potato, balancing games (see who can walk the longest with a water balloon balanced on their head!); water balloon relay games; and water balloon dodge ball for the older kids for an added element of risky play.
Learning benefits: Hand-eye coordination, turn-taking, and cooperation.
5. Sprinkler Games
There’s no substitute for the original sprinkler. Whether kids are having fun simply running back and forth through the sprinkler, or you’ve added another element, this one is always a hit. Try incorporating a game such as Limbo (how fun does Sprinkler Limbo sound?) Or bring out the Twister mat on extra hot days and let kids have fun playing Twister with an added element of wet fun.
Learning benefits: Teamwork, physical activity, and problem-solving.
6. Slip n’ Slide
Similar to the sprinkler, the simple magic of the slip n’ slide or DIY backyard water slide can’t be beat. You can invest in one to use year after year, or even use a newer, smooth tarp. Up the ante for older kids by adding a few drops of dish soap to make it go even faster!
Learning benefits: Physical activity, social interaction
7. Water Painting
Give children paintbrushes, rollers, or sponges along with a bucket of water. Let them “paint” fences, sidewalks, playground equipment, or outdoor walls. This low-prep activity is perfect because there is no mess, no cleanup, but endless creativity!
Learning benefits: Fine motor development, creativity, and sensory exploration.
8. Water Gun Canvas Painting
Set up canvases outside (pro tip: place a tarp underneath), fill some small water guns with watercolour paint and water, and get to squirting and creating! Fireflies and Mudpies has a great post to help give you inspiration for this fun outdoor water activity – perfect for daycare and summer camp!
Learning benefits: Fine motor control, concentration, artistic development.
9. Arctic Sensory Bin
Toddlers and preschoolers (maybe even camp counsellors & ECEs themselves) will love this daycare water activity that keeps kids busy for quite some time. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat outside or just want to bring some cool inside, this one is sure to be a child-pleaser with just a few items needed. Add in some ice for extra hot days, stock up on the baking soda and some arctic figurine animals, and you’ve got yourself another fun summer water activity for daycare! Fun Learning for Kids has the most beautiful inspiration for this activity.
Learning benefits: Gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving.
10. DIY Car Wash Station
Provide toy vehicles, buckets of water, sponges, and brushes. Children can scrub, rinse, and dry their favorite toys. This simple and low-prep activity is a hit with kids from 1 to 10. For camp groups, you can even create a bike or scooter wash station.
Learning benefits: Imaginative play, responsibility, and sensory learning.
11. Splash Obstacle Course
Create a simple obstacle course that includes carrying water, stepping through sprinklers, weaving around cones, and completing fun challenges. You can easily adapt the course based on age group and available space.
Learning benefits: Gross motor development, balance, and confidence-building.
12. Duck Races
Another low-prep activity that kids love! Create a small water channel using rain gutters, plastic tracks, or shallow bins. Children can race rubber ducks by blowing, splashing, or gently pushing water along the course.
Learning benefits: Prediction, observation, and friendly competition.
Water Play Safety Tips
Water activities are fun, but safety should always be the top priority. A few simple precautions can help ensure everyone enjoys water play safely.
Active Supervision Is Essential
Even shallow water can pose risks. Staff should maintain constant visual supervision during all water activities.
- Follow your centre’s staff-to-child ratios.
- Position educators where they can easily see all children.
- Avoid distractions such as phones or administrative tasks during water play.
- Establish clear water play rules before activities begin.
Prevent Heat-Related Illness
Hot summer days can quickly lead to overheating.
- Schedule water play during cooler parts of the day when possible.
- Encourage frequent water breaks.
- Provide shaded rest areas.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, fatigue, flushed skin, or excessive sweating.
Reduce Slip and Fall Hazards
Wet surfaces can become slippery fast.
- Choose water play areas with good drainage.
- Keep walking paths clear of toys and equipment.
- Encourage children to walk rather than run.
- Use non-slip mats where appropriate.
Maintain Water Hygiene
Clean water practices help reduce the spread of germs.
- Empty and refill water tables regularly.
- Clean and sanitize water play equipment according to your centre’s procedures.
- Avoid shared water containers that children may drink from.
- Ask children to wash their hands before and after water play.
- Children who are ill should not participate in shared water activities.
Make Summer Memories That Last
Water play doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive to be memorable. With a few simple supplies and a focus on safety, daycare and camp programs can create exciting summer experiences that keep children cool, active, and engaged.
From sponge relays and water painting to sprinklers and treasure hunts, these low-prep activities are easy to implement and sure to become summer favorites.
Don’t forget to take pictures and record the activities in the Journal module of ChildFriendly so parents can see all the fun their kids are up to in the parent app!
Don’t forget to find us on Pinterest where we save so many great activity and craft ideas.
