Splash and Learn: Educational Water Activities for Kids

The warmer weather is on its way and there's no better way to beat the heat and keep the kids entertained than with some fun water activities. But why not make a splash while learning something new?

We are about to dive into a variety of educational water games and summer activities that will not only keep your kids cool and happy but also stimulate their minds in a fun and interactive way. Perfect for summer and half-term holidays.

1. Sink or Float Experiment 

We’ve all done this fun experiment at school, but now you can do it at home with your children too! Gather a variety of objects from around the house and let your kids guess whether each item will sink or float in a tub of water. This simple yet engaging experiment teaches kids about buoyancy and density while encouraging critical thinking and observation skills. You can use so many random items to get a few laughs.

2. Water Math Games

This learning game is perfect for your little mathematicians. Take advantage of the water's surface to practice math skills with your kids. Use chalk to draw numbers or math problems on the pavement near a sprinkler or water table. Have your kids jump to the correct answer or use water balloons to splash on the correct response, making learning math a refreshing and enjoyable experience. This is a great outdoor game for sunnier days.

3. Alphabet Fishing

Magnet fishing is an activity nostalgic for everyone, and yet it never gets old. Here’s how you can make it into an educational game: Create paper fish with letters of the alphabet written on them and scatter them in a kiddie pool or shallow container filled with water. Give your child a toy fishing rod with a magnet attached to the end and have them "fish" for letters. As they catch each fish, encourage them to identify the letter and think of words that start with that letter, helping to reinforce letter recognition and phonics skills. You could even make a word from the letters they pull out. It’s like Scrabble in the sea!

4. Watercolour Science 

Watercolour is so much better than normal paint. It’s less messy, more beautiful and there’s lots to learn too. Combine art and science by letting your kids experiment with watercolour paints outdoors. Provide them with different tools like brushes, sponges, and spray bottles filled with water to create unique watercolour masterpieces on paper. As they paint, discuss concepts like absorption, colour mixing, and evaporation, turning a simple art activity into a hands-on science lesson. If you do this one outside on a sunny day, their art will dry quicker too.

5. Water Limbo

Children love water play, and especially during the summer it can be great to cool off! This game is super fun but be prepared, you will get wet. It might be worth grabbing your Grass & Air swimwear for this one.

Set up a sprinkler or garden hose and play a classic game of limbo with a watery twist. Have your kids take turns limboing under the stream of water while you lower it gradually. Not only does this game promote physical activity and coordination, but it also teaches concepts like balance and flexibility in a fun and dynamic way. Besides, who doesn’t love limbo?

6. Sensory Water Play 

This activity is particularly great for your smaller children and it couldn’t be quicker to set up.

Fill a large tub or container with water and add different sensory materials like coloured ice cubes, foam letters, or water beads. Let your kids explore the textures, colours, and shapes while engaging their senses. Encourage them to describe what they feel, see, and hear, promoting language development and sensory awareness. Sensory water play can also be quite relaxing for your children.

7. Water Relay Races

For your competitive children, this summer game is one they’ll love! Divide the kids into teams (or even get the adults involved!) and set up a relay race course with various water-themed challenges. For example, they can fill and carry cups of water from one end of the yard to the other, transfer water from one bucket to another using sponges or cups, or navigate through a sprinkler obstacle course. These races not only promote teamwork and cooperation but also develop gross motor skills and coordination. They’re super fun and perfect for a hot day.

8. Water-themed Stories

Water-themed stories can be fun and educational in lots of ways. Whether it’s learning about the fish in the sea, iconic places like the barrier reef or even fiction books about water adventures.

Set up a cosy outdoor reading nook in the garden near a sprinkler or pool and gather a selection of water-themed books to read with your kids. Choose stories that will spark their imagination and curiosity about the world around them. After reading, encourage them to act out scenes from the story or create their own water-themed tales, fostering creativity and storytelling skills.

With these educational water games and activities, learning becomes a splashing good time for kids of all ages. Whether they're exploring science concepts, practicing math skills, or simply having fun in the water, these activities provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and creative exploration. So grab your swimsuits, sunscreen, and sense of adventure, and get ready to make a splash while learning and playing outdoors!