20 Fun Water Games For Kids To Beat The Heat

The whole school year your kids are stuck inside, so when summer comes it’s time to go outdoors and enjoy the warm weather while getting active. There are so many family activities for summer fun. Yet sometimes, the heat becomes unbearable, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoors when you are hot, sweating and sticky. Here are some practical ideas to help the entire family stay active while beating the heat. Here are several fun outdoor water games for kids to play so they can stay active while beating the heat. Join in the fun and play as a family when you can!

Get ready to turn your backyard into a water-filled wonderland with our ultimate guide to water games for younger kids and for older kids! In this comprehensive article, we have gathered 20 innovative and fun-filled activities that are sure to bring endless summer fun to your family. From DIY sprinkler limbo to water gun painting, these creative games will make a splash and create lasting memories. So, say goodbye to boredom and hello to laughter and excitement as we dive into a summer of joy and play!

Exciting Kids Outdoor Water Games That Will Make A Splash!

Looking for fun and refreshing ways to keep your kids entertained this summer? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of exhilarating water games that are perfect for outdoor play. From water balloon toss to slip ‘n’ slide races, these games will guarantee hours of laughter and enjoyment. Get ready to beat the heat and create unforgettable memories with these exciting water activities! I’ll start off with a few basic outdoor water games but I also list some new water games you haven’t tried yet!

If these games are for a yard party, you might consider custom lawn signs so you guests know they have arrived at the right spot.

Water Balloon Hot Potato

First we’ll dive into the exciting realm of water balloon games, where the thrill of competition and the refreshing sensation of water combine in a burst of laughter and excitement. One water games for kids option is to play a water balloon version of hot potato. Poke a small hole in a water balloon so that water leaks slowly and steadily. Then, toss it around a circle as quickly as you can. The person holding the water balloon when it is finally out of water is “out.”

Water Balloon Sliders

Want more backyard water games? If your yard has a playground with a slide, you can play water balloon sliders. Have one person roll a water balloon down the slide while the other tries to catch it without breaking. Take turns rolling and catching so everyone has a chance to get a little wet.

Have a Water Obstacle Race

Setting up a water obstacle race is another of the fun water games for kids. A cup of water can turn a basic relay race into loads of cool fun. The kids can spend time setting up and going over the water obstacle course. Give each player a cup filled to the brim with water, then have him/her run through a course. The person who has the most water at the finish line is the winner. Along the way, plenty of water will be spilled on the players, helping them cool off.

Water Jump Rope Game

If your family prefers jumping instead of running, consider adding water to an old -fashioned jump rope competition. For this game you will need cups of water for each player, then a long jump rope. Fill the cups to the brim with cold water. Have each player take turns jumping rope 10 times (while other players swing it), holding the cup of water. The player that keeps the most water in the cup wins the game.

Water Gun Painting

Next up, we’ll explore an artistic twist on water games with Water Gun Painting. This game combines water play with the creativity of painting. Get ready to make a splash on canvas with this unique and interactive activity that will bring out the artist in you. All you need is squirt guns, some washable non-toxic paint, and a canvas or large sheet of paper. Assemble your supplies and find a spacious outdoor area where you can freely express yourself.

To get started, fill your water gun with a mixture of water and non-toxic washable paint. Experiment with different colors and combinations to create your desired palette. Once you’re armed and ready, position yourself in front of the canvas and take aim. Take a moment to envision your masterpiece and then squeeze the trigger. Watch as the vibrant colors burst forth from your water gun and create unique patterns and designs on the canvas. You can aim for precision or let your imagination run wild – there are no rules when it comes to water gun painting! Create memories, laughter, and incredible works of art, all while reveling in the joys of water-filled fun.

Water Balloon Fight

Consider water balloons as a fun way to beat the heat. A good old fashioned water balloon fight is one of my favorite outdoor water games for kids of all ages. My own memories of water balloon fights as a kid are still vivid and treasured. Give each child a container and let them each fill their own balloons. We always used to hide to start with and then sneak around trying to find the other person without them finding you first while you rain down water balloons upon their hiding spot!

Make Your Own Sprinkler

You don’t need a fancy sprinkler to enjoy some summer fun, you can actually make your own quite easily. One simple option is to take an empty 2-liter bottle, remove the label and poke some holes into it. Then, make the holes wider with a bamboo skewer. Once the bottle is ready, attach it to a garden hose using a ¾-inch-by-¾-inch female hose adapter, which will thread onto the bottle, and a rubber hose washer. Turn on the water and enjoy your homemade sprinkler. If you need a visual, Little Passports has a great photo tutorial to show you how here.

Play Sprinkler Limbo

To set up this exhilarating game, you’ll need a sprinkler with adjustable height, preferably one that creates a gentle arc of water. Position the sprinkler in your backyard, making sure it sprays water across an open area. Set the height of the sprinkler to a level that will challenge your limbo skills without being too difficult.

Gather your friends and family in a line, and one by one, take turns limboing under the streaming water. As the water keeps everyone fresh and cool, try to go as low as possible without getting wet – a true test of flexibility and agility! Make it a competition by keeping score of how low each participant can go without touching the water, or simply enjoy the fun of seeing who can twist and bend the most. Don’t forget to capture the priceless moments on camera as everyone twists and contorts their bodies to limbo under the sprinkler. These snapshots will surely bring back memories of laughter and joy long after summer has come to an end.

Set Up A Slip And Slide

When I think of outdoor water games for kids, setting up a slip and slide, always comes to mind as a favorite from when I was little! I always just buy one at my local store but you could also get creative and make your own DIY slip and slide.

Duck, Duck, Splash

Play Duck, Duck, Goose but whenever someone would say goose, they pour a cup of water instead. To begin with have a rule that the goose must always be a person who is not yet wet.

Water Gun Tag

Another of the outside water games kids always love is water gun tag. This exhilarating twist on the classic game of tag takes the fun to a whole new level as players race around, armed with water guns full of refreshing water. Play it just like traditional versions of tag except instead of touching, you have to hit a person with water from your water gun.

As the players dart and dash in an attempt to avoid being tagged, the atmosphere becomes electric with laughter and friendly competition. The game is not only a great way to cool off, but it also promotes physical activity and strategic thinking as players strategize how to tag others without getting tagged themselves.

Water Balloon Splat

If you have a number of water balloons, play “splat.” Have the players throw the balloon as high as possible into the air. Then, when it pops, use sidewalk chalk to outline the water “splat.” The player with the biggest splat is the winner. Another version of the same outside water games kids love is to have them see who can throw it the furthest with the water splat that reaches the furthest away as marked by chalk.

Water Balloon Batting Practice

Instead of a wiffle ball or a softball, use water balloons for batting practice. Try a few rounds of water balloon baseball and see who can burst the most balloons!

Kiddie Pool

A classic kiddie pool is a quintessential summer staple that brings endless joy and entertainment to children of all ages. With its shallow depth and compact size, a kiddie pool provides the perfect setting for a variety of water games and activities that will keep kids happily splashing for hours on end. From simple games of catch to more elaborate challenges, the possibilities for fun in a kiddie pool are truly endless.

One popular game that never fails to delight is the classic “Duck Pond” game. Simply fill the kiddie pool with water and toss in a bunch of rubber ducks. Each player takes turns trying to pick up as many ducks as they can with a fishing net or their hands. It’s a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills while having a quacking good time!

Water Balloon Pinatas

Another of the backyard water games your kids are sure to love is Water Balloon Piñata. It is a refreshing twist on the classic piñata game, combining the excitement of a traditional party game with the exhilarating splash of water. You just fill up several big balloons part way with water and string the up from a strip or tree branch or laundry line and then let the kids have turns with a long stick to pop them. Make sure other kids stand clear of the one who is doing the swinging.

This game is perfect for a hot summer day when you want to cool off and have some laughs with friends and family. It’s a great way to beat the heat while enjoying the company of loved ones. Plus, the anticipation of the balloon bursting adds an element of surprise and excitement that will keep everyone on their toes.

Have Sponge Ball Target Practice

You can make a bullseye eye target with an old cardboard box and have a sponge ball target practice. Keep track of hits and tally up points to see who wins. The kids can also use themselves as targets for the sponge bombs and see how many hits they can score on other kids in a 5 minute span.

Water Balloon Toss

If you’re looking to cool off and beat the summer heat, a classic game of “Water Balloon Toss” is a must. Fill a bucket with water balloons and pair up players. Each pair stands a few feet apart and tosses a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The team that manages to catch the balloon without it bursting wins! Be prepared for lots of laughter and splashes as the water balloons burst unexpectedly, resulting in refreshing showers.

Water Hose Limbo

Play limbo but instead of your traditional string or rope, use your water hose to create the stream that the kids must limbo under! So simple and so fun!

Water Balloon Bowling

Dig a bunch of plastic bottles or tin cans out of your recycling bin and fill them up half way with water. Then set them up like bowling pins and use a ball or a big water balloon as the bowling ball. Have fun!

Pool Noodle Waterfall

Imagine a cascade of shimmering water, gracefully flowing from one pool noodle to another, creating a soothing symphony of splashes. This mesmerizing water feature is not only visually striking but also provides a delightful sensory experience that will captivate kids and adults alike. To create your own Pool Noodle Waterfall, gather a few pool noodles of different colors and sizes. Cut the pool noodles into sections, each about a foot long. Have the kids arrange the pool noodle sections in a zigzag pattern, attaching them with waterproof adhesive or zip ties. Make sure to position the constructed waterfall above a kiddie pool or a large basin to catch the falling water.

Once the setup is complete, turn on the hose and watch as the water gracefully flows down the pool noodle sections, creating a stunning display of liquid magic. Not only does the Pool Noodle Waterfall serve as a captivating visual centerpiece, but it also provides endless opportunities for imaginative play. Kids can float toy boats or rubber ducks down the waterfall, race leaves or other lightweight objects, or simply let their hands glide through the cascading water. The possibilities are endless, limited only by their imagination.

Outdoor Water Play Games Conclusion

By incorporating these games into your family’s routine, you can say goodbye to boredom and hello to endless fun. Watch as your children create lasting memories and bond over the joy of playing together. So, why wait? It’s time to make a splash and dive into a summer filled with laughter and adventure. These creative and entertaining activities should keep your kids cool and entertained all summer long. From DIY sprinkler limbo to water gun painting, these games will transform your backyard into a summer oasis of laughter and excitement.

Hot weather does not mean the end to outdoor play. With these water games for kids and a few cool treats, you can enjoy the summer outside without overheating! So ahead, get out there, and play backyard water games to beat the heat and have loads of fun. Which one of these outdoor water games for kids is your favorite? Please feel free to share any outside water games kids will love in the comments or on social media @familyfocusblog!

Related Posts:

Getting Kids To Play Outside

Catch A Lizard

Fun Outdoor Activities For Families