Looking for fun and engaging summer activities? Water activities for kids are the perfect way to beat the heat while creating unforgettable summer memories!
These water activities require minimal setup, use things most people have around their house and work for all ages, and can be enjoyed in almost any outdoor space.
From sprinkler games to water balloon challenges, these activities for kids offer hours of fun with little effort. Parents love them for keeping kids busy having a good time (screen free) all summer long!
Table of Contents
Sprinkler Limbo
Sprinkler Limbo puts a fun twist on a classic game!
Kids take turns bending backward under a stream of water—but there’s a catch! The sprinkler lowers each round, making it harder to stay dry. Who will make it under without getting soaked?
This simple, low-prep game is perfect for hot summer days and keeps kids busy while having a blast. Want to know how to set it up, play, and add an extra fun twist?
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT SPRINKLER LIMBOWater Balloon Toss
A perfect mix of fun, skill, and a refreshing splash, Water Balloon Toss is a must-try summer game! Two players start by tossing a water balloon back and forth, stepping farther apart after each successful catch. The goal? Keep the balloon intact as long as possible!
Want setup tips, fun variations, and ways to turn it into a tournament?
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT WATER BALLOON TOSSSlip ‘n Slide Race
Transform an ordinary plastic sheet into the most exciting competition of the summer!
The Slip ‘n Slide Race takes backyard water play to the next level by adding a thrilling competitive element. Kids will love this thrilling addition to your summer fun.
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT SLIP-N-SLIDE RACESponge Relay
Sponge Relay is a high-energy water game that keeps kids moving while keeping them cool. Players race to transfer water from one bucket to another using only a sponge!
Want full setup instructions, game variations, and pro tips to make it even more exciting? Click the button below for the complete setup!
Duck Duck Splash
What happens when you take the classic Duck, Duck, Goose and add a refreshing twist? You get Duck, Duck, Splash—a hilarious water-filled chase game that keeps kids on their toes!
Click the button below for all the details!
CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DUCK DUCK SPLASHSuper Soaker Tag
Think you can outrun a splash? Super Soaker Tag takes the beloved game of tag and cranks up the fun with water blasters! Instead of tagging with hands, the “it” player uses their super soaker to spray their opponents—if you get hit, you’re the next tagger!
Want more tips for setup and game rules? Click the button below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT SUPER SOAKER TAGWet Sponge Dodgeball
Dodge, duck, and get drenched! Wet Sponge Dodgeball turns a high-energy game into the ultimate water battle, where players throw soaked sponges instead of balls. It’s a hilarious and refreshing way to stay active while cooling off in the summer heat!
Want setup instructions, supply list, and pro tips to make it even more exciting? Click the button below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT WET SPONGE DODGEBALLDIY Water Obstacle Course
Turn your backyard into an action-packed water adventure!
When you set up a Water Obstacle Course, it challenges kids to crawl, jump, and splash their way through sprinklers, kiddie pools, and other fun water stations.
There are endless ways to setup and play this exciting game.
Click below for the full guide for setup ideas, creative obstacle challenges, and pro tips.
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT WATER OBSTACLE COURSEKiddie Pool Kickball
Kick, splash, and race to home plate! Kiddie Pool Kickball turns a backyard favorite into a water-filled adventure, where players run through kiddie pools at each base. Every kick sends players sprinting—and splashing—toward victory!
Want setup instructions, fun rule variations, and pro tips to make it even more exciting? Click the button below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT KIDDIE POOL KICKBALLBeach Ball Races
Who can move their beach ball across the water the fastest—without using their hands? Beach Ball Races put a fun twist on a water relay, where kids use squirters, splashes, or even their breath to push their ball to the finish line. It’s a race full of laughter, strategy, and plenty of splashes!
Want setup instructions, creative rule variations, and fun twists to keep kids engaged? Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT BEACH BALL RACESWater Relay
Water Relay is a fast-paced game that has kids running back and forth, filling their team’s container one cup at a time- on a time limit.
This game is equal parts exciting and fun.
Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT WATER RELAYWater Balloon Piñata
Get ready for a surprise splash! Water Balloon Piñata takes the excitement of a traditional piñata and adds a refreshing twist—kids take turns swinging at hanging water balloons, never knowing which one will pop next. With every hit, the anticipation builds until someone gets soaked!
Want setup instructions, creative game variations, and fun ways to add an extra challenge? Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT WATER BALLOON PINATAWater Spray Bottle Freeze Tag
Stay cool while staying on the move! Water Spray Bottle Freeze Tag turns a favorite playground game into a refreshing summer challenge. Instead of tagging with hands, the “it” player sprays opponents with water to freeze them in place!
Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT WATER SPRAY BOTTLE FREEZE TAGBackyard Car Wash
When you setup your Backyard Car Wash it turns washing the family car into a splash-filled adventure. With soapy sponges, water squirters, and plenty of bubbles, this activity keeps kids cool while making a real difference!
Want fun setup ideas, creative ways to involve kids, and exciting twists to make it even more engaging?
Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT BACKYARD CAR WASHSplash Bowling
Splash Bowling turns kids into human bowling balls in this thrilling backyard water activity.
With minimal setup and materials most families already have, this game creates endless laughter as kids compete to get the highest score.
Want setup instructions, fun scoring variations, and creative ways to customize the game? Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT SPLASH BOWLINGSplash Paint
Art meets water play in this colorful and creative outdoor activity! Splash Paint lets kids use water balloons, spray bottles, or water guns to splatter paint onto paper, creating unique and vibrant masterpieces. The best part? They stay cool while making a mess in the most fun way possible!
Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT SPLASH PAINTSplash BULLSEYE
Test your aim and stay cool at the same time! Splash Bullseye Practice turns ordinary backyard items into splash-worthy targets.
Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT SPLASH BULLSEYEWater Treasure Hunt
Dive into adventure with a Water Treasure Hunt! This exciting game combines scavenger hunting and water as kids search for hidden treasures in kiddie pools, sprinklers, or other splash zones. The thrill of the hunt keeps them engaged while staying cool!
Click below for the full game guide!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT WATER TREASURE HUNTSPONGE DODGEBALL
Dodgeball gets a splash-tastic summer makeover with this cool version that swaps hard rubber balls for soaking-wet sponges!
Kids can dodge, duck, and dive without fear as the soft, dripping projectiles create refreshing splashes on impact.
Click below for the full game guide and some fun variations!
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT SPONGE DODGEBALL