Water Games For the backyard

June 7, 2008

Have bored kids at around backyard pool and sprinkler? Here are some ideas for fun and games while playing safely around the water.

Over the River

All that’s needed for this game is a water hose. Hold the hose low to the ground and children line up to jump over the hose. After each round the stream gets higher, if anyone hits the stream, they are out. The last person wins the game.

Sponge tag

All that’s required is a big wet sponge for this game. Players tag each other by throwing the sponge.

Paint With Water

Cool of your hot grumpy little ones with this harmless water activity.
Supply your child with a clean paint brush and bucket of water.
Let them paint the house, walkway, bikes, fence etc.

Ice Ball Surprise

For each child, insert a small toy or piece of plastic jewelry into a balloon. Fill the balloon with water, knot and freeze solid over night. Before giving out the goodies, cut off the balloon and throw it away. Then let the kids have fun pushing their ice ball around in the pool, watching it melt into something special.

Dribble, Dribble, Drench!

This game is just like “Duck ,Duck, Goose “, except that as “IT” walks around the circle with a cup or pitcher of water. When they say dribble to each player they dribble a few drops of water on their head. When they say “Drench” that player gets the rest of the water on their head or back. Then the wet player chases “IT” and tries to tag her before she gets to the wet players place. Got that?…this is really fun with kids age seven or older on a very hot summer day. Younger children can play if they are not sensitive about being drenched.

Beach Ball Race

Place two beach balls on a starting line and have the two contestants squirt water on their ball to drive it across the yard. First ball to get to the finish line wins.

The Piñaqua

Using your backyard hose, fill a medium-sized plastic trash bag with one to two gallons of water. Knot the top of the bag. Tie one end of the rope tightly beneath the knot. Toss the free end of the rope over a tree branch (a parent’s job) and either tie it securely or have the adult stand by to raise and lower the piñaqua. To play, each child takes a turn getting blindfolded, getting spun around three times, and then taking three whacks at the piñaqua with the broom. The winner is the one who manages to break the bag and unleash the tidal wave.