Water Activities for Kids in Summer

With summer in full gear, it is very hot and humid for us here in North Carolina. While I love the heat and warm weather, sometimes you just have to get out of it and find ways to cool off too. There is nothing better than some water fun during summertime. My kids are huge water bugs, and we’ve been getting creative this summer with ways to stay cool and have some water playtime. Here are our top favorite water activities for family fun.

Ocean Time

The biggest staple for summertime water fun is the beach and ocean time. I didn’t grow up near the ocean and didn’t even visit it every year growing up, but it was always one of my favorite places. What would the summer heat and vacations be without a trip to the beach?

Pool Time

Chances are you spend some summer days at the pool. This was my way to cool down every summer growing up. Unlike the ocean, which is only on the coast, pools are everywhere. They are a great option for summer fun wherever you live.

Kiddy Pool

If you don’t have a big pool or have little ones, a great option is a kiddy pool. You can get one for cheap, and there are some cool options out there. My toddlers love our kiddy pool. It is just the right size for them to play around. I can keep a close eye on them without having to swim myself; it’s easy to move around, and we can enjoy it at home.

Sprinkler

As a kid, I remember running through a sprinkler in the front yard. They are so easy and fun to use. You can use it at home and in your own yard. Simply hook it up to a hose and go.

Splash Pad

My kids aren’t fans of a regular sprinkler right now because the water is always changing directions. I got them a little splash pad this summer, and we are all obsessed! It is a little pad you plug the hose directly into and let it fill. Once the outside edge fills up, it sprays water out of the holes and creates a little ledge. The inside fills with water, which creates a little mini pool for more splashing. My kids loved the water shooting up because it stayed in place (unlike sprinklers that move). I even enjoy running through it with my kids.

Water Hose Fun

Don’t have sprinklers or splash pads? No problem. You can just use the hose by itself. As a kid, I loved using the hose to just play and squirt water at my siblings. All you need is an imagination, and you’re good to go.

Squirt Gunfight

Who doesn’t love a good squirt gun fight? Not only can you cool down, but you can make it a game too. You can get big or little water guns, pick a game, and go.

Water Balloons

Fill up some balloons with water, and you’re set. You can play a game with them, toss them back and forth, or just jump on them. Splash!

Slip n Slide

This was always a favorite for summer group activities and parties. You can buy a slip n slide or make your own. You just need a long plastic piece going down a hill, a hose that constantly runs, and some soap to make it super slippery. It doesn’t take much to do and is a lot of fun.

Bathtub Fun

Don’t want to play outside or don’t have the items needed for outside fun? Bring the fun inside the bathtub. Fill it up with cooler water and transform the tub into an indoor pool. Let the kids splash and play away.

Bubble Bath

Who doesn’t love a good bubble bath? I love them for relaxation, and my kids love them for playing with the bubbles. It’s a fun treat if you don’t do it often.

Play in the Rain

If you think you can’t play outside because of the weather, think again. As long as it’s safe to do so, you can take the kids outside to play in the rain. Dance around, sing, stomp in some puddles, whatever you wish to do. Turn the rain into a positive by playing in it.

Play in a Local Body of Water

Find a local creek, river, or lake, etc and enjoy it. Take a boat ride, go for a swim, or splash around. Just look around and find what is near you. Growing up, I had a creek in my backyard and played there so often. You can enjoy some water near you, wherever you are.

Water Park

Arguably one of the best places for water fun is a water park. I have so many wonderful memories of going to a water park on vacation when I was a kid. There are so many options for kids of all ages and adults at water parks. I cannot wait to take my kids to a water park for the first time!

Staying home more this summer, we’ve had to find ways to have water fun right here at home. We’ve all been enjoying the extra options for water activities. Have you gotten creative with ways to beat the heat this summer? Let me know your favorite ways to stay cool in the comments below.