Now that summer is in full effect, it’s time to go outside and play with water! There are so many benefits for playing with and in water, including exercising your child’s gross and fine motor skills.
Here are some examples of simple, low-cost ways to have fun with water.
Rock Painting
Kids love finding rocks, and you can easily hunt for them in your backyard, neighborhood, or venture out further to a lake, river, or beach. Rocks are fun because they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and can be painted on with water!
Next time you are out rock hunting, bring along a few different types of paintbrushes or other items you can paint with such as cotton swabs. If you don’t have any paintbrushes, you can always use your finger to paint with. Painting rocks is a wonderful way for children to use their imagination. Once the water evaporates off the rock, your child can repaint the rock again and again. Take a picture of your child’s design before it evaporates so they can enjoy it later.
Make a Water Station
Water tables or water stations are another great way to help your toddler explore their world. A storage container, large mixing bowl, or small kiddie pool could work great as a portable water station.
There are so many ways to have fun with a water table/station. Some fun accessories you might want to include are:
- Funnels
- Sponges
- Watering cans
- Buckets
- Cups
- Bottles
- Toys that can get wet
- Interesting rocks
Another fun idea is to turn your water table into a “washing station,” where your toddler can wash their cars, baby dolls, animals, or dinosaurs using sponges and bubbles.
Frozen Toys
For this activity, you will need an ice cube tray and some small toys. Fill your ice cube tray half full, then drop a toy into each square. Freeze, and then take out to play with!
Take your frozen creations outside and watch as the ice melts away, or put them in the bath with your child—just be sure not to put the ice cubes in a cup that you or your child might be tempted to drink out of.