Backyard Water Play

August 11, 2008

by Eliza Clark

For all of our raving about the joys of beaches, the fact is, we won't all be making to the beach this summer. Or if we do, it may only be for a couple of too short weeks, or a few stolen Saturdays. But no matter. There are still plenty of opportunities for water play (the play preschoolers love best) right in your own backyard, any old day of the week.

So get out there and splash around together while it's still hot out!

The Savvy parents who contribute to our Activities Encyclopedia know all about getting wet and wild with the kiddos in the backyard. Here's what they suggest:

Set the little ones up to do some Ice Cube Painting or Fingerpaint/Bodypainting outside. When everyone is nice and messy, let them take a run through the hose, the good old-fashioned lawn sprinker (you know how much we love sprinkers), or a new-fangled and pretty darn fun Beach Ball Sprinkler.

Another day, set Tiny Ships (the children can make these from acorn or walnut shells -- so sweet!) to sail in your Sand and Water Table or Kiddie Pool. In the latter case, the ship captain can get into the water right alongside her vessel -- the better to steer, of course.

Teach the kids to play Water Bowling on their Slip'N Slide. Who needs a bowling ball when you have a wet, slippery preschooler hurtling toward the pins?

While you're at it, have a rousing game of Duck, Duck, Splash! and then Water Squirter Tag complete with these adorable Sea Creature Water Guns.

Is everyone cooling off yet?

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