When the sun is shining and school’s out, kids are ready for some serious fun!
One of the best ways to keep them cool and active during summer is with water games for kids. These games are not only exciting but also super simple to set up at home.
Whether it’s a backyard party or just a weekend playdate, a little water can turn any day into a big splash adventure. From toddlers to tweens, everyone will love getting wet and wild.
So grab your buckets, balloons, and hoses – it’s time to dive into the coolest fun of the season!
Ready to splash into fun? Below is a list of 21 awesome water games for kids that are perfect for playing outside.
These games are easy, safe, and great for all ages.
No fancy stuff needed – just a little water and a whole lot of giggles. Let’s dive in!
Water Balloon Toss
Pair up, stand facing each other, and toss a water balloon back and forth. With each successful catch, take a step back. The first team to pop their balloon is out!
Pro Tip: Fill balloons ahead of time and store in buckets with a towel lining to avoid early breaks.
Turn on the sprinkler and some music to get the fun started!
Let all the kids dance around in the water while the music plays. When the music suddenly stops, everyone must freeze in place!
If someone keeps moving or giggles, they get a little extra spray from the hose or sprinkler. Then the music starts again, and the dance party continues.
It’s silly, splashy, and perfect for all ages.
Sponge Relay Race
Teams race to soak a sponge, run to the empty bucket, and squeeze out the water. First team to fill their bucket wins!
One player is “it” and holds a water gun. The others run around trying to stay dry.
If the player who is “it” sprays someone with water, that person becomes the new “it.”
Everyone keeps running, dodging, and laughing while getting soaked. It’s great for groups and super fun on a hot day.
Drip, Drip, Splash!
A wet version of Duck, Duck, Goose. Players sit in a circle while “it” drips water on heads… until they shout “Splash!” and pour it on someone to start the chase!
This game is just like Duck, Duck, Goose – but with water!
All the players sit in a big circle. One player walks around holding a sponge or small cup of water.
As they walk, they gently drip a little water on each person’s head while saying “drip… drip… drip…” Then suddenly, they shout “SPLASH!” and pour the rest of the water on one player’s head!
That player jumps up and chases them around the circle. If they don’t catch them, they become “it” next.
Backyard Car Wash
Set up a pretend car wash where kids can ride bikes or push toy cars through a water obstacle course.
Ready to get soaked? This is just like the regular tug of war game.
Two teams pull on a rope, trying to pull the other team across a line. But here’s the fun part – put a kiddie pool, puddle, or sprinkler right in the middle.
The losing team ends up falling into the splash zone!
Ice Cube Treasure Hunt
Scatter ice cubes in a kiddie pool. Kids race to melt them and find the hidden “treasures.”
Each player or team gets a cup with tiny holes in it. They fill the cup from one water bucket, run to another empty bucket, and try to pour in whatever water is left.
The tricky part? The water leaks out as they run!
The first team to fill their bucket wins.
Kiddie Pool Kickball
Just like regular kickball, but bases are pools and the field is a wet slip zone!
