Outdoor Water Games: Fun Activities for the Whole Family

Good news: Summer isn't over yet, so there's still time to enjoy fun before school starts. Playing outdoor water games is a great choice if you're looking for exciting summer activities to keep everyone happy and cool on those hot summer days.

Don't have a pool? No worries! There are plenty of water games you can play right in your backyard. To help you choose the best activities, we've consulted experts who recommend water balloon games, sprinkler tag, bucket brigade challenges and more.

Benefits of backyard water games

Sam Thomason, a parenting expert from the Simple Everyday Mom blog, thinks backyard games are a fun way for families to bond, especially when they involve water.

These games not only reduce screen time but also spark creativity. Here's a closer look at how these benefits can positively impact your family.

Less screen-time

Are you wondering how to get your children to step away from their devices? Backyard water games might be the answer.

According to Thomason, "These activities are perfect for distracting kids from screens and helping them connect with family members, all while cultivating a fun and healthy approach to exercise."

Physical activity

According to Thomason, "Engaging in outdoor activities offers a completely different experience compared to staying indoors — it's not only more enjoyable and physically engaging but also an excellent opportunity for everyone to get some exercise and lift their spirits."

Fosters creativity 

Thomason highlights that water games in the backyard can spark children's imaginations, particularly when they are involved in brainstorming new ideas.

She adds, "Children can use their creativity to meet the goals of each game, which makes it a special way for families to enjoy time together."

Family bonding

Looking for more opportunities to sneak in some family time? Thomason suggests water games are a simple way for families to spend quality time together.

"Playing with water can be a great way for families to have fun together," she says. "This could include using squirt guns, running through sprinklers or having water balloon fights. These activities often lead to laughter and create enjoyable memories for everyone involved."

Creates Memories

Games for the water also help create memories the whole family will look back on fondly.

"Water games are such a fun way to beat the heat because they get everyone outside to soak up the sun, bring back nostalgic memories for parents and let families be silly together," Thomason says. "It's the perfect excuse to create summer memories and enjoy quality family time."

Essential equipment for water games

Be sure to gather these essentials for your next family gathering to enhance the fun and excitement of your water games.

Water guns and water balloons

Water balloons and water guns are perfect for keeping the family cool while adding a splash of fun to any game you choose, whether that's water balloon hot potato, water balloon baseball or water balloon dodgeball.

They also promote physical activity and teamwork, especially during a water balloon toss. Plus, they're budget-friendly, with options available at different price points to fit any budget.

Sprinklers and slip-n-slides

If you have a garden hose or a sprinkler, you can easily amp up the fun by creating a slip-n-slide in the backyard. While you can make a DIY slip-n-slide with materials like tarp and pool noodles, if you prefer convenience, snag a ready-to-use kit online from retailers like Amazon or Walmart.

Inflatable pools and water slides

Inflatables and water slides can also make backyard family time even more fun. Whether you fill a kiddie pool and create a fishing game for your youngsters or grab an inflatable water slide, there are many opportunities for fun with these tools.

However, Thomason advises keeping safety at the forefront. "Be careful of slippery floors to avoid falls, check that water play areas are safe from sharp items and always watch children to prevent risks like drowning or sunburn."

Buckets, sponges and other water toys

For fun backyard water games, you should add things like sponges, water toys, and an empty bucket to your list. You can use these for games like a bucket brigade challenge or a wet sponge hot potato.

Top backyard water games for kids

Water balloon toss

Playing water balloon toss is great for you and your kids, according to Taryn Parker, the Director of Curriculum and a top instructor at The Little Gym, a leading child development center. She says you can play this game in different ways, and it's more exciting because you might get wet."

Playing this game usually means tossing a water balloon back and forth without dropping or popping it. However, Parker suggests adding more challenging rules to make it more fun.

She says, "We often jump straight to a water balloon fight, but if you plan the game and offer prizes, you can get your kids to play properly. Start by standing close together, then move farther apart after each successful catch. The team that keeps their water balloon intact gets to splash it over a parent or another family member."

Sprinkler tag

Parker describes how adding a sprinkler to a game of tag elevates the fun to a new level. "Kids—and hopefully parents too—now have to dodge not just each other but also a third player: the sprinkler," she says. "This version of tag will enhance your child's spatial awareness as they maneuver around each other and the sprinkler."

Duck, duck, splash

Parker says this is a fun and modern spin on a classic game. "It's entertaining for all ages, and the splash element ensures that everyone in the family can join in the fun," she notes. "Adding water to these traditional games can help your child feel more comfortable with water."

Sponge relay race

Relay races make fantastic backyard water games for kids. Parker says they help improve social skills such as taking turns, working as a team and sharing. "Plus, they get to have a blast getting soaked with a giant, super-wet sponge – the bigger and wetter, the more fun it is," she says.

Water limbo

"This game offers endless possibilities," says Parker. "You can get imaginative and involve your kids in creating the game, setting the rules and deciding on prizes. Adding water can also bring a fun twist to a classic game, keeping everyone entertained and engaged."

Water games for adults and families

Water volleyball

Kailan Carr, M.Ed., thinks that water volleyball is a great way for adults and families to have fun in the pool while staying cool and active without putting too much stress on their bodies.

She recommends keeping it light-hearted and playful for families or turning it into a competitive game with a group of adults.

Slip-n-slide kickball

Carr says slip-n-slide kickball is an exciting backyard water game that adds a refreshing twist to the classic game.

"Using a beach ball makes it even more enjoyable, and sliding into each base, which can be an inflatable pool, adds to the fun," she suggests. "It's a game that will have kids and adults laughing and creating life-long memories."

Water gun capture the flag

"Water blaster capture the flag is a great water game for adults and families," suggests Carr. "It will help keep you cool while also getting physical activity. However, you can sub in water balloons if you don't care for shooting games."

Bucket brigade challenge

According to Carr, the bucket brigade challenge is a fun water game everyone can enjoy, no matter how old.

She advises, "Simply pass the cup of water as quickly as possible to fill the other bucket. "While some spills will help cool you down, keep the water in the cup to fill your bucket faster!"

Wet sponge hot potato

This fun water activity is easy to set up and play, and Carr recommends it as a great choice for family enjoyment.

"If your goal is to get as wet as possible, wet sponge hot potato is for you," she says. "To play, players toss a soaked sponge around, and when the chant ends, the person holds the sponge and has to squeeze it over their head.  Just keep a bucket of water nearby to refill your sponge."

Tips for safe and enjoyable water play 

Supervision of children at all times

For a safe and enjoyable time in the water, Warsh stresses the importance of always keeping an eye on your kids. "Drowning can happen fast and without warning, so it's vital to have an adult supervising at all times," he advises.

Staying hydrated

Family fun in the sun is great, but keeping everyone hydrated is super important when it's sizzling hot. Warsh says, "It's important to drink enough water to stay safe from heat, especially if you're playing outside in the sun for a long time."

Setting clear boundaries and rules

Warsh says that setting rules, such as not running near pools, avoiding diving in shallow water, and designating specific play zones, helps prevent injuries.

Regularly checking and maintaining equipment

While outdoor water games are perfect for making memories and cooling off, safety should always be our top priority.

Dr. Warsh states, "It's crucial for parents to inspect and maintain water play equipment regularly. By doing so, we can ensure that pools, slides, and sprinklers remain safe for our children's summer adventures. A little care goes a long way in keeping the fun flowing all season long."

DIY water game ideas

Homemade Water Slide

Creating your own backyard water slide is easier than you might think. According to Warsh, all you need are a tarp, pool noodles, a water hose, and liquid soap.

He explains, "Start by laying out a big tarp on a slight slope. Then, use duct tape to attach pool noodles along the edges to create borders.  Next, wet the tarp with a hose and add some liquid soap to make it slippery."

However, Warsh states that safety should be a top priority when creating a homemade water slide. "Check that the area beneath the tarp is clear of any rocks or sharp items to keep everyone safe," he recommends. "Also, make sure to supervise the fun closely to prevent any collisions among the children."

Water piñata

Want a cool twist on a classic game? Enter the water piñata! Warsh says it's an energetic activity that is a hit with kids and couldn't be easier to set up.

"Fill some balloons with water and hang them from a tree. Then, let the children take turns hitting the balloons with a stick while they are blindfolded," he suggests. "When they hit one – splash! It's simple, affordable and guaranteed to bring smiles all around."

Experts: 

• Dr. Joel 'Gator' Warsh, a Los Angeles-based pediatrician and author
• Taryn Parker, the Director of Curriculum and a top instructor at The Little Gym, a leading child development center
• Sam Thomason, a parenting expert behind the Simple Everyday Mom blog
• Kailan Carr, M.Ed., author and creator of screen-free activities for children