With spring soon approaching, it’s time to start planning for the warmer weather! Time moves fast and before you know it, we’ll be back in the summer swing. Stay ahead of the game and start planning fun things for the kids to do now.
Whether you’re looking for ways to keep them entertained during a birthday party, family reunion, or just a regular day, we’ve got you covered! Check out our list of WATER BALLOON GAMES below.
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10 FUN WATER BALLOON GAMES FOR KIDS
It’s not easy staying cool during the summer months. Without a beach, summer camp, or swimming pool nearby, it can be downright unpleasant outside and under the sun. Fortunately, we’ve come up with a solution. Water balloons offer an inexpensive alternative to more traditional aquatic activities. They’re also versatile and fun! Listed below, we’ve compiled a list of our absolute favorite WATER BALLOON GAMES for kids.
1. WATER BALLOON RING TOSS
This one’s easy! All you need to do is ask one of the kids to hold a hula hoop while the other tries to toss their water balloon through.
2. WATER BALLOON TAG
Select who’s “it” and hand them the water balloon. Watch the kids scatter as they try not to get tagged. Whoever gets hit with the water balloon first is now “it.” Whoever can avoid getting hit with the balloon wins!
3. WATER BALLOON SQUAT RELAYÂ
Next up on our list of water balloon activities is the relay race. This one is best when trying to entertain a group of kids. All you need are some water balloons and a couple of chairs to get started. Warning: the chairs will be getting wet, so make sure they’re waterproof!
Create two stations using both chairs. Place a water balloon in either seat. Then, establish your start line using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape. Have one member from each team run to the chair and sit on the water balloon until it pops. Then they can run back to tag the next player in line. Remember, you’ll need to replace the water balloons after they’ve been popped, so have a few ready to go.
4. WATER BALLOON FIGHT
A classic! Prepare a bucket full of water balloons for the kids to grab as needed. Watch as they run around the yard soaking once another with the balloons. Be sure to hand each participant a towel once it’s all over!
5. WATER BALLOON OBSTACLE COURSE
Create the ultimate water balloon obstacle course in three simple steps. First up are the water balloon piñatas. Fill up your water balloons about halfway to capacity and hang them from a higher surface (if you have a swing set, the monkey bars are a great place to start). Give the kids a bat and tell them to start swinging!
Next, is your DIY water slide. Place few pitchers of water at the top of your slide and an inflatable pool at the bottom. Pour a pitcher full of water down the top of the slide and send the kids down one by one!
Wind down the fun with one of the water balloon games on this list. We recommend the water balloon relay race. You can also check out this post for more ideas.
6. DUCK DUCK SPLASH
This water balloon game is similar to the old classic, duck duck goose, only you use an entire water balloon instead of a few drops of water!
7. WATER BALLOON PAINTING
This next activity is a fun way for the kids to express their creative side! Fill your water balloons with washable paint (we recommend using liquid watercolor paint). Then, use a pump to fill the balloons up with just a tiny bit of air. Now, you’re ready to begin!
Tape your balloons to a large poster board. Let the kids take turns popping them with small wooden skewers. Remember, these are sharp to make sure there’s an adult around to chaperone. See what kinds of cool designs come out!
8. WATER BALLOON TOSS
Stand around in a circle and take turns tossing a balloon around. See how long you can maintain this game of “water balloon hot potato” without dropping the balloon. If you want to introduce a little competition to all the fun, ask everyone to put a little dish soap or shaving cream on their hands. It will be hard to hold the balloon with such slippery hands!
9. WATER BALLOON DODGE BALL
This water balloon game borrows from an old favorite! Divide everyone into two teams. Give each an equal amount of balloons. Then, designate a line in the yard they aren’t allowed to cross. Make sure each team member knows their goal is the hit their opponents with as many water balloons as possible. Anyone who gets soaked is out!
10. WATER BALLOON YO-YO
Fill your water balloon halfway up with water. Then, cut a rubber band in half and attach it to the balloon. Ask the kids to “yo-yo” the balloons up and down. See how long until each balloon breaks!
BENEFITS OF WATER BALLOON GAMES FOR KIDS
Water is an incredibly tactile play aid and remains a great tool to use during early childhood experiences. It provides tons of opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills. Things like pouring, squirting, stirring, and squeezing can also help the kids practice their hand-eye coordination as well.
It’s also a fun way to introduce descriptive words and new textures. Beyond that, it allows parents to introduce important life skills, like sharing and cooperation. Of course, it’s not a bad way to cool off either!
CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH GREAT WOLF LODGE
We hope you enjoyed our water balloon games for kids! Remember, these fun summer ideas can also be used to celebrate different events, from birthday parties, family reunions to Fourth of July parties, and more!
Check back in with us soon for more ideas on how to enjoy some family fun this summer. Each week, we’ll be providing new recipes, crafts, games, and other activities you can do from home. You won’t want to miss out on what Wiley and the rest of the Great Wolf Kids get up to next!
