20 Backyard Water Activities for Kids

Kids will love these water activities you can do in your backyard. Keep cool this summer with simple fun that uses water and ice.

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Sending the kids out to play in the backyard is the perfect summertime activity. But on days when it’s so hot and sunny, it can seem like they’re back indoors to cool off in minutes. Even if you don’t have a pool, there are plenty of ways to use water to cool off in the summer.

We collected some of the best water activities for kids that are tons of fun. You can do all of them in the backyard or outdoors – and if you don’t mind a little mess, some can be done indoors too.

If you’re looking for a smaller activity, try some of our fun ways to play with ice cubes too!

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Water cup races

If your kids love Nerf blasters, they’ll really enjoy this clever water cup racing game from All For the Boys. Test out how different blasters work and turn it into a competition.

Water blob

Make a water blob that your kids can play on all summer long with these handy tips from A Girl and a Glue Gun. This is an inexpensive alternative if you don’t have a splash pad or pool nearby.

DIY water blasters

Mom Endeavors has a simple way to set up DIY water blasters in your backyard using pool noodles for a water sprinkler. Kids of all ages can have fun with this activity.

Rain gutter river

Set up a rain gutter river in your backyard for the kids to explore how water moves, via Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls. This is an easy activity to customize to fit items you already have around the house.

Water wall

Happy Hooligans has great tips on how to build a water wall using recyclables for fun and learning activities. Have kids help you choose items that will create different paths and movements.

Water xylophone

Visit Sugar, Spice, and Glitter to learn how to set up a water xylophone. Your kids will love this fun way to make music.

Fish ice play

For a fun way to cool off, Messy Little Monster shares an idea for setting up a fish ice play tray. Kids will love catching the fish before they melt!

Whale milk jug

Help your kids make a whale milk jug via Crafty Morning. They could use it for another water activity or as part of a lesson during an ocean-themed camp week.

LEGO dam

This fun water experiment from Little Bins and Bricks involves building a LEGO dam and exploring water flow. LEGO is waterproof and you might discover the pieces end up cleaner in the end.

Water balloon volleyball

This is such a fun backyard game from It’s Always Autumn! Your kids will want to play water balloon volleyball all summer.

Drip drip drop

At The Educator’s Spin On It, learn how to play a silly water game for a group that’s similar to duck duck goose. Games like this are great for a mixed age group so younger kids don’t feel left out.

Water balloon dash

All you need to play the water balloon dash is water balloons – and a group of kids. Get all the gameplay details via Kid-Friendly Things to Do.

PVC car wash

Build a PVC pipe car wash with instructions from The Scrap Shoppe Blog for a great way to cool off the kids and their pedal cars. Pets and pedestrians will love it too.

LEGO Minifigure knockdown

Have your kids put together their favorite LEGO minifigures or gather a few action figures to play LEGO minifigure knockdown, via Toddler Approved.

Sink or float

This activity from Stay at Home Educator is a great way to teach kids about science while having fun and getting wet to discover what will sink or float. Make predictions and test anything!

Ice excavating

Gluesticks shares a fun activity called ice excavating that can be adapted to all kinds of themes and objects. The trick to this activity is planning ahead so your ice is nice and frozen.

Jar lid boats

Make a jar lid boat via My Bored Toddler. Start a conversation with your kids about what their boats are doing or set up a place to float for open-ended playtime.

Water obstacle course

Set up a water obstacle course in your backyard with items you have around the house and these tips from Meaningful Mama. Change it up every week for an activity that never gets boring.

Stick rafts

A stick raft from Kids Craft Room is the perfect STEM activity for a child who loves collecting sticks in the backyard. It encourages creative thinking and will get them experimenting to find what works best.

Chalk water balloons

Make up a bunch of sidewalk chalk water balloons like The Crafting Chicks for a unique way to play with chalk. Cleanup is easy when you’re done.

When the temperature starts going up, put on some sunscreen and head into the backyard for some fun water activities for kids. These ideas are sure to get the kids moving and laughing.

Plan your summer with the DIY Summer Camp Planner!