Nothing beats the heat, but a good splash in the pool or even a shower in the garden. No wonder, you are lost with your own water memories, favorite games and toys. But be extra cautious when it comes to kids and water. First and foremost, be safe. Children should never be left alone around water. Even bigger kids can slip and fall, bump their heads and drown in just centimeters of water. Slipping is a hazard to be taken seriously.
Around the outside of a pool or bath, (especially if it’s tiled) place skid-proof, rubber mats. Kids jump around, of course, or they run around then leap back into the water, so slips are almost inevitable. Try to play in the shade and use waterproof sunscreen. Sunburns are, of course, nasty and painful for little kids. Make sure you empty the tub or pool as soon as you are finished. Stagnant water left anywhere will quickly become a breeding ground for germs and mosquitoes, including those carrying malaria or dengue fever.
Don’t spoil the fun and let them play games under supervision. Offer them assorted plastic containers, funnels, and squeeze bottles. They will love to do measuring, pouring, and figuring out what floats. Add bubble bath, water dyes or food coloring (as long as it washes out and is child-safe). Mix different colors and see what new ones are created. Blow bubbles with different shapes. Take a pretend trip to the beach. Gather buckets, snacks, sunglasses, snorkels, shells, even an umbrella, and see what develops. Turn up the music, or tone it down, depending on whether you want a beach party or a calmer mood.
Older kids can play too. Big kids might like to make wave jars, in a plastic, see-through jar; they should mix one part water and food coloring with two parts of vegetable oil. Make sure the lid is screwed on tightly then hold the jar sideways and rock it back and forth to make waves.
Frozen Toes is a good game option. Fill a small pool or tub, dump in ice cubes, give each child a cup or small bucket, and then watch to see which kid can pick up the most cubes with their toes. Other option can be Over the River: Hold a water hose so that its water stream sprays out horizontally. Children line up and jump over the water. Raise the height after each round. If they hit the spray, then they are out. Or you could divide a big group of kids into two teams and make an obstacle course with plastic chairs or other barriers. Don’t make any fixed rules or games. Let the imagination of children flow. Let them come up with ideas and explore them too.
Make sure not to pressure them too much and don’t ever leave them unattended as sometimes fun can turn dangerous too. Water is a great way to release stress and unwind, so involve the children in a positive manner and have some aqua fun.