Backyard water play is one of those magical summer things that keeps littles happy, busy, and cool all without leaving home! Whether you have a big backyard or a small patio, water play turns any space into a splashy adventure zone.
The best part? You don’t need fancy gear (although sprinklers and splash pads are pretty neat) just a few simple items and a playful mood. Water play is full of learning and joy, and it’s a great way to connect with your preschooler through laughter, movement, and a little bit of mess.
Grab a towel, water, some sunscreen and get ready to enjoy some affordable backyard water play ideas to try this season!
Related Post: summer camp at home
Backyard Fishing
Let your preschooler “catch” floating toy fish with a little rod or net. It’s great for hand-eye coordination and makes them feel so proud when they reel one in!
Here’s an awesome fishing set for that backyard fun!
Water Table
Your toddler will be fascinated with a water table and it provides endless fun. They’re great for cooling off as they splash and play with floating toys at table level.
This Water Table by Step 2 has a water maze and lots of little gadgets that your toddler will surely be entertained by.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers in the backyard will not only water your grass but water your littles! Put out a few throughout the yard for a little trail of sprinklers.
I’ll share a few of my favorites below!
- Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Pretty Petals Flower Sprinkler
- Turtle Water Sprinkler
- Inflatable Cactus Water Sprinkler
- Inflatable Octopus Water Sprinkler
Related Post: 19 Fun & Simple Backyard Family Activities
Reusable Water Balloons
Reusable Water Balloons are environmentally friendly, easy to clean up, and full of water fun. Whether you want 6, 8, 12 or 16 water balloons, you are covered with this pack!
Watermat
Grab your littles a play water mat to have a splash pad right in your backyard. We like a trip to the park for a splash zone but this is the perfect convenience for some backyard fun.
This Sprinkle Friends Play Watermat is adorable!
Water Doodle Mat
No mess, no cleanup, and tons of creativity right in your backyard! This giant doodle mat uses water-filled pens to “paint” and are perfect for quiet outdoor play.
This set also comes with letter, number and shape stencils. Learning while playing is my kind of fun.
Sponge Toss
Soak large sponges in water and toss them into buckets or at targets. It’s soft, safe, and surprisingly satisfying!
Related Post: summer must-have for toddler
Inflatable Bounce House Water Slide
Let this be the splurge of the summer with your very own bounce house inflatable water slide. There are so many to choose from but here is one of my favorites!
Inflatable Pool
Maybe the inflatable bounce house and water slide is a little too much but you are still wanting some backyard swimming fun.
This inflatable pool is the next best thing! Add some toys and let them splash around this summer. Maybe you’d prefer another pool option over an inflatable one.
This sturdy kids pool has sprinklers but can also be used for a ball pit or sandbox after summer ends. You will get year round fun with it!
Giant Bubbles
Some days we need a little less swimming and a little more of a contained water activity. Create some giant bubbles and bring the magic to your backyard.
Water Obstacle Course
Turn your backyard into a DIY obstacle course. There is no right or wrong way to do this! Use what you have or order some fun touches like a slip and slide!
Grab your buckets, sponges, chairs, large containers, sprinklers, tarps… whatever you have on hand and let the kids run around for hours!
Refill as they go and maybe spray them with the hose for an extra challenge.
Garden Hose Limbo
Use the spray from a garden hose for a water-themed limbo game. How low can they go without getting soaked? This is a fun activity for all the family to join in on!
From preschoolers to older kids and even your parents!
Pass the Water Adventure
The whole family has a game to work together at. The goal is to have as much water at the end as there was in the beginning.
A funny, family game to enjoy this summer in the backyard.
Water Fun Cup Races
Use your water guns or other water squirting toy to get the cup to move to the other end. Your littles will have to pay close attention and really work on their aim!
Water Balloon Target Practice
Draw a target or line with sidewalk chalk for the starting point. Have your littles toss the balloon to hit the target. Keep score of how many points they get.
You can also use other items outdoors for kids to hit. Buckets, containers, etc.
Duck Races
Tilt a plastic tray or board and pour water down it like a slide. Let duckies or small toys race down with the water.
You littles will be occupied doing this over and over again especially if it’s made to be a race.
Water Chalk Paint
This simple water activity will have your kids hands on with you a little more hands off. Not only is the prep fun (and a bit messy) its a great motor still.
This can be in your weekly backyard fun rotation.
DIY Water Wall
PVC pipes, empty bottles or jugs and whatever other tubbing you have around will make a DIY Water Wall that will keep your littles busy for hours!
Not only can they play with the water wall but they can help construct it.
DIY Bubble Foam
Foam bubbles are great for a water table, a large clear container or small containers with colors separated. Add scoops, buckets or other waterproof toys for some backyard fun.
Let littles go wild at the end and have a “bubble fight.”
LEGO Pool
Looking for another way to keep the kids entertained in the pool? Fill it with their LEGO’s and let them build away!
Creating a LEGO masterpiece in the water will give a new depth to backyard fun. Don’t forget, this could be a fun bath time activity too!
Build a Stick Raft
Grab those sticks and make them float! Nature is supplying most of this project and your kids will enjoy it from start to finish.
They can collect the supplies that they need, build their raft and where they set them sail will be using whatever source of water you have around. From a large container filled with water, the kiddie pool, a lake or whatever is available!
Water Piñata
Tie strong rope to two branches (or poles) to get the lining set up. Fill your balloons with water and you have your piñata station set up.
Grab some large sticks (splinter free) and keep everyone at a safe distance while they watch. Create your own family rules or follow the ones provided. The whole family can get involved!
Water Target
This game is just pure fun for the whole family! Kids will work on all their skills including how to patiently wait for their turn.
Set up is easy and you will clearly see everyones Bullseye HIT with the paint bleeding. This backyard water game will be on weekly rotation.
Duck, Duck, Splash!
This is a great twist of the classic Duck, Duck, Goose game we all know and love! Instead, your kids are getting splashed with water. Family, friends, even the neighbors can join in on this fun.
Lemon Boats
First step here? Make some fresh lemonade and hold onto the lemons to create boats. Use water proof toys to have them sail away.
Backyard water play is one of the easiest ways to make everyday moments feel like summer magic. Whether it’s a full-on splash pad setup or a simple bucket and sponge, these activities invite creativity, movement, and pure joy.
Let your littles get a little soaked and a lot silly and be sure to jump in with them. These playful moments are what memories are made of and you don’t even have to leave your yard!
Keep your favorites on rotation and be sure to pick the top ones for your end of the summer water bash!
