Summer Backyard Water Games for Kids

No pool? No problem. Turn your backyard into a mini water park with fun games like obstacle course baseball, wet-sponge corn hole and water balloon pinatas.

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Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Let the Fun Begin

The kiddos will have no trouble staying cool with these backyard activities. Just make sure you have plenty of towels on hand before you let them back in the house.

First Base

Use a kickball or whiffle ball to get an old-fashioned game of baseball started. But there's a twist. The kids won't simply run the bases, they have to go through an obstacle course to get to home plate. To get to first base, they have to crawl under these arches (aka - pool noodles staked into the ground using pencils).

Second Base

You can't get to second base without getting soaked. Giant inflatables with sprinkler features are a playful way to dial up the fun when they’re closing the distance between first and second base.

Third Base

Rounding second and heading for third is all about coordination and staying calm under pressure. These easy-to-make noodle rings certainly keep players on their toes.

Corn Hole Without the Corn

This party favorite gets a splashy twist or two. Sub out the traditional bags of feed corn with water-soaked sponges. Be warned, if you miss you MAY get hit with a water balloon by the opposing team.

Pinata Party

There’s NO better way for kids to burn off extra energy than to take several whacks at a pinata. Keep it safe by using a lightweight badminton racquet rather than a bat. Amp up the fun by hanging several water balloons around the pinata. If they miss, oops, they get wet.

Create a Ball Toss

This easy DIY project is inspired by a summer arcade classic: Skee-Ball (or ball toss). Line up five sand buckets to create the targets. Assign points to each bucket using colorful paper plates. You can either staple the plate to a paint stirrer and place it inside the bucket or stick the plate directly to the inside of the bucket using tacky or tape. Bonus: Skee-Ball is just as much fun to play solo as it is with friends.

Water Balloonapalooza

Before the kids arrive, fill up a bunch of water balloons and stash them in large kitchen garbage pail or plastic storage tote. This way the kids will be ready for the most epic water balloon battle to end all battles. Your backyard throw-down just may go down in the neighborhood history books.

Balloon Bin

If you really want to make your party a splash, fill a plastic tub halfway up with water, then load it with water balloons. They'll float, making them easier to grab. Take the fun to the next level with cute signage. A simple printout placed on colored paper looks downright professional.

Fun for All Ages

Kids of all ages can get on board with bubble fun. This means you may have found an outdoor activity that siblings can enjoy together harmoniously. That alone may be the most amazing thing that happens all summer long.

Bubble Station

Create a refill station using a drink dispenser so everyone can replenish their own personal bubble bottles when needed throughout the day. With an easy-to-use nozzle, kids can help themselves to more bubble juice when they're running low.

Chill Zone

Playing outdoors can be pretty exhausting so offer some shade where kids can sit, catch their breath and chill out. Provide enough chairs or blankets so that everyone can relax.

Sand Castle Station

Not everyone loves the intensity of a team activity like kickball so offer an alternative, low-key activity. In the chill zone, we created a small sand castle station inside a shade tent. A pile of sand and several beach toys make it a perfect little play spot in the shade.

Refreshment Cart

Keeping kids hydrated is critical during the summer, especially if they're constantly on the move. Set up a refreshment station so everyone can help themselves to snacks and electrolyte-rich drinks. Place it all in a utility wagon or on a lightweight folding table so you can keep the refreshments close to the action.

Handy Towels

Whether it's bubbles or balloons, the more fun had, the more drenched the kiddos. Avoid a mess by keeping a stash of beach towels outside and within easy reach. Kids can quickly dry off before they enter the house (and you avoid an indoor Slip 'N Slide).

First-Aid Essentials

Anytime you've got kids playing outdoors it's a good idea to have a few first-aid basics on hand. If you like the size and convenience of a kit, you're not alone. There are plenty to choose from, and many include not only band aids but antiseptic wipes, anti-itch lotions and antibiotic creams in cute, one-use packages.

Check This Out: Justina Blakeney's Latest Product Collaboration Will Bring Jungalow Style to Your First Aid Kit

Summer Backyard Water Games for Kids

Related To:

Shop This Look

Let the Fun Begin

First Base

Second Base

Third Base

Corn Hole Without the Corn

Pinata Party

Create a Ball Toss

Water Balloonapalooza

Balloon Bin

Fun for All Ages

Bubble Station

Chill Zone

Sand Castle Station

Refreshment Cart

Handy Towels

First-Aid Essentials

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