Summer Backyard Water Games for Kids

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).