Kids are always bursting with energy when the sun comes out and are very keen to play outdoors. However, you might find that keeping them both cool and active in the summer heat can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you've got a smaller garden.

For inspiring plenty of outdoor fun while keeping your little ones cool, take a look at our water games for kids below for plenty of ideas to try out. In this guide, you can find ideas for creative, competitive, and teamwork-based games to suit all styles of play!

Our Ideas for Cooling Children’s Water Games

There are plenty of ways that your kids can enjoy outdoor play that help to keep them cool and also allow other kids, and even adults, to get involved! Our best ideas for children’s water games include:

Water Balloon Toss

• You'll need: A bucket of self-sealing water balloons. Grab a pack of 100 for plenty of fun!

• How to play: Pair players a distance apart. Take turns tossing a balloon. After each catch, both partners step back one pace. The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins! As a cooling “punishment”, you could squirt a water pistol at the losing teams!

Water Limbo

• You'll need: A garden hose with a spray nozzle or a long pool noodle.

• How to play: Two people hold the hose or noodle horizontally. Players limbo underneath without touching it – or getting sprayed! Lower the "bar" a little each round. A gentle spray here or there can add extra fun!

Sponge Relay

• You'll need: Two buckets (one full of water, one empty) per team, plus one large sponge per team.

• How to play: Teams line up between the buckets. The first player soaks their sponge, runs to the empty bucket, squeezes the water out, then runs back. They pass the sponge to the next person. The first team to fill their empty bucket wins!

Ice Cube Painting

• You’ll need: Large ice cubes, food colouring, wooden lolly sticks, and an outdoor surface such as paving or a large tray.

• How to play: Freeze coloured water and lolly sticks into ice cubes and let children draw patterns as they melt across the surface. Children can also hold the ice cubes rather than using the handles and move them between their hands for a sensory, cooling activity.

Water Sponge Battle

• You’ll need: A bucket of cold water and large reusable sponges.

• How to play: Soak the sponges in water and let children gently throw or pass them to each other in a safe outdoor area. The wet sponges provide a refreshing splash, and you can choose whether to keep things teamwork-based or competitive.

How Do I Keep My Kids Safe During Water Play?

Keeping your little ones safe during water games is absolutely vital. A little preparation ensures unforgettable memories without a hitch, so be sure to keep in mind the following:

• Supervision is key: Never leave children unsupervised near water, even a shallow paddling pool. An adult must always be actively watching.

• Hydration and sun protection: Make sure kids drink plenty of water throughout the day. Apply high-factor sun cream regularly and encourage hats or protective clothing. Set up shady spots for regular breaks.

• Non-slip surfaces: Water makes surfaces slippery, so use non-slip mats around pools or running areas. Always check the garden for any trip hazards before play begins.

• First aid ready: Have a basic first aid kit easily accessible for any minor scrapes or bumps. It's always best to be prepared for anything.

Water Toys for Fun Outdoor Play

Water games for kids can be easily created using objects you’ll likely already have at home, though children’s water toys are an excellent way to inspire outdoor play even further! The water toys we most recommend for cooling fun include:

• Water Activity Tables: For toddlers, water activity tables are brilliant for developing motor and sensory skills. These really encourage curiosity while also being durable and easy to clean.

• Paddling Pools: Paddling pools provide one of the easiest and most fun ways for kids to stay cool during summer and are also a great way to inspire play with others.

• Sprinklers: Toy sprinklers provide an exciting way for kids to cool off as they pass by or through them, with arched designs being a popular choice. These often come in fun, colourful designs, like dinosaur or flamingo shapes, for example, to make them even more appealing.

• Water Blasters: For older children and teens, water blasters are always a summertime favourite. They're lightweight and easy to fill, making team-based or every-kid-for-themselves games really easy to organise. Blasting each other with ice-cold water helps older children and teens sharpen teamwork skills in big water battles, and they can also learn how to compete in a friendly and good-spirited way.

Tips for Planning Your Water Game Day

You can stay prepared for your day filled with water games and make it a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience by following our top tips: 

• Setup for success: Choose a flat, open area away from any delicate plants or electronics to play your games. Have towels ready, and maybe a change of clothes nearby. Laying down a tarp can also help prevent mud.

• Thematic fun: Why not theme your day? An "Under the Sea" party could have blue decorations and ocean-themed snacks. Or, try "Olympic Games" with relays and friendly competition, complete with homemade medals.

• Snacks and drinks: Keep refreshing snacks and plenty of drinks on hand throughout the day. Fruit platters, ice lollies, and chilled water are always a big hit with kids!

Exciting Toys for Outdoor Water Fun at BargainMax

Try out our many ideas for children’s outdoor games above, and your kids are sure to keep cool this summer! Our games are designed to be played with a range of different numbers of people and in many spaces, whether a small garden, a larger one, a park, or somewhere else entirely. So, wherever you are, outdoor fun is awaiting your kids and you!

For even more thrilling ways to play, our huge collection of outdoor toys has loads of great choices from big brands at little prices. Not only do we have plenty of children’s water toys, but you can explore our collections of outdoor garden games, kids’ trampolines, bikes, scooters, and more to easily find something your little one will love!