Whether you’re in your own backyard or out exploring your city there’s so many fun ways to connect and play with water. Water play is simple, fun, and kids of all ages enjoy it. Check out the 8 Best Summer Outdoor Water Play Activities for Kids—they’re sure to be a hit!

This post is in collaboration with SwimZip. I was generously given swimsuits for the girls in exchange for my review, but as always, all opinions stated are my own.

Did you know that smell has a stronger ability to evoke emotion and memory than any of the other senses? Close your eyes for a second and think back to your childhood summer. What scents do you remember the most? For me it’s the smell of sunscreen, water from the hose, and freshly cut grass that instantly take me back to the carefree water filled days of summer. Playing with water is one of the easiest ways to connect with your kids, create incredible memories, and beat the summer heat. Plus, it’s usually pretty affordable. That’s a win win in my book! If you’re looking for some new ideas that showcase the loveliest scents of summer, here’s the Best Summer Outdoor Water Play Activities for Kids (in no particular order). Grab your swimsuits and get ready to make some water filled memories.

8 Best Summer Outdoor Water Play Activities for Kids:

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1. Scoop, Pour, & Splash at a Water Table

Playing with a water table (find ours here) is one of the easiest activities and it’s so simple to setup in your backyard or on the porch. Toss in some cups, toys, or whatever you have on hand and let your kiddos imaginations run wild.

2. Have an Epic Water Balloon fight

I’m convinced that the individual who invented these water balloons is a mama who was tired of spending an entire afternoon filling up balloons one by one just to have them gone in 5 minutes. Seriously, if you haven’t tried these you definitely should give them a shot! They are so much fun.

Bonus tip: Save the attachment for a different water play activity or to water your plants. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you will once you try them out. 😉

3. Visit a Local Splash Pad

Splash pads (or splash fountain in this case) are a hit with kids of all ages and most cities have incredible ones that are free of charge. Wouldn’t it be fun to visit every splash pad in your city during the summer?

In case you want to get extra wet, just visit the splash pad when it is pouring rain. We may or may not know this from experience.

4. Run, Gallop, & Twirl through the Sprinkler

If there’s any water activity that brings all the nostalgia it’s this. Running through the sprinkler is hands down the most classic childhood activity and rightly so. Now that I’m a mama I know that my parents were really just trying to water the grass and wear me out at the same time, but goodness I have some of the sweetest memories running through the sprinkler on a hot summer day.

We have really enjoyed this flower sprinkler this summer! There’s also a darling bug version.

5. Toss a Homemade Sponge Bomb

I must say, whoever invented these sponge bombs wins Pinterest. Not only are they ridiculously simple to make, but they are incredibly entertaining. We made them at the beginning of the summer and have reused them several times. One way we like to play with these is by having a race to see how fast the girls can fill up another bucket across the yard by squeezing out the water that’s in the sponge they’re carrying. Lots of running, squeezing (hello fine motor muscle building), and teamwork with this one! Here’s a great tutorial if you’re wanting to make some with your kids.

6. Jump over Waves at the Ocean

Wave jumping is a family favorite way to play with water. If you don’t live near the ocean try to find a lake or large body of water in your city. You could even pretend you’re at the ocean right in the comfort of your home.

While you’re at it be sure to dig, scoop, and pour some water into your sandy creations (these are our favorite sand toys). There’s so many fun ways to play with water at the beach!

7. Explore and Imagine with Water Beads

If you’ve never tried water beads before this is definitely a fun and uncomplicated activity to try out! Simply put the beads in water and let them grow. When they’re ready toss in a few measuring cups, spoons, and silicone muffin cups and enjoy sipping your coffee in peace. You can find the water beads here. I’ve found that putting them in a large container helps keep them well, contained and not rolling all over the place. Once again. I may or may not be speaking from experience here. 😉

Please keep in mind that the beads are really small, so definitely supervise your kids with these and follow the age recommendations on the packaging.

8. Cool off at the Pool

A backyard pool is pretty effortless way to create lots of water filled memories. Your kiddos will love splashing and playing in the cold water. Grab some of their favorite toys for added fun.

Or head to your nearest pool for a refreshing dip in the water!

When you’re out and about with your kiddos be sure to stay sun safe by wearing sunscreen (we really like this brand) and make sure your swimsuits are made of UPF 50+ sun protective fabric. If you’re on the hunt for great suits, we have loved our swimsuits from SwimZip. Not only are they absolutely adorable, but they make getting ready to head out for water play a breeze with a signature full zipper down the front of their rash guard shirts. The pattern and color options they have available for the entire family are fantastic. They have options available for boys, girls, and even mom & dad too.

As a mama I truly appreciate that I can have the peace of mind to be able to enjoy splashing and playing in water to our hearts content, all while being protected from the sun.

Plus, they’re incredibly stylish and perfect if your planned water adventures get extra wet with downpour rain.

Whether you’re in your own backyard or out exploring your city there’s so many fun ways to connect with your kids and play with water. Water play is simple, fun, and kids of all ages enjoy it. Ready to create some memories of your own with the best scents of summer? These outdoor water play activities are sure to be a hit! Which one do you want to try with your family?

Does your family love water? Share the love and pin these 8 Best Summer Outdoor Water Play Activities for Kids for later!