Lovely childcare

Kids will want to hop in the bath! A collection of fun bath-time play ideas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

The kids’ daily bath time.

It’s great when they hop right in, but when they say, “No! I don’t want to!” convincing them can be a real challenge.

When they just won’t get in the bath, it can leave you at your wits’ end.

So this time, we’re sharing ideas to make bath time fun for kids who say no to baths.

From homemade bath bombs and pretend play you can do in the tub, to toys made from recycled materials—there are plenty of bath-time play ideas that will make kids want to jump in.

Put them to use, and your daily bath time will turn into a fun part of the day!

Make Kids Want to Take a Bath! A Collection of Fun Bath-Time Play Ideas (41–50)

A boat that glides smoothly

[Craft You Can Play With] A Smooth-Sailing Boat (Milk Carton Screw Propeller) [Make It Now] Easy! Playable Craft & Upcycled Handmade Toy

A boat that glides smoothly

Let’s make an original boat that floats in the bathtub and moves on its own! You can easily build it with things you have at home, like a milk carton, paper tray, and straws.

Cut off one side of the milk carton and fold it in half.

Add two lines in the middle of the fold and make slits.

Attach a rubber band to the bottom of the milk carton, then thread a straw between the rubber bands to complete the propeller.

Attach the propeller to the boat body made from the tray, and your boat is ready.

Add a flag that matches the tray’s color and shape, and create a one-of-a-kind boat!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Playing night pool (pretend)

Night Pool Pretend Play with Daiso 100-Yen Goods ☆ [Yurin A-chan]

Playing night pool (pretend)

Play “night pool” at home using items you can buy at 100-yen shops, like fizzing bath bombs and sparkly soaps.

Mix the powders together, press them into shape, and when you drop them in the bath, you’ll have a bath bomb that fizzes and bubbles.

Add colorants and decorations to create your own original bath bombs.

Melt soap in the microwave, pour it into molds, chill until set, and you’ve got sparkly soap.

Use shimmering, glowing items to light up the space and turn your home bathtub into a luxurious retreat.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

We’ve introduced a variety of bath-time activities! How did you like them? Preferences will vary depending on your child’s age, but bubble baths seem fun for everyone, regardless of age.

There are also lots of educational toys designed for use in the bath.

Don’t feel tied to bathing only at night—inviting your child to bathe when they’re in a good mood is a great idea.

To help your child think of the bath as a fun place, keep the atmosphere calm and pleasant, and enjoy bath time together as a parent and child.