Kids will want to hop in the bath! A collection of fun bath-time play ideas
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!
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Kids Will Want to Take a Bath! A Collection of Fun Bath Play Ideas (21–30)
Water gun made from a snack tube
You can make a great water gun using materials and tools you have around you! Here, we’ll introduce a water gun you can make using a snack tube.
First, make a hole in the center of the bottom of the tube.
Next, wrap the tip of a pair of chopsticks with cloth, temporarily secure it with a rubber band, then tightly wind twine over it to fasten it in place—that’s it! It’s also fun to decorate the tube with your favorite stickers.
With this water gun, kids can enjoy the sensation of drawing in water and pushing it out, and they can experiment with changing the water pressure.
Encourage children to try making this traditional-style water gun!
Sweets Bath Bomb
How about making bath bombs that you drop into the tub to enjoy their fizz and fragrance, but with a focus on appearance so they look like fake sweets? The ingredients are baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, essential oils, and food coloring.
Mix everything thoroughly, then lightly mist with water so it holds together.
Press the mixture into silicone molds, let it set, and dry.
Melt glycerin soap in the microwave, tint it with food coloring to resemble chocolate sauce, and drizzle it over the hardened bath bombs.
Try making donut-shaped, chocolate-shaped, and other sweet-inspired bath bombs and have fun with the designs!
Kids will want to take a bath! A collection of fun bath play ideas (31–40)
Making toys from scrap materials
Let’s make toys using items that were going to be thrown away, like clear files and paper cups.
If teachers bring things from home, you might discover unexpected materials.
Draw pictures on clear files with a permanent marker, and they transform into materials that can stick to walls like those in the bath! It’s great to make them at the preschool and then play with them at home.
By harnessing the children’s ideas in the creation process, you’ll likely end up with delightful toys they’ll feel attached to.
Another nice point is that crafting with recycled materials can be done indoors at any time!
Bubble play in the bath
A bubble bath that fills the tub with fluffy foam.
It’s a fun at-home activity that turns an everyday bath into a special event.
Add bubble-bath solution to the tub with warm water, and once it starts to foam nicely, hop in.
To keep bubbles out of your eyes, wearing goggles is also recommended.
You’ll get to experience a different kind of bath and enjoy various games using the foam.
Try adding some bubbly fun to bath time with family and friends!
Surprise Bath Bomb
A surprising bath bomb that lets you enjoy the fizzing bubbles when you drop it in the bath.
Let’s make a fun item with the kids that will make bath time more enjoyable every day! Put baking soda, citric acid, and potato starch into a bowl and mix.
Next, add food coloring to tint the mixture, then add just enough water to lightly moisten the surface and mix.
Once it’s damp enough to hold together when squeezed, place it on plastic wrap, tuck a small toy inside, and wrap it up.
Shape it into a ball, and after about 30 minutes, it’s ready! Drop it in the bath and surprise the kids as the toy emerges from the bubbles!
water slide
A water slide toy where you let dolls made from paper cartons slide down from a high point.
Since it uses warm or cold water, it’s perfect for bath time.
Using materials like paper cartons, scissors, and vinyl tape, you create the base of the water slide and the dolls.
Adults can handle the trickier tasks like making the slide, while kids can have fun drawing the dolls’ faces.
Adjust the height of the base and the length of the slide to build a dynamic attraction! Watching the dolls flow along with the water will captivate both children and adults.
sponge toy
A sponge toy made by arranging a mesh sponge.
Because it uses a soft material, it’s a safe water-play item for children.
Cut the net of the mesh sponge and remove the sponge.
Make slits in the sponge and shape it with an ocean-creature theme.
When making a jellyfish, the key is to thread the net through a hole you make in the sponge to create the tentacles.
When making a goldfish, tie the base of the tail fin with a rubber band to complete the fish silhouette.
Try floating the fish in the bath or squeezing the soft sponge and enjoy playing together with your child.