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 (31–40)
Jellyfish Towel
A classic bath-time game to play with kids is the towel jellyfish.
You simply watch and enjoy a towel bobbing on the surface of the bath.
Spread the towel out on the surface of the water so it floats, then shape your hands like you’re doing a volleyball toss.
Lift your hands from underneath the towel to let air in and puff it up.
Cup your hands around the swollen part, then sink the edges of the towel into the water—the jellyfish is complete! It forms a cute, rounded shape that kids are sure to enjoy.
tray puzzle
Let’s make an original puzzle using a food tray! All you need is a white or light-colored food tray, a permanent marker, and scissors.
First, draw any picture you like across the entire tray.
Once you’re done drawing, cut it into pieces of suitable sizes so it comes apart like a puzzle.
That’s it—the puzzle is complete.
Now, arrange the cut pieces so the picture connects and have fun playing.
You might get bored with the same picture, but if you can enjoy a puzzle using a drawing you make each time, your bath time is sure to become even more fun!
PET bottle aquarium
Let’s easily make a handmade snow globe in a plastic bottle that looks like an aquarium.
Cut out drawings of your favorite fish that you’ve drawn on a plastic bag, and put them into the bottle along with some beads.
Pour in water and screw the cap on, and it’s done.
When you shake it, the beads sparkle and it looks so pretty! If you draw fish directly on the bottle or tint the water with blue paint, it will feel even more like the ocean.
It’s also fun to customize—try floating your favorite animals or foods, too!
mechanical picture
An idea that lets you enjoy a magic-like trick where an illustration inside a plastic bottle seems to disappear.
Prepare drawing paper and a plastic bottle, and make an item that will amaze kids! Cut out drawing paper with a human-shaped illustration and place it inside the plastic bottle.
Then simply float it in clear warm water or water and slowly submerge it to play.
It’s also recommended to try adding items like animals, not just illustrations.
It’s a setup that will have kids asking, “Where did the things inside the plastic bottle go?”
Hand water gun
This is a bath-time water play you can do with your bare hands, no items needed.
It’s simple—just water and your hands—but it’s a lot of fun when you can aim your hand water gun at a target.
To make the water gun, press your hands together as if praying and scoop water in from the underside of your wrists.
Once you’ve sealed all the gaps with your hands, create a small opening below your pinky finger to let the water shoot out.
Adjust the pressure and speed of your grip to control the force of the stream.
It’s also fun to set up targets, like a shooting game, and knock them down together as a parent and child.
A bath-time activity you can enjoy while soaking in the tub.
Make Kids Want to Take a Bath! A Collection of Fun Bath-Time Play Ideas (41–50)
Fingerplay Song: “Let’s Go to the Bathhouse”
The hand-clapping song “Let’s Go to the Bathhouse” is perfect to sing with kids before bath time.
It features energetic walking and gestures for washing the body in the bath.
If you’re singing at home, you can try walking from the living room to the bathroom in time with the song.
It also teaches how to wash the face, head, and body, making it great for children’s learning.
The song ends right before getting into the bath, so you can head into the bath as soon as the song finishes.
It’s a fun idea to liven up the moments before bath time or when parents and children bathe together.
fishing
It’s a bath-time game where you reel in toy fish floating in the tub.
There are many ways to make the fish, but using a motorized toy makes it feel more realistic, so it’s recommended.
Float the fish on the surface of the water and aim with a fishing rod.
If you use a motorized one, the fish’s fins will tremble and vibrate as you catch it, giving you the same kind of tension as landing a real fish.
If you’re playing as a parent and child, it could be fun to let the fish swim from far away or do live commentary.
You can also help kids get used to bath time by letting them get absorbed in fishing.
Saying “Let’s take a bath!” works, but inviting them with “Let’s go fishing!” is also a great idea.