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)
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?”
water balloon
How about playing with inflated water balloons in the bath? Prepare balloons that you can fill with water and inflate them in the tub.
Making several smaller balloons will create a more festive atmosphere.
After filling the bathtub with a small amount of warm water, put the finished balloons in.
Even at home, it will turn your usual bath into a special space.
They’re items that make bath time more fun while you play with water.
It’s also recommended as an event for days when you can’t go outside, like when it’s raining.
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.
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!
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!
