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)
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.
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.
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.