Perfect for summer: Fun at the pool and water spots! Water play games
When it comes to summer childcare, water play is a must.
Here, we’ll introduce fun games and activities that kids can enjoy at the pool, the beach, or the river.
There are plenty of ways for children who can’t swim to have fun, too—like games with water balloons and races using swim rings.
There are lots of activities that make for wonderful summer memories when enjoyed with friends.
Even kids who aren’t fond of water may grow to love the pool by the end of summer if they get used to it little by little through play.
Use this as a guide and be sure to try these ideas when you head to the beach or the river!
Perfect for summer: Fun at the pool and water spots! Water play games (1–10)
Underwater dodgeball
For kids, a classic sport has to be dodgeball! It’s a game where two teams split up and try to hit each other with the ball—whoever wipes out the opposing team wins.
A lot of people probably played it in big groups during lunchtime at school or after classes.
This time, let’s put a twist on dodgeball! Try playing while staying in the pool—you’ll definitely feel a fresh, new sensation that’s different from usual! Since it’s harder to move in water, it might also help narrow the gap between kids who are more and less skilled.
[Craft] Water gun with a plastic bottle
![[Craft] Water gun with a plastic bottle](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XL8qCdtXFIw/sddefault.jpg)
One activity that’s great for pool play is using a water gun made from plastic bottles.
To make one, prepare two plastic bottles.
Cut one bottle around the halfway point and use the mouthpiece side.
For the other bottle, cut it a bit closer to the mouth than halfway, and again use the mouthpiece side.
To prevent injuries, it’s a good idea to tape over the cut edges on both pieces.
Remove the cap from the bottle you cut second, and insert it into the first bottle.
On the first bottle’s cap, poke several holes so water can spray out.
Your plastic-bottle water gun is complete! By changing how you make the holes in the cap, you can vary the way the water comes out.
Underwater Rock-Paper-Scissors Game
Rather than a game, it’s more like the rock-paper-scissors you do when deciding something.
This activity is about playing that rock-paper-scissors underwater.
Because rock-paper-scissors is such a simple game, you can add your own original rules and expand the ways to play.
It might be a bit challenging for children who aren’t comfortable putting their faces in the water or diving, but it could also serve as gradual practice.
How about starting with something simple, like letting the winner of rock-paper-scissors get out of the water first?
Water gun target game
This is a simple game using classic water guns in the hot summer, where you compete to see how many targets you can hit within a time limit.
Don’t just focus on target practice—also pay attention to how water guns work by building pressure to push water out.
It’s also recommended to try a DIY approach using basic materials to think about mechanisms like pushing water in with a rod that seals gaps and shooting water out through a nozzle.
Get creative with the durability and distance of the targets, and consider how much water force is needed to knock them down.
Underwater Port Ball
Portball is a game in which you weave past the opponent’s defense to deliver the ball to the person in the goal position.
Playing portball in a pool adds a new layer of gameplay and makes it more exciting.
The water’s resistance makes it harder to throw the ball, and players may have to swim to defend, so careful strategizing becomes important.
Setting rules such as how long a player can hold the ball and how the ball can be contested are key points for keeping the game exciting and safe.
Ghost busting with a water gun
Games where you shoot something down with a water gun are always exciting, right? If you play a game where you shoot down ghosts, it could really bring out the summer spirit and be a lot of fun.
Draw ghost illustrations and use newspaper or calligraphy paper to make something like a string, then hang them from a rope.
It’s easy if you clip them on with clothespins.
Aim for the string part and shoot it down with your water gun.
This way, even kids who are scared of ghosts might enjoy themselves while defeating them!
Dance swimming
Let me introduce “dance swimming,” which is all about dancing in the pool.
It’s like an easy, casual version of synchronized swimming.
As you move to the music and have fun dancing, your swimming naturally improves.
One precaution: for safety, always do it where you can stand.
It’s fun with a few people, but it also sounds great as a team competition with a large group, taking turns to dance-swim.
You can imagine what kind of music to use, what the choreography might look like, even high-difficulty synchronized moves while floating—this activity really sparks the imagination.
