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!
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[Perfect for summer] Fun at pools and watersides! Water play games (21–30)
footrace
What we’re introducing here is a footrace held underwater! In the already hard-to-walk-in water, you compete to see who can walk the fastest.
You might even be able to overtake kids who are usually faster on land.
And instead of just moving straight ahead, it’s fun to add a few simple rules like in this video—such as walking backwards or allowing a bit of interference with your opponents.
The ways to play are totally up to you! You don’t need any equipment, and it’s a simple pool game you can enjoy casually.
staring contest
The ocean and rivers are great, but pools are usually nearby, so they’re an easy way to enjoy playing in the water.
One recommended pool game is a staring contest; play it in pairs.
Whoever laughs loses.
It’s funny how being told not to laugh makes even little things hilarious, isn’t it? Just be careful not to swallow water if you laugh since you’re in the water, and make sure to play where you can stand.
If you’re playing with several people, splitting into teams and having a showdown is fun too.
Perfect for summer: Have fun at the pool and water spots! Water play games (31–40)
Hula hoop tunnel
Let’s try swimming through a hula hoop! Put a hula hoop in the pool and have people swim through it.
Start with the hoop high enough that swimmers can keep their faces above the water, then lower it so their mouths touch the surface, and finally submerge the hoop completely and have them swim through it underwater.
Hold the hoop a short distance away from the swimmer, give a start signal, and you can even make a race out of who gets through first—it sounds fun! Hula hoops are also available at 100-yen shops, so they’re easy to get.
Fitness test at the pool
We’re all familiar with fitness tests on land, but “fitness tests in the pool” are pretty rare, aren’t they? Doing them together turns into a super fun pool activity.
Using dolphin floaties and swim rings is such a perfect summer vibe, too.
There are lots of ways to test fitness in the water, but here are some recommendations: race to see who can cling to a dolphin floatie and travel the farthest, compete for the longest underwater distance, or do a free-swim time attack.
Let’s have fun cheering and competing to see who’s the most fit!
crocodile walk
Even small children who can’t swim yet can enjoy “crocodile walking.” In a shallow pool, kneel and stand in the water.
From there, place your hands in front of you and get on all fours to take a crocodile-like posture.
At the signal to start, everyone moves at once and races to see who’s the fastest.
We recommend starting by racing with normal walking in the pool, then racing while squatting in a half-crouch, and finishing with crocodile walking.
Some young children may dislike getting water on their faces, so follow this order to help them get used to the water little by little.
It’s a lively, fun game everyone can play together.
Water splashing race
Normally, people would get angry if you splash water on them.
But water play is the exception! Scoop up water from the pool with both hands and splash it, or use water guns to splash each other! It might feel uncomfortable at first when you get wet, but after a while you won’t mind it, and on hot days it’ll help you cool down! However, make sure everyone follows the rules: don’t splash faces, and don’t splash anyone who doesn’t want it.
If everyone slaps the water surface all at once on a “Ready, set, go!” to make a big splash, and then races each other, it’ll be super fun.
Bubble play
Fluffy bubbles are fun both to touch and to look at, aren’t they? How about adding bubble play as part of your water activities during the hot summer? You can make bubbles by mixing finely grated bar soap with water, and then whipping it up further with a foaming net.
Adding sugar helps it foam well.
It’s also great to have the kids think about how to make sturdy bubbles as they experiment.
Once you’ve made the bubbles, try different ways to play: put them on your body, gently blow them into the air, or combine them with colored water to make pretend drinks topped with “cream.” Enjoy the many ways to play!
