by The Fish

As we hit the dog days of summer, the indoor AC isn’t the only lifeline for your family. Here are some ideas for outdoor games that will keep your kids active and cool. If accompanied by proper supervision and ample sun screen, they could turn a drab summer day into a water park day…in their own backyard!

Drip, Drip, Drench! (Ages 3-5)

This game is the same as the classic Duck, Duck, Goose. The difference is that instead of walking around the circle tapping the heads of those seated, the person who is “it” carries a pitcher and drips water onto each head until they make their final selection. Then they shout “drench” and dump the entire pitcher on the person’s head. The person who is “it” runs around the circle and tries to beat the drenched person back to the spot they left in the circle without getting tagged.

Poison Pool Volley (Ages 6+)

Divide the pool in half with a rope and put the same number of kids on both sides. Then spread equal amounts of pool noodles, beach balls, floaties and other soft buoyant toys on each side of the rope. When you say go, the children start throwing the toys to the other side of the rope, while trying to block the toys thrown by the other team. The goal is to keep your side free of items. After a set amount of time elapses, the team with the least number of toys on their side of the rope wins. This game can be great for parties too.

Splash and Score (Ages 5-10)

For this game you will need at least one bucket and plastic bat, as well as a few dozen water balloons. Fill the bucket to the brim with water and put one child kneeling by the bucket with a plastic bat. The other child stands 6-10 feet away and tries to lob the water balloons into the bucket. If they make it in they get one point. If the child defending the bucket with the bat splatters the balloon in the air, they get one point. Try a few throws per child then rotate. The one with the most points at the end wins. You can play this with multiple pairs, bats and buckets, just make sure they are far enough away not to hit each other with the bats.

Water Limbo (Ages 2-10)

Spray a stream of water horizontally using a garden hose. Have the children line up and take turns walking under the stream, trying not to touch the water. After all the children cycle through, lower the stream of water and repeat. Keep lowering the stream until everyone’s wet! To conserve water during this game, combine it with watering your lawn or flower bed.

Sponge Tag (Ages 5-10)

This game is just like the original, except instead of just tagging a person, the person who is “it” carries a soaked sponge. When they catch someone, they drench them to pass the mantel of tagger.

Body Painting (All Ages)

Make your own washable body paint from safe ingredients, then take it outside for some wet and fun artistic expression. To clean the canvas and start over, just hose the kids down.