13 Water Games That’ll Cool Everyone Off This Summer

by Allison SutcliffeApril 15, 2024

We all know those summer days that are too hot and all you want is to jump through a sprinkler. With these water games, your family will have the chance to cool down while having a blast! Below, you’ll find our favorite water balloon games and water games for kids that will keep your family in cool-down mode all season.

A note about water balloons: as fun as they are, please clean up your little pieces: they can be choking hazards for little birds. Have a few prizes as an incentive to get kids in on a quick clean-up.

If you’re looking for more outdoor summer fun, check out these backyard games, swimming pool games, and games you can play in the dark.

1. Water Balloon Basketball

This easy water game is a slam dunk for any age because all kiddos need to do is point and shoot a squishy water balloon into a larger-than-regulation-sized hoop. To get the game started, have them hold a hula-hoop tummy level, the way you carry a laundry basket. Then line up kids for a turn to score two points. After each tiny baller sinks a splat-worthy shot, trade out the positions so everyone gets a turn. They shoot, and they score on this one!

2. Water Balloon Towel Toss

Bust out beach towels for this easy-to-run toss water balloon game that’s a little like tennis, but without the net or the racquets. Kiddos play in teams of four, where each pair holds a beach towel gently between them, with a little slack. The goal? To toss the balloon back and forth between two blankets without letting it drop… as many times as you can. The team with the most consecutive bounces (we’re betting they’ll be the driest of the bunch too!) wins!

3. Sponge Ball Relay

Get the energy out of your kiddos with a simple sponge ball relay race. Divide your group into two teams, then set up two empty buckets on one end of the yard, one for each team. Place another two buckets, full of water and sopping wet sponge balls, on the opposite end. When the whistle blows, one player from each team grabs a soaked sponge, runs it lickety-split to the empty bucket, and wrings out as much water as he or she can before running back to tag the next player. It’s easy to play this one with a time limit—the team with the fullest bucket wins! Or, until one team’s bucket spills over in victory.

4. Water Balloon Piñata

String up an array of colorful water balloons in the yard (over a tree, from the swing set) to serve as the piñata. Line up the Littles, and let each one take a swing in turn, with a plastic bat, or even a wrapping paper tube, to hit the delicate target and let loose the wild waterfall. Blindfolded or not, this is one guaranteed way to get wet!

5. Water Balloon Pop!

water balloons for water games for kids — Gabriel Alenius via Unsplash

The kids will clock plenty of giggle mileage when they play this fast-paced water balloon game. Break your group into two teams; each with a heaping bucket of fully loaded water balloons. When you say go—one member from each team grabs a balloon, races down the yard, and tries to pop it with his or her body (think stomping, sitting, or even laying on it!). Guarantee a dousing by having the kids break balloons on a chair, or, let the ground take the brunt of the splash. Once the balloon is popped, it’s back to the start to tag the next kiddo. On your mark, get set, and go

6. Keep Your Eye on the Balloon

For this game, think carnival shooting range—floating balloons being used as target practice. For the set up you’ll need lots of helium balloons and weights that are strong enough to hold the balloons in place when they take direct hits. Spread the targets out on the playing field. Three rows—each a different height and distance from the shooting line—work well. Then, have kidlets step up and take their best shot; each time they get a hit, they get a prize. Bullseye!

7. Squirt Gun Soccer

You should probably start stockpiling super soakers for this one. Little athletes will have a blast with this no-kick version of soccer that trades feet for squirt guns, and traditional soccer balls for a lighter-than-air beach ball. To start this wannabe match, break the group into two teams, and arm each player with a fully loaded squirt gun. They’ll use the stream to move the ball around the field as they try to score (or block) a goal. Set up sports cones at either end of the field so they know where to aim, and then it’s time to play. Go, team!

8. DIY Soakers

Just say no to broken water balloon bits littering the yard; use sponge balls instead! Just as throwable, just as drench-able, this soft alternative won’t leave behind a colorful mess for you to pick up. It’s Overflowing has the information you need to make your colorful soakers.

9. Cup Races

Think NCAA tourney when you whip out cup races at the party. All the tiny kiddos will get a chance to work their way through the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight for a shot at the big time—the Final Four—as they compete head-to-head, racing plastic cups down a string, using squirt guns. Check out the setup and racing details at All for the Boys.

10. Sponge Ball Toss

Got buckets? Then you’ve got all you need for some sponge ball toss. Line the kidlets up facing each other a couple of feet apart, in two straight lines, Madeline style. One holds a bucket, the other a sopping wet sponge ball. The object? Toss the sponge ball into the bucket. The catch? With each successful toss, the bucket holder takes a step back. Once the player misses the bucket, it’s time to switch places. The prize? Soaking in the fun of it all.

11. Kiddie Pool Toe Diving

Put that tiny pool to good use with this water game. Fill it with trinkets, small toys, and pool toys. Then, set a time limit for each player. They have that amount of time to get as many items out of the pool with their toes as possible. The player with the most items at the end of the round wins. Want an adult version of this water game? Use a blindfold.

12. Jump Rope Water Challenge

This three-player water game is easy to play. Give the “jumper” a large plastic cup of water and have each contestant jump rope 10 times. The player with the most water left in their cup at the end of the round is the winner.

13. Under the Sprinkler

You can play classic yard games under a sprinkler for cool fun. Try Simon Says, Freeze Dance, or have kids pretend to walk and talk like different animals!

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

25 Games to Play Outside on Sunny Days

by Amber GuetebierApril 15, 2024

Warm days are on the way, and there is an easy way to make sure the kids get enough fresh air and sunshine. Classic backyard games take almost no props or planning, many of them are well suited to siblings, and some even encourage parents to get in on the fun! These games to play outside are a perfect addition to your neighborhood gathering or summer birthday party.

If you’re looking for other games to play outside, check out these water games, classic yard games, and games to play in the dark.

1. Ice Pool Challenge

Chill out with this easy-to-play, simple-to-stage backyard game that kids of (almost) any age can play. To set it up, fill your kiddie pool with water and dump it in a bag of party ice. Yep, it’s that easy. Then divide the Littles into two teams, each with a bucket. Their goal is to fill the bucket with as many of the submerged ice cubes as they can, using only their feet to move those little rascals from one place to the next. Brrr-ing it!

2. Ninja Attack

In this game, ninjas-in-training test their skills by quietly sneaking up on a ninja master. Intrigued? Start by setting up a ninja course (think: paintball course) using oversized moving boxes, play tunnels, and other objects kids can quickly duck behind (or into). This is where the little ninjas will try to hide as the ninja master scans the yard for tiny foes. Then, have the master stand at one end of the yard opposite their attackers.

When you say go, the ninja master turns their back on her opponents while they stealthily walk toward them. When you say stop, little ninjas duck behind whatever’s closest so the master ninja won’t spot them. If they do, the little ninja is out. But if you’ve got the skill and can reach the ninja master first, you become the master!

3. Balloon Relay

This is one of the best games to play outside in the summer! Fill up a few water balloons and line up the kids Madeline-style (that’s two straight lines). Hand each line leader a balloon and have them place it securely between their knees. Players pass the balloon, knees-to-knees, down the row until it reaches the finish. It doesn’t get easier than that!

4. Bandana Tag

Transform the typical game of tag into a free-for-all (this one works best with older kiddos). The twist? They’re all “it.” To play, hand out bandanas to your crew to tuck in along their waistline, and let the great chase begin! Players tag each other by snagging bandanas, while simultaneously guarding their own until one player is left standing. It’s a wild romp they’ll want to play over and over again.

5. Bucket Toss

You can’t go wrong with carnival games, and the bucket toss is an all-time favorite. Line up the prize-filled buckets in a row. Each kid who power-slings a ball into a bucket is the proud owner of the goodie waiting to be plucked up. Opt for three turns each, otherwise, there could be a lot of standing (or wiggling) happening!

6. Squirt Gun Soccer

You should probably start stockpiling super soakers for this one. Little athletes will have a blast with this no-kick version of soccer that trades feet for squirt guns and traditional soccer balls for a lighter-than-air beach ball. To start this backyard game, break the party group into two teams, and arm each player with a fully loaded squirt gun. They’ll use the stream to move the ball around the field as they try to score (or block) a goal. Set up sports cones at either end of the field so they know where to aim, and then it’s time to play. Go, team!

7. Statue & Tourist

Perfect for when the light is fading (or in a dark room). One player is the “tourist” who is viewing the amazing statue garden. They get a flashlight. All the other players must stay as still as a statue: they are allowed to move when the light is off, but as soon as the tourist turns the flashlight on they must stay still. When the flashlight is on the statue, the tourist tries to make the statue giggle or wiggle. If they do, they join the tourist’s team and go tour for the next statue.

8. Run Through the Sprinkler

Turn your pool noodle into the best kiddie pool accessory in town, by converting it into an overhead sprinkler. Mommy’s Block Party can walk you through the process. It’s like a trip to the splash pad, without leaving the house. That sounds like the perfect summer pace for us! Check out these other amazing things you can do with a pool noodle (that don’t involve a pool).

9. Play with Hula-Hoops

Who says you have to have moves like Jagger to have fun with a hula hoop? Check out Learn Play Imagine‘s awesome hula hoop games—you’ll be amazed at the different and new ways you can play with one of the oldest toys imaginable.

10. Water Balloon Piñata

Bye-bye piñata loaded with sugary sweets and playful trinkets; hello suspended deluge! String up an array of colorful water balloons in the yard (over a tree, from the swing set) to serve as the party piñata. Line up the Littles, bursting with excitement to try this creative alternative, and let each one take a swing in turn, with a plastic bat, or even a wrapping paper tube, in the hopes of hitting the delicate target, and letting loose the wild waterfall. Blindfolded or not, this is one guaranteed way to get wet!

11. Monkey Around

Building on the “tag, you’re it!” theme, Monkey Tails is a silly variation that gets the whole crew involved in the chase. Simply tuck tails (socks or even dad’s ties make great ones) into the monkeys’ waistbands, then send everyone off, ducking, dodging, and running wild, to keep their tails from being nabbed by another player. The last player with a tail wins.

12. Superhero Showdown

Organize a meeting of the superheroes and watch the afternoon fly by. You might be ducking to avoid Batman’s (imaginary) gadgets and Spidey’s web all afternoon but the non-stop giggle-fest will be worth the effort.

13. 21 Questions, or “Who Am I?”

One person comes up with a person or thing; the other person has to ask “Yes” or “No” questions to try to figure out what or who it is. For younger kids, nix the Yes or No and just let any question do.

14. iSpy

This one’s another standby that’s great for nice afternoons outside. You can play it by “spying” something that is a certain color (“I spy something purple”) or by spying something that starts with a specific letter (“I spy something that starts with the letter B”). You can also up the game with binoculars and try to spot things at a certain distance away.

15. Give Up the Charade

Have your little monkey stay in character when you play a quick game of animal charades. No prep is necessary for this easy guessing game. Just pick your favorite animal and go for it! With each successful guess, trade places and start again. Ee-i-ee-i-o!

16. Rock, Paper, Scissors

Get your game hands on and “shoot!” Want to know how to be a Rock Paper Scissors star? Watch this fun video from Buzzfeed on “How to Win at Rock Paper Scissors.” Or try the Japanese version, called Janken. Start by saying “saisho wa guu.” Then “janken pon” as you pump, before throwing on “pon.” The winning combos are still the same in this timeless, quick game you can play outside at home or on the go.

17. Simon Says

Simon says to try this backyard game with your kids instead of handing them your phone the next time you’re waiting for anything (i.e. at the doctor’s office, outside the classroom, etc.). If you didn’t grow up on Planet Earth and don’t know how to play, here are the rules.

18. Make and Play Giant Pick-Up Sticks

giant pick up sticks are a fun backyard game and a fun game for outside — Shelley Massey

Instead of playing pick-up sticks with the chopstick-sized sticks of our youth, why not spray paint the sticks in your yard and play with those, instead? Bonus: Guess who helps you gather the sticks out of your yard? And they say they’re too young for yard work. You can thank I Heart Naptime for the great idea.

19. Let’s Race!

On your mark, get set, GO! Whether you’re staging a relay race or a full-tilt foot race, all you need for a memorable obstacle course is whatever you’ve got in your garage (think big wheels, basketballs, and jump ropes) and a little creativity. Want to up the ante? Add a stopwatch, and you’ll have them competing against their own PRs all afternoon long. Nothing gets the giggles going more than an obstacle that involves improv dancing!

20. Play Blind Man’s Bluff

Blind’s Man Bluff is one of the most classic games to play outside. Like a thinking man’s tag, all you need is a blindfold and a few players to start. Put the blindfold on the Seeker; then spin them around a few times while the other players scatter. Now it’s time to seek. Using their keen other senses, the Skeeker tries to tag the scattered players who are rooted in place. Sure, players can duck and dodge their outstretched arms, but they can’t move their feet. It’s a giggle-worthy backyard game everyone can play!

21. Food Truck

From the brilliant mind behind Tinker Lab comes another great way to pretend play outdoors. If you’ve got a big cardboard box, then you’ve got a restaurant, a vehicle, and a store! Yup, it’s a pretend food truck and it’s rolling right into your living room. They’ll be serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert— all in one afternoon.

22. Green Light, Go!

We love Red Light/Green Light because it’s one of the easiest games to play outside. Plus, it gives parents the option to take it easy as the caller or join in the game (hello daily workout!). Stop and go until they’re tuckered out from all that running.

23. Marco Polo (with a twist)

Modify a classic pool game with a few tweaks, and you’ve got a backyard game that’ll tire out your kids. Play a few rounds of Marco Polo outside—all that ducking, dodging and blind searching is more tiring than you’d expect, which makes it a great way to wear out wee ones pre-bedtime.

24. Have a Sponge Ball War

Better than a water balloon fight (sayonara, plastic balloons all over the yard!), DIY sponge balls (find them at It’s Overflowing) are reusable, versatile, and a total blast.

25. Look for Pictures in the Clouds

After all of these fun backyard games, the last, and best one on your bucket list is to lay back in the grass and hunt for pictures floating by in the clouds. See who can be the first to spot an animal, an imaginary being, a building, a car, and whatever other fun shapes you can think of.

18 Pool Party Ideas to Help You Throw an Epic Bash

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 7, 2023

Our list of creative decor, festive snacks, activities, and more will basically do the planning for you (you’re welcome!)

What’s better than swimming with friends in the summer? Throwing an epic pool party for your friends! This summer, get ready to make a splash. We’ve got the scoop on the most incredible pool party ideas on the block, from the best swimming pool games (move over, Marco Polo) to fun food ideas and unforgettable favors. So grab the sunscreen, stock up on chic cover-ups, and don’t forget the summer charcuterie board!

Pool Party Decor Ideas

Set the mood and let your party-goers know how big of a splash they’re in for with bright colors and festive accents. From beach balls to pool noodles, here’s how to make your pool party look picture-perfect.

Tissue Paper Pineapple Poufs

Add a pop of color to your decor with this fabulous idea from Frog Prince Paperie. Bright yellow poufs are transformed into cute pineapples—just the thing to give your party a tropical, island-inspired vibe.

Colors That Pop

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Summer is all about bright candy colors. You can easily (and affordably) add lots of color with nothing more than plastic dollar-store tablecloths the pool party spotted at Spaceships and Laser Beams. Cover your food table with one and then drape the second tablecloth on the wall for a fun backdrop.

Inflatables

From flamingoes to donuts, pool inflatables come in all kinds of fun shapes and sizes. They can add a splash of color to the main attraction—your pool—and smaller ones can serve as DIY ice chests or just whimsical table decor.

Food Ideas for a Pool Party

You’ll want to offer plenty of snacks and treats to keep your guests energized. Check out all the cute and clever ways to keep them fueled up below.

Mermaid Jello

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A post shared by Jenn Powell (@everafterinthewoods)

Your kids will love this beachy jello recipe! You can customize it with whatever toppings you’d like.

Watermelon Pizza

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A post shared by Nourished (@nourishedhinsdale)

If the kids are asking for pizza, but it’s not time for dinner, this is the perfect snack! You can use cream cheese icing or yogurt as the topping.

On-the-Go Desserts

Let's face it, a party with store-bought goodies is still a great party. If you're short on time, consider buying something from your local grocer and calling it a day. From dairy-free offerings to chocolate waffles, you can run the gamut from totally unique to classic with a healthy twist—depending on your party theme.

Fish Food Snack Mix

Kids can fuel up as they play the afternoon away with this genius snack mix from Mama Cheaps. With some “fishy” ingredients mixed in, it’s perfectly on theme.

Watermelon Shark

How cute is this edible idea from Inspirational Mama?! It’ll look amazing as the centerpiece of your party, and kids are sure to gobble up all the fruit.

Snow Cone Cupcakes

Can’t decide between serving cake or ice cream? These adorable Snow Cone Cupcakes from Mimi’s Dollhouse are the perfect compromise. They look refreshingly delicious, but you won’t have to worry about them melting in the heat.

Tasty Popsicles

Cool the kids down without any added sugar with these refreshing Honey Strawberry Lemonade popsicles. For more delicious flavors check out our astounding list of 22 drool-worthy popsicles that are healthy, fresh, and downright perfect for beating the summer heat.

Mermaid Tails

Pretzels plus colorful chocolate equals adorable mermaid tails! Perfect for an after-school snack or a mer-themed party, these easy-to-make tails use melting chocolates, sprinkles, and simple pretzel rods, but look like a million bucks. Get the easy recipe from Ever After in the Woods.

Pool Party Activities

There’s more to water play than splashing and swimming laps. Whether your kids can swim in the deep end or like to use pool floats in the shallow end of the (wading) pool, here are some fun games that’ll have them hopping with excitement.

Water Balloon Piñata

Skip the candy and let the party piñata sprinkle your guests with water instead. Hang overfilled water balloons in a tree or play structure and stand back while they take turns swinging a plastic bat or paper tube to see how many they can burst. Check out more fun water games.

Classic Pool Party Games

You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on planning some awesome activities for your guests. Keep them entertained and splashing with something as simple as a cannonball competition or a good old-fashioned game of Marco Polo. Check out more classic water games here.

Sponge Ball Toss

Move aside water balloons, there’s a new wet and wild game that’ll last much longer! Follow Crazy Adventures in Parenting to learn how to make these squishy, fun-soaked sponge bombs.

Party Favors Perfect for a Pool Party

Your guests will be having so much fun they might not want to leave, but you can keep the party going with a fun memento from the day. Check out these awesome party favors that your guests will love and appreciate both during the party and long after it’s over.

Cool Shades

Protect those big eyes from the bright summer glare. Kids from Miss Prim and Me’s pool party got to choose from a chromatic display of super cool shades.

Starfish Headbands

Pool hair? No one will care when you outfit your water-loving guests with these starfish headbands from sandsurfcreations.

Beach Ball Party Invite

Forget the usual paper party invites and give your guests something that will really get them excited about your bash with these Beach Ball Invites from The Bubbly Hostess. It’s like an invite and pre-party favor all in one! Grab a set of 6 beach balls here.

Sunscreen Station

It might not be super exciting for your young pool partygoers, but parents will definitely appreciate this favor. Put out all kinds of toddler-friendly sunscreen that your guests can use at the party and even take home. SPF 50 for the face and a spray-on one that’s waterproof? Check, check! And look at the extra flair Entertain with Jordan gave to her station!

My Kid’s Summer Involves Zero Camps and Endless Fun

by Jess deCourcy HindsMay 20, 2023

Every summer, my daughter, Stella, and I rejoice when the playground sprinklers come on

When Stella was a baby, I dangled her over the glittering, piercing cold spray as she squealed with laughter. Soon she learned to walk, staggering through them, bucket and shovel in hand. Every year I could step back a little more from her, eventually watching from the park bench with the other parents. Before I knew it, she was biking through them with the other big girls.

Then, the summer before Stella entered first grade, we arrived at the park on the first hot day, as always. “Where is everyone?” I asked another mom, looking around. Where were the scooters and bikes, the jump ropes, the chattering, the hand-clapping games? “Avocado, avocado, is the name of the game, if you mess up I will change your name!” The park had been taken over by nannies and parents with babies sleeping or drooling on their shoulders.

“So where’s Maddie?” I asked Maddie’s mom.

“Camp, of course.” Maddie’s mom laughed.

“You didn’t sign up Stella?” another dad asked.

I soon learned that parents in my neighborhood didn’t choose just one camp. They piled them like wedding cake layers, one atop another. The first week of July brought Mandarin immersion mornings with synchronized swimming afternoons. Then followed two weeks of zoo camp, a ballet program with gymnastics, Mathnasium every Tuesday and Wednesday, a week of cooking school, and then two weeks of horseback riding. One mom sent her daughter to join a circus. She really, truly did.

“So what’s Stella doing?” Maddie’s mom leaned over to observe my daughter peering down a disgusting drain clogged with leaves and hair. “She’s just doing more of… this?”

“This, yes!” I nudged my kid’s hand away from the dirty drain, washing it in the sprinkler. “And field trips!”

If working at a school has prepared me for anything, it’s managing a field trip. (That I’m a librarian is just a bonus.) The build-up of anticipation, the meticulous coordination of details, and…coming home to reflect on the experience and make a project. Anything could be a field trip, even the hardware store! And I didn’t even have to bother with permission slips and emergency numbers.

That night, I stayed up late googling museums and free activities—there was hip-hop dance in the park!—and penciling in library craft activities at branches within ten miles. There was no reason we had to go to our local branch; we could travel anywhere and check out books with our three different library cards. We’d officially start our “sprinkler summer” filled with a sprinkling of activities.

For the first couple of weeks, I dealt with my anxiety and competitive streak by telling myself and others, “Stella has a coding class at the library tomorrow. On Friday, she does tie-dye.” We registered for all the free classes—our safety net—but we didn’t show up when the sprinklers beckoned.

We invented new routines, like frozen yogurt Thursdays, or writing illustrated letters to grandma once a week and mailing them ourselves. We scheduled all playdates for 4 p.m. when Stella’s friends finished camp. We carried a bulging blue Ikea bag to the playground and filled it with chalk, biodegradable water balloons, soap bubbles, a parachute, and pail and shovel, and spilled it out for everyone to share. We made friends of all ages. We became known as the family that always had chalk. We even got 3-D chalk that you wore special glasses to see in its vibrating neon glory.

If this makes it sound like I did every single thing myself homemade and by myself—I didn’t. I hired babysitters and asked for help from grandmas and my partner. I used the TV in times of need.

Was our first sprinkler summer a success? I still had doubts that summer before first grade. Then one August day, Stella and I sat outside the Natural History Museum finishing our peanut butter sandwiches. Three yellow school buses pulled up, and a counselor marched dozens of kids off the bus. The first busload wore red shirts; the second busload, orange; and the third, green.

“Do you wish you could be with them?” I asked.

“No,” she said. “Or maybe just for three days or five minutes.”

I laughed.

“What color shirt should we wear for our camp, Mama?”

“Whatever design you want,” I said. “It’s all yours.”

Celebrating Holi with Family: Everything You Need to Know

by Nicole FindlayMarch 6, 2023

Learn about the history of this colorful holiday and enjoy some food and crafts with your kids

Say goodbye to winter and hello to spring! Holi, the annual Hindu Festival of Colors, is steeped in rich history and celebrated with vibrant reds, yellows, blues, and greens. It’s a perfect opportunity for family fun while also teaching your kiddos about this unique holiday. We’ve got great ideas (like crafts, recipes, and books) to help you have a Holi celebration and learn with little ones.

What is Holi?

family at a Holi celebration — Sunny Kumar via Unsplash

The second most famous festival in India after Diwali, Holi (originally known as Holika) symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the start of spring. Celebrated around the world, Holi is most known for people throwing colored powders in the air and splashing them on others!

While it’s a super fun occasion, it’s important to understand the holiday's significance and support the communities from which it came.

Fun Facts:

Holi is also known as the Festival of Colors, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love.
Holi is a two-day event, starting on the day of the last full moon on the Hindu lunisolar calendar. On the first day, families may have a sacred bonfire. On the second day, the celebration of the festival of colors begins.
Holi in 2023 will start at sundown on March 8^th and end at sundown on March 9^th.

How to Celebrate Holi

little girl at a Holi celebration — Dhiya vignesh via Unsplash

Traditionally, on the eve of the festival, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning of evil spirits. People throw wood, branches, and dried leaves into the flames.

The next day, during the Festival of Colors, communities throw colored powder into the air and on each other. They splash water—sometimes with squirt guns and sometimes with colored water-filled balloons. And many people wear white, so the splashed colors show up even better!

Family and friends gather for festive meals and exchange sweets in the evening.

A Holi celebration is definitely for the entire family! To celebrate with yours, start by learning about the history and culture at home. And then take a look at this (optional) list of staples to add some color to your celebration:

Colored powder: There are tons of options online, but these are eco-friendly and organic
Plain white t-shirts for the entire family
Water guns
Water balloons
Indian food and sweets. Thandai Truffles are available here! And there are even vegan sweet options here!
Holi décor. Lots of colorful options here!
Thandai mix. This super popular Holi drink is available at Indian restaurants or online. This cold, sweetened milk flavored with nuts and seeds is perfect for Holi.

What Do the Colors of Holi Mean?

Each color means something different. Before you start throwing your colored powder into the air, it’s important to learn the significance and importance of each color.

Red: Weddings, Love & Fertility
Yellow: Turmeric and its medicinal uses
Blue: Color of the revered God in Hinduism, Lord Krishna
Green: New beginnings, nature, and harvest

Holi Crafts for Kids

handful of colors at a Holi celebration — Debashis RC Biswas via Unsplash

Holi is messy—and so is a great art project!

Make Your Own Holi Powder
Sure, you can buy colored powders online or at your local Indian grocery shop, but how much fun would it be to make your own! Dry colorful flower petals and mix with rice flour or check this out for step-by-step instructions on hold to make each color.

STEM Oil, Water, and Color Experiment
Before making your own powder, why not throw in a science experiment to teach the family how oil can protect their skin? Choose a willing participant and apply baby oil on one hand and water on the other. Then, rub your Holi color equally on both hands. Leave the color on for 5 mins before washing. What happens? Oil doesn’t mix well with color, forming a thin barrier between the hand and the powder. On the opposite hand, water mixes great with color—so it’s harder to get off!

Build Your Own Water Gun
Paint an old plastic water bottle and let it dry for a day or so. Take the lid off the bottle and have an adult poke a hole in the bottle’s center. Fill the bottle with water, put the lid back on, and squeeze to squirt the person nearest you!

Colorful Rolled Papercraft
Cut out strips of colored paper. Roll them around a pencil and then glue your colorful rolled strips onto cardstock in the design of your choice. The more colorful the better and you can even add more than one layer! Click here for pictures and instructions.

Paint Splatter Cards
Splatter is such a fun way to play with color. And handmade cards will be much appreciated by family and friends—especially those that live too far to celebrate with you. Click here for pictures and instructions.

Holi Coloring Pages and Rainbow Crayons
What kid doesn’t like coloring pages? And what better way to celebrate the festival of color than by making your very own rainbow crayons! Search the house for broken crayons—you probably have more than you think! Peel the wrappers off and cut the crayons into 2-inch pieces. Arrange in a mold like this. Bake in the oven at 225 degrees for 10 mins.

Holi Recipes for Kids

India’s food varies from region to region but there are some special drinks and dishes enjoyed by all on Holi. From Thandai, Lassi, and Gujiya to Dahi Bhalle and Rasmalai, Holi can be as flavorful as it is colorful. The holiday is a perfect time to feast with family and friends. Maybe try something new!

This Thandai recipe looks delicious and comes with step-by-step instructions and helpful photos.

And for a few more culinary ideas, check out these 11 kid-friendly recipes to help you celebrate Holi.

Read a Story About Holi

Storytime is a great way to learn more about the history of the holiday and the significance of the celebration. Get cozy with your little ones and dive into a good picture book. One of our favorites is Festival of Colors, a story about a brother and sister’s preparation and celebration of Holi. We also love Holi Colors and Amma Tell me About Holi.

Want More Information about Holi? Check Out This Video:

Simple Ideas for a Hip Picnic Party

by Christal Y.July 26, 2022

Get out your picnic blankets and give your next outdoor summer gathering a little something special with simple picnic party ideas that’ll make you the envy of the neighborhood. We found incredible ideas from everywhere and highlighted their finest features. And, the best part? You don’t have to be a party planner to pull them off. Scroll down to get inspired.

photo: iStock

Picnic Party Ideas: Decor

While nothing screams picnic more than red and white gingham, there are plenty of other creative and artistic ways to add flair to your toddler’s gathering. See how to stun your guests from the get-go.

Set Up Shade

Get creative with the way you keep your guest cool by creating your own shade. With just a little prep, you’ll have a cozy outdoor space in no time.

Make a Welcome Sign

Smile before entering this vintage summer party! Party Loves greeted their guests with a colorful chalkboard, a cost-effective and unique idea that lets you get your art on.

Picnic Party Hats

How adorable are these fruit-inspired party hats from Studio DIY? Easy to make, they can double as a party favor! We’ve got even more fun paper hats here.

Bee Hive Lanterns

Your guests will be buzzing with excitement over this creative and easy picnic party idea. Head over to Party Delights to find out what you’ll need.

Family Birthday — Tiffany Arment Photography

Multi-Colored Plaid Banners

Who says picnics have to stay red and white? Go for checked blue, green, yellow and orange like photographer Tiffany Arment did for Adam’s first birthday picnic. Choose your tot’s favorite colors to add extra vibrancy.

teddy-bear-picnic-balloons — Amie Bell Photography

Balloons and Blankets

Shutterbug Amie Bell used teddy bears and picnic baskets as weights to keep down those beautiful balloon centerpieces. If you’re planning a different picnic theme, just switch out the teddy bear with your guests’ party favors or another favorite item of the birthday tot.

Indoor Picnic Party Ideas

If your picnic has to be indoors, no worries, just follow Swoon Studio‘s lead and grab some vintage windows and checkered tablecloths for a real outdoorsy vibe. Plus, being inside just means you can totally put wicker baskets on the table without having to fret about dirt and leggy insect crawlers.

Picnic Party Ideas: Food

Eating outdoors with toddlers can be a messy business. Here are a few ways to create stress-free lunches and eco-friendly snacks for those hungry tummies.

Deviled Eggs

What’s a picnic without deviled eggs? With this super simple recipe, it’s easy to ensure that your al fresco meal includes this delicious staple. Older kids can even make their own version! Grab the how-to here.

Single Salads

You can thank Hello Wonderful for the brilliant idea of having kids pre-pack their picnic foods in little jars. It keeps the mess to a minimum and gets your kids helping, too. See more fabulous picnic foods by clicking here.

Picnic “Lunchables”

Make sure each kiddo has their own picnic basket by sorting all their food into one picnic box. Fill your box with sammies, chips, celery, and dip, wrap it up with twine and include a picnic napkin for these adorable picnic “Lunchables”!

Watermelon Sticks

Cut your watermelon into easy to hold sticks instead of cubes. This way you save on utensils. Freeze the sticks to make uber-healthy popsicles. Need tips on cutting that watermelon? The Girl Who Ate Everything makes life easier with picture tutorials.

Honey-Sweet Lemonade

Sweeten your lemonade with honey rather than sugar for bonus health points. We love how Picnic for Pixies, a South African party planner, had their party buzzing with extra excitement. Just look at how awesome that hive-shaped dispenser is! Check out our favorite lemonade recipes here.

Fruit on a Stick

Try these fruit and cheese kabobs from The Nourishing Home for a healthy snack that packs a protein punch. Let little ones help you cut fruit and cheese into shapes and slide onto sticks. Mix things up with any kind of berry, melon or pineapple plus a variety of cheeses so they don’t tire of this treat. Just be sure to supervise since sticks can be sharp.

photo: iStock

Picnic Party Ideas: Games

What’s a picnic without games and fun? Whether you’ve planned for a relaxing party on the lawn or a day packed with excitement and fun, these easy backyard games are perfect entertainment for the kids.

DIY Lawn Matching Game

How fun is this matching game from Studio DIY? The bright colors, fun patterns and large playing pieces are a perfect match for tiny hands. Find out how to make your own set by clicking here.

Lawn Day Twister

Spending a day on the grass? Katie Haines of You + Me turned the grass into a personal Twister game for her southern-themed picnic party. This is perfect for big parties where a Twister mat can’t fit everyone. After your little spray paint magic, let the birthday babe bark out the instructions.

Water Balloon Spoon Race

Got high-energy tots that love to run and scream? Here’s an egg race spin-off game that’ll have them zonked out by the end of the day. Use water balloons to make less of a mess (your local park will thank you), and if you have balloons left over… have a water balloon fight! Get the tutorial on decorating plain wooden spoons over at Two Shades of Pink.

Cloth Picnic Games

For a calmer playdate picnic in the park, play a cloth game that utilizes trinkets from nature. Kids will love searching for flowers to use as tic-tac-toe pieces. For a more complicated square game that works as a brain challenge for older kids, head over to Say Yes.

stretchy-fabric-kids — The Mary Frances Project

Fabric Tube Run

Embrace the elasticity of swimsuit fabric (nylon and lycra) and make a bouncy tunnel for kids to bop about in. Moms and sisters of The Mary Frances Project showed us this fantastic game for smaller kids, where parents stretch out the fabric and kids can run about, bouncing off the “walls.” Order a few yards of swimsuit fabric from eBay or The Fabric Fairy, and then follow the game tutorial here.

Picnic Party Ideas: Favors

Let your guests leave with a lasting impression. These party favors go beyond perishable food and small toys.

photo: iStock

Picnic Blankets

You can hand out blankets for your playdate picnic and let your guests keep them afterward. It’s a great gift that works for the entire family. They’ll remember your stellar party as they sit on the blanket to make new memories out in the park.

Watermelon Playdough

Pack some green and pink dough and a handful of black beans in a little container so kids can bring the picnic home. Get the playful instructions (print them out and include them in your gift bag) from No Time for Flash Cards. It’s a great sensory craft for little hands.

Picnic Fans

When it gets too hot at your summer picnic party, your guests will be thankful these cute fans are going around. And they’ll be ecstatic to know that they can keep them too! Find out how to make these beautiful summer coolers over at Ao At Home.

—Dhyana Levey, Christal Yuen with Gabby Cullen

Must-Have Toddler Gear That Will Save Your Summer

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseMarch 31, 2022

To make the most of this endless summer, local moms have to get creative. With a little help from Amazon and our Facebook mom group, we came up with these awesome picks for 21 splurges and budget-friendly toddler staples that will make this an epic—and super-memorable—summer.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

$62 BUY NOW

Every kid likes having sweet wheels, and the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is sized just right and comes in a variety of colors and themes. You push it Flintstone-style with your feet, and it rides well on grass or sidewalks.

Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Folding Wagon

$119 BUY NOW

Whether you go for a luxury ride like the Veer Cruiser or a more budget-friendly model like this Radio Flyer 3-in-1, you need a wagon. They're big enough to tote your kid and all their gear, and they're a handy accessory for all sorts of toddler situations, from naps on the go to zooming through the splash pad with friends.

Step2 Unicorn Up & Down Roller Coaster

$160 BUY NOW

Slides are great, but kiddie roller-coasters are magic. Toddlers love wheeling the car up the track almost as much as they love racing down the ramp. The Step2 Unicorn Up & Down Roller Coaster separates into stackable pieces for easy storage.

Costzon Ride On Sand Digger

$59 BUY NOW

Find a patch of gravel, sand or dirt and watch kids emulate their heroes: construction workers. On this ride-on digger, kids control the levers and can ride, pivot, scoop and dump to their heart's content. Pro tip: Break out these wheels again in the winter after a big snowfall.

Strider Classic Balance Bike

$119 BUY NOW

Your toddler can cruise with the big kids on a balance bike. These rides help your child find their balance, which makes the transition to a big-kid bike easier than it is from a trike. We like this Strider model designed for kids 18 months to 5 years, but do your research to find the right one for your child. Things to consider: the bike's minimum and maximum seat height, the frame material (aluminum is lighter for kids to carry; steel is durable even with rough-and-tumble toddlers) and whether the bike has a hand brake, which is important if you plan to venture out to hilly areas.

Costzon Foldable Triangle Climber

$149 BUY NOW

Provide a safe surface for climbing and sliding with this climbing triangle ladder. It strengthens motor skills and balance and is stable enough to support kids from 6 months up to age 6. Great for indoor or outdoor activity, this Costzon ladder folds away when not in use.

Best Choice Products Wooden Sandbox

$119 BUY NOW

If you can't get to the beach, bring the beach to your backyard. Build a sandbox to save money or splurge on this one from Best Choice Products. Made from cedar, it has a lid to protect the sand from rain, debris and bugs, and the lid converts to chairs with backrests. The bottom is a liner, so moisture drains out of it.

Hey Play Bubble Lawn Mower

$33 BUY NOW

Tire out your toddler before nap time with bubble makers and a good-quality solution (we love Gazillion Bubbles). Buy a machine with a fan to blow them out and get wands for kids to create their own floaters, and you'll have a rockin' party in no time. For a solo child, bubble lawn mowers like this Lydaz one are always a big hit.

Hey Play Saucer Swing

$119 BUY NOW

If you have sturdy trees, you need a tree swing. This one from Trekassy seats more than one and grows with your child so you'll get years of use out of it.

Crayola Sidewalk Chalk

$12.99 BUY NOW

Get creative without leaving behind a giant mess. Let your child draw what they like with this Crayola sidewalk chalk or create a chalk obstacle course with things to hop, jump and walk on. We like to draw our course near the street so kids walking by can have fun with it, too.

Babymoov Anti-UV Tent

$49 BUY NOW

Pop-up tents are great for limiting exposure to the sun and strong winds while still staying outside. Stock your child's tent with books, toys and water for chill-out time or naps al fresco. Pop up this Babymoov tent in the backyard and take it with you to the beach or park. At 1.5 lbs., it's easy to bring along on your outdoor adventures.

Intex Kiddie Pool

$19 BUY NOW

A kiddie pool means hours of fun for kids of all ages, and this Intex one has served us well. If splashing around in the pool isn't holding their interest, dump in their bath toys and beach toys and watch them go to town. When the weather isn't cooperating, drag the pool indoors (empty the water first) and fill it with ball pit balls for a whole new way to party.

Little Tikes Water Table

$60 BUY NOW

We like the looks of this Little Tikes wave-making water table, but there are lots of themes and accessories to choose from. Add a watering can, measuring cups and other water toys and watch the science experiments and imaginative play begin. To keep kids interested, add dish soap to the water to create tons of bubbles (and sneakily give the water table and toys a good cleaning).

BigMouth Giant Inflatable Dinosaur Sprinkler

$69 BUY NOW

When kids are cranky, add water. Preferably in the form of a sprinkler. Run through the water with your child or let them invent their own games of keep away. And if you're getting a sprinkler, why not get a BigMouth inflatable dinosaur that's over 6 feet tall?

KEEN Unisex Closed Toe Water Sandal

$48 BUY NOW

Whether your choose Crocs or Keens, a sturdy shoe that kids can run in and get both wet and dirty are a must to protect feet and prevent falls while enabling maximum outdoor fun. These Keens will take you from climbing on rocks to the lake to the splash pad and back again. Hose them down when the day is done (some brands can even be cleaned in the washing machine).

Crazy 100 Rapid-Filling Self-Sealing Water Balloons by ZURU

$7 BUY NOW

You know playtime is on when someone busts out the water balloons. We like these rapid-fill, self-sealing balloons from Bunch O Balloons so you can get them into eager toddlers' hands more quickly. When the water balloon fight is over, set up a contest to see who can pick up the most balloon bits. Like all balloons, you'll want to dispose of them so wildlife doesn't eat them.

U.S. Art Supply 25-Piece Paint Brush Set

$9.99 BUY NOW

Give your child some paintbrushes and a cup of water and watch them paint the sidewalk, rocks, trees, pets, really whatever is around them. It's amazing how much little kids like getting to do what adults do, and painting makes them feel important. This is an especially good activity for kids while you're doing yard work or some exterior painting yourself. Try this set from U.S. Art Supply so your child can find the size and brush shape that suits them. Save the other brushes for art projects.

Stearns Kids' Basic Puddle Jumper Swim Vest

$24.99 BUY NOW

Stearns Puddle Jump life jackets are sized for little kids and help keep them safe in the water with your supervision. Always stay within arms reach of a young child who can't swim. Cute designs and bright colors encourage kids to want to put them on.

Helistar Popsicle Mold

$22 BUY NOW

Make healthy treats with your child with Helistar's silicone popsicle molds. Keep 'em hydrated and get some vitamins in them with fruit juices or by blending up fruit and spinach smoothies to cool down with on a hot day.

OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty

$16 BUY NOW

If your child is getting the hang of potty training, you'll want to store this Oxo travel potty in your car or in a large backpack for emergencies when you're out and about. Fold legs down and you have a sturdy seat kids can use in the car or on the ground, or fold legs up and place it over a public toilet to keep things more sanitary.

Babiators Kids Navigators

$24 BUY NOW

Sure, you can get cheap kids' sunglasses that are all kinds of adorable, but you'll want to choose a pair that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection to keep eyes safe. These Babiators protect kids' eyesight and help them see well when they've whipped off their sun hat, as you know they will.

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11 Clever Counting Games for Kids

by Melissa HeckscherJanuary 28, 2022

Getting your kids excited about math is as easy as 1-2-3: just introduce them to these awesome learning games. You’ll jump-start their number knowledge while also giving them a chance to work on their fine motor skills and play with bubble wrap, sidewalk chalk and stickers. Read on to get the skinny on all our favorite counting games.

Feed the Sharks

Grab some stickers and markers and get your kiddos counting with this fab idea from Days with Grey. They’ll get to feed each shark using colorful dot stickers.

Race to Lose a Tooth

This fun game from Toddler Approved is sure to make your little ones smile. They’ll roll the dice and practice counting as they pull marshmallow “teeth” from a mouth.

Pom Pom Challenge

This idea from NurtureStore is a two-for-one: kids can practice counting while also building their fine motor skills. Challenge them to use just a straw to move the right number of pom poms to the correct container.

Pop Goes The Number

They're going to do it anyway, so why not make popping bubble wrap an educational opportunity? Hands-on mama-of-three Jamie Reimer has the details at Hands On As We Grow.

Counting Rocks!

Young counters can play a variety of counting games with these handmade number rocks: match number pairs; line them up from 1-9, and see what happens when you put one number in front of another. Fun-loving mom Mary Catherine shares the step-by-step scoop on her site, Fun-a-Day.

Splashing Digits

Would your kiddo like a few water balloons to smash? Yes, please! When the weather warms up, let your cute calculator get a little wet with this easy number identification game that requires only water balloons and chalk. Check out the details on Coffee Cups and Crayons.

Apples Up on Top!

This activity pays homage to a rhythmic little story (by Dr. Seuss) about a bunch of silly animals stacking apples on their heads. Using felt and Velcro, kids can stack up apples and compare their load to a friend or siblings. Check out Buggy and Buddy for the details.

Shoot the Sum

We love this easy activity because there are just three steps: stack up numbered cups, ask your kids to knock them down, and (if they can) add up the total. Kids will delight in shooting and knocking stuff down, but really they’re (Shhhhh!) learning simple addition as well as simple number identification. Parents who don’t allow toy guns can substitute with ping-pong balls or air rockets (see above). Get the details over at No Time For Flashcards.

Roll for Results

Let your kids roll the dice and plink their beads into a bowl. This simple counting game lets kids practice counting while they race to get all their beads (or jellybeans, or goldfish, or whatever small object you choose) into their bowl before you do. Get the instructions from Chelsey at Buggy and Buddy.

Linear Learning

Learning numbers doesn't have to be a desktop affair. Instead, use this equation for getting antsy kiddos outside and moving: sidewalk chalk, a paved place to scribble and a simple running game. Draw a line, mark out numbers, then tell your running mathematician to sprint to the numbers as you call them out. More advanced counters can add and subtract their way up and down the line. You can thank Coffee Cups and Crayons for the idea!

Number Maze

Here's another easy outdoor activity that requires only sidewalk chalk. Kids will learn how to count to 10 (and figure out their lefts and rights) by winding through a simple number maze. Find out more at Hands On As We Grow.

—Melissa Heckscher with Susie Foresman

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Feature photo: iStock

Messy (& Fun!) Painting Projects to Try at Home

by Melissa HeckscherOctober 12, 2021

Want to let your little artist express themself but worried about the mess they’ll make in the house? Take it outside! From squirt guns painting to balloon paint bombs, unleash your little Picassos with these fun outdoor painting projects (and don’t forget the baby-safe paint!).

Dart Art

Drip a little paint into small party balloons, then blow them up, tack them onto a canvas, and give your little artists some darts. They'll love seeing the paint splatter when they hit their mark. Find out more from Northern California Mama Agnes Hsu at hello, Wonderful. Note: You'll need darts and thumbtacks for this project, so we recommend adult supervision.

Swing With It!

Meredith Magee Donnelly via Homegrown Friends

Turn your pint-sized painters into pendulums with this clever art project that lets kids swing and paint at the same time. Get the simple instructions (and a video to show your kids what they can do) at Homegrown Friends.

Paint Like Pollock

Jackson Pollock-inspired art may be the perfect paint project for kids. Why? Because all little Pollocks need to do is drip, pour, and splatter globs of baby-safe paint onto a giant canvas floor. Sound fun? Find out more from kindergarten teacher/mom Dana Gorman's Playfully Learning blog.

Load and Shoot!

Kids will love this colorful excuse to use water guns ("But it's art, Mom!"). Just fill up a few squirt guns with paint (and water) and let your little ones aim. Get the scoop from Melissa Lennig at Fireflies and Mudpies.

Use Your Feet

Give those little hands a break and let your kids step, slide, and dance their way to painted masterpieces. Young artists will love getting their feet messy and seeing their footprints in action. Head over to Homegrown Friends to get the simple step-by-step instructions.

Pop Goes the Artwork

Bubbles! What kid doesn't love them? With this simple project from Christie Burnette of Childhood 101, your little soap artists can use bubble solution (mixed with a little food coloring) to create magical bursts of color.

Hammer Time!

Let your kids smack a hammer or mallet down on cotton rounds to splatter the "hidden" paint beneath. Young painters will love trying to guess what color will splat with each swing. Get the step-by-step from blogger Michelle at Crafty Morning.

Bombs Away!

They’re going to get paint all over them; might as well get to it, stat! Just fill up a few dozen water balloons with paint, lay down a canvas (or drop cloth), and let your kids stomp, squish, and jump away. Get all the details at Craftulate.

Egg-citing Art

Drip a little paint into hollowed-out eggs and let your kids smash away with this fun project from Growing a Jeweled Rose. Note: To avoid making a stinky art project, be sure to rinse the eggs out before you pour in the paint!

Wrap It Up!

Kids will love becoming a human roller stamp with this whole-body activity courtesy of The Chaos and the Clutter. Just dip your crazy kiddos' bubble-wrapped bodies in paint and let them slam against or roll around on their canvas of choice. Will they make a masterpiece? Who cares! Note: If you'd like to keep your human bubble wrapping on a smaller scale, try this bubble wrap stomp painting project from Mess for Less.

—Melissa Heckscher

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11 Easy Backyard Waterpark Ideas

by Allison SutcliffeJuly 21, 2021

Avoid the crowds and beat the heat on the hot summer days by transforming your back yard into your own private water park oasis. Whether you’re looking for some simple summer activities—rainbow inflatable sprinkler, perhaps?—or a DIY project to get the kids pumped for summer, you don’t need to leave the house to have your kids slipping and sliding the day away. Read on for some easy backyard waterpark ideas of your own.

Get Drenched with Water Blasters

backyard waterpark ideas — MomEndeavors.com

You know those self-serve water cannons at theme parks that let kids totally drench anyone who's innocently walking nearby? You can make one in your very own backyard! Your kids will love aiming and firing their personal water blasters at anyone who gets too close (don't say we didn't warn you). Get the instructions on how to create this backyard waterpark idea from Sara at Mom Endeavors.

Epic Sprinklers

From a pink elephant that squirts water out its trunk to a giraffe that spews sprinkles from its mouth, there's a veritable menagerie of sprinklers to choose from when it comes to watering your kids. Check out our faves here.

Play Slip 'n' Slide Kickball

Kickball has never been more fun (or wetter)! Put a few Slip 'n Slides together, add kiddie pools, and you've got a kickball diamond your kids will be talking about for years. NothingToDo Crew has fairly easy (and under $70!) instructions on how to make the game field here.

Inflatable Fun

Whether you want to blow up a sprinkler, a slide or a pool (or wow your kids with a combo of all three!), you'll find a plethora of backyard water park ideas out there. Giant rainbow? Check! Ginormous water-spraying dinosaur? Why not? Full-on inflatable water park? Yes! Check out our list of some of the best inflatables out there.

Make a Giant Water Blob

It's squishy and filled with water ... but it won't get your kids wet! This water blob will have your kids rolling, slipping, sliding—and just wishing some of that water would squirt out (but, if you make it right, it won't!). All you need to make this super-cool blob is plastic sheeting, parchment paper and an iron to seal the edges. Mom Becca Beach has the instructions on how to make these backyard water park ideas a reality on her Youtube channel.

Set Up a Water Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses are double the fun—and double the challenge—with water! For tips on designing one that’s guaranteed to be a big splash, visit Jodi at MeaningfulMama.com

Whack Some Water Balloons

What do you get if you combine baseball with a water balloon fight? Answer: water balloon batting practice—it’s one wild way to cool off! Head over to iCandyHandmade.com and play ball, err, balloon.

Want more water balloon games? From wet pinatas to water balloon jousting, check out this great list of fun water balloon games from One Crazy House.

Bombs Away!

Sponge bombs that is! You'll have lots of splashy fun and no balloon bits to pick up. Pop over to Inner Child Fun for the easy how-to (FYI: You only need sponge strips and rubber bands to make them!).

Make a "Kid Wash"

Ever wish you could run your kids through the wash like your car? Now you can! HGTV has a step-by-step tutorial for this super-fun activity—(which, by the way, is a sneaky way to rinse them off when they’ve been in the sandbox too!).

Make a Personal Splash Pad

Splash pads are the latest thing! Lauren’s lucky little guy has his very own, for those oh-so-hot Alabama days. It’s a surprisingly easy and inexpensive project to build. At Little White House Blog Lauren and her husband Brett show you how, with a little help from son Baker. Check out Lauren’s Instagram for more on the family's farmhouse life.

Ready-To-Go Waterslides

If you don't mind shelling out a few bucks to give the kids some backyard thrills, options abound when it comes to home water slides. In fact, Target has quite a few of the slip 'n slide variety, all for under $40 bucks each! Want something a little bigger? Head to Amazon to find mega-slides that you can set up on a hill for extra speed.

—Taylor Clifton, Melissa Heckscher, Allison Sutcliffe with Jesseca Stenson

1. Water Balloon Basketball

2. Water Balloon Towel Toss

3. Sponge Ball Relay

4. Water Balloon Piñata

5. Water Balloon Pop!

6. Keep Your Eye on the Balloon

7. Squirt Gun Soccer

8. DIY Soakers

9. Cup Races

10. Sponge Ball Toss

11. Kiddie Pool Toe Diving

12. Jump Rope Water Challenge

13. Under the Sprinkler

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1. Ice Pool Challenge

2. Ninja Attack

3. Balloon Relay

4. Bandana Tag

5. Bucket Toss

6. Squirt Gun Soccer

7. Statue & Tourist

8. Run Through the Sprinkler

9. Play with Hula-Hoops

10. Water Balloon Piñata

11. Monkey Around

12. Superhero Showdown

13. 21 Questions, or “Who Am I?”

14. iSpy

15. Give Up the Charade

16. Rock, Paper, Scissors

17. Simon Says

18. Make and Play Giant Pick-Up Sticks

19. Let’s Race!

20. Play Blind Man’s Bluff

21. Food Truck

22. Green Light, Go!

23. Marco Polo (with a twist)

24. Have a Sponge Ball War

25. Look for Pictures in the Clouds

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Our list of creative decor, festive snacks, activities, and more will basically do the planning for you (you’re welcome!)

Pool Party Decor Ideas

Tissue Paper Pineapple Poufs

Colors That Pop

Inflatables

Food Ideas for a Pool Party

Mermaid Jello

Watermelon Pizza

On-the-Go Desserts

Fish Food Snack Mix

Watermelon Shark

Snow Cone Cupcakes

Tasty Popsicles

Mermaid Tails

Pool Party Activities

Water Balloon Piñata

Classic Pool Party Games

Sponge Ball Toss

Party Favors Perfect for a Pool Party

Cool Shades

Starfish Headbands

Beach Ball Party Invite

Sunscreen Station

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Every summer, my daughter, Stella, and I rejoice when the playground sprinklers come on

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Learn about the history of this colorful holiday and enjoy some food and crafts with your kids

What is Holi?

How to Celebrate Holi

What Do the Colors of Holi Mean?

Holi Crafts for Kids

Holi Recipes for Kids

Read a Story About Holi

Want More Information about Holi? Check Out This Video:

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Picnic Party Ideas: Decor

Set Up Shade

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