The kiddie pool is worthy of much more acclaim than its humble appearance would have you believe. A child’s backyard pool is the gift that keeps on giving, long after summer is over – thanks to its many uses to keep little ones entertained (and parents relaxed).
We compiled 4 crafty activities to add to the ever-growing list of why the kids pool is a versatile superstar for the whole family. The best part? Whether you’re using a plastic or inflatable kids pool, the mess is easy to clean. Hose it down in the backyard after the fun is done and it’s ready to go the next day – a win for both you and the kids. An additional benefit to all the items on this list is that they’re not only fun, but can be used as teaching assistants – helping your children learn through sensory play.
#1 – Art Jamming
It’s as fun as it sounds. Turn your children’s pool into an art class and let them create their own Jackson Pollock-inspired works. Your budding artists will certainly get messy – so make sure they wear old clothes or bathing suits, use washable paints and set up the pool outside if you can.
Shop the easy-to-clean Funsicle Quick Fun Pool at Walmart, Tractor Supply & Menards
Image source: Instructables.com
What You’ll Need:
- 1 kiddie pool
- Newspapers or an old towel/bedsheet
- Tennis balls or marbles (1 for each child)
- Paints in different colors
- Paper plates for each color
- Art paper
How to Set Up:
- Make sure the pool is drained and dry.
- Lay down newspapers or sheet/towel to cover the pool’s bottom.
- Squeeze out paints onto separate paper plates.
- Let the kids roll the tennis balls or marbles through the paint and then onto their paper to create a mishmash of lines and shapes worthy of an acclaimed abstract artist.
Art jamming is ideal for elementary age kids who are starting to find their own creative flair. You can even turn the activity into an abstract art lesson by printing out some famous examples for them to be inspired by.
#2 – Gold Rush Pan
Head back to treasure hunt days with the Gold Rush – This involves a pool, water and a whole lot of dirt! It’s perfect for a kid’s party or for when your children are learning about American History.
Image sources: Research Parent and We Are Teachers
What You’ll Need:
- 1 kiddie pool
- Small smooth pebbles
- Gold spray paint
- Aluminum pie tins (1 for each child)
- 1 Beach bucket
- Sandy dirt
- Water
- Scissors
How to Set Up:
- Lay out your pebbles or small rocks on a large piece of cardboard and spray paint them gold.
- Prepare your pans by poking small holes in the bottom with scissors.
- Once dry, add the pebbles to the pool.
- Add half a bucket of dirt to the pool and cover the pool bottom completely.
- Add water to the pool using the bucket or a hose.
- Get panning!
Gold rush panning is suited for kids aged 3 and up, with littler ones needing more help with shaking their pans. A helpful tip is not to add too much dirt to the pool – you don’t want your gold lost forever!
#3 – Whipped Cream Pit
Often, the best ideas are the simplest – like chocolate ice cream on a hot day. With this activity, a big mess is the solution to endless fun. Your kids can let their imaginations run wild and you can watch their happy faces as they’re encouraged to make a mess for once. Let your kids take turns squirting the whipped cream into the pool to make shapes or pictures.
Image source: wildflower ramblings
What You’ll Need:
- 1 kiddie pool
- 1 can of whipped cream like Cool Whip
- A hose
How to Set Up:
Hand over the whipped cream can to the kids and let them get creative. Keep a hose nearby to rinse off hands if need be and make sure your kids sit down and play so that they don’t slip.
#4 – Boat Races
This is a superb rainy-day activity when your kids are battling boredom. Not only will they delight in creating a paper boat and taking part in a race, they will be able to apply STEM along the way. This activity is best for kids aged 5 and up who can practice their focus and hand-eye coordination.
Image sources: Wisdom for Mom and Etsy
What You Will Need:
- Colored or plain A4 paper
- Stickers or markers to decorate
- Paper straws
- 1 kiddie pool filled with water
How to Set Up
- Watch a video on how to fold a paper boat with your kids.
- Let your kids color and decorate their paper.
- Fold each paper into a boat: they can even write their boat’s name on the side.
- Place the boats gently on the water at one side of the kiddie pool.
- Blow through the straws to race the boats from one side of the pool to the other.
The best form of play is when both parents and kids are having fun together – learning, chatting and making memories. These activities are bound to make you and your children smile while getting the most value out of your kiddie pool.
