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The Best DIY Water-Play Ideas for Kids

DIY sprinklers, ice excavation, super sponge balls and more

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kids holding water balloons having fun with water in the summer outside
Photo:
iStock

Let them get wet and wild

Kiddie pools and sprinklers are tried-and-true backyard staples for kids on warm-weather days. Kick your backyard water play up a notch with these fantastic and super-easy water-play ideas that will delight your kids. Plus, they’ll keep kids of all ages occupied and cool on any sunny, hot day.

Jump to the activity you can’t wait to try on the list below: 

Up first: Water wall

More ideas for fun in the sun:

Editor’s note: This story was originally published several years ago and was updated most recently on June 3, 2025, by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson. New water-play ideas were added, and everything was fact-checked. 

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