Summer Fun In The Sun: Splash-Tastic Ideas For Little Ones

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with keeping the kids entertained over the long summer holidays? Let us help you with a few ideas to help keep little ones entertained with some fun water activities. This blog is packed with suggestions to turn your local beach, holiday pool or local swimming pool into a haven for summer fun! Don’t forget we have a great range of swimwear, goggles and accessories to make your next swimming outing great fun.

For the Little Ones (Ages 3-6):

• Sensory Play: Fill a small inflatable pool with colourful water beads or dyed water for a tactile experience. Add plastic cups, funnels, and small toys for endless scooping and pouring fun.
• Treasure Hunt: Hide waterproof toys or plastic coins around the shallow end of the pool and have your little ones dive and search for them.
• Pool Noodle Games: Get creative with pool noodles! Use them as floating bridges for toy cars, build a noodle raft, or play a game of pool noodle tag.
• Sprinkler Fun: Set up a sprinkler in the yard for a refreshing break from the pool. Combine it with slip-and-slide mats for added giggles.
• Bubbles Galore: Blow giant bubbles with a bubble wand and see if your little ones can catch them!

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For the Adventurous Ones (Ages 7-10):

• Marco Polo with a Twist: This classic game gets an upgrade with pool noodles. Assign different colours to players and have them only respond when their designated colour is called.
• Water Balloon Toss: Divide into teams and have a water balloon toss across the pool. Make it a relay race for added excitement!
• Water Obstacle Course: Using pool noodles, buckets, and sprinklers, create a fun water obstacle course for the kids to navigate.
• Underwater Scavenger Hunt: Hide waterproof toys or objects with weights attached around the bottom of the pool for a challenging underwater hunt.
• Synchronised Swimming (with a Twist!): Put on some fun music and have the kids create their own silly synchronised swimming routines, complete with costumes (optional) and dramatic poses.

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For the Competitive Crew (Ages 11 and Up):

• Pool Olympics: Organise different swimming races, diving contests, and pool noodle jousting challenges. Award prizes for the winners and have fun with the friendly competition.
• Underwater Photography: For the tech-savvy kids, introduce them to underwater photography with a waterproof phone case. They can capture all the aquatic fun and share their underwater creations.
• Water Volleyball: Turn your pool into a volleyball court by setting up a net (inflatable options are available) and have a team competition.
• Synchronized Swimming (Teen Edition): Take the synchronised swimming idea from earlier and put a more co-ordinated spin on it. Challenge the teens to learn a simple routine and choreograph it to their favourite music.
• Poolside Movie Night: Set up a projector and screen outdoors and have a poolside movie night with popcorn and snacks. Don't forget to choose a water-themed movie for extra fun!

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Safety First!

• Always supervise children closely around water, regardless of their age or swimming ability.
• Ensure all children wear appropriate life jackets when necessary.
• Apply sunscreen regularly and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Take breaks in the shade to avoid overheating.
• Make sure everyone has plenty of water to stay hydrated.

By incorporating these water-based activities into your summer plans, you can create lasting memories and keep the kids entertained throughout the holidays. So grab your swimsuit, some sunscreen, and get ready for a splash-tastic summer!