Outdoor Water Play for Kids DIY Reusable Water Balloons (No More Picking Up Balloon Pieces!)
Looking for the perfect outdoor water play for kids that’s fun, easy, and mess-free? Say goodbye to picking up broken balloon bits and hello to reusable sponge water balloons! These squishy, colorful alternatives are a total game-changer for summer fun—and they’re so simple to make.
I whipped up a batch for my boys using some sponges I grabbed from Amazon in bulk (link below!), and now it’s one of our favorite go-to outdoor water play activities.
🧽 What You’ll Need:
Creating your own sponge water balloons is super simple—and perfect for preschoolers to help with! Here’s what you need:
- Colorful kitchen sponges
- Scissors
- Small hair ties or rubber bands
- A bucket, bin or small pool of water
👉 I ordered this bulk sponge set from Amazon and it worked perfectly! These come compressed so they’ll expand when wet!
These are the foundation of one of our favorite ways to enjoy outdoor water play for kids all summer long.
✂️ How to Make Reusable Sponge Water Balloons
Important! If your sponges came compressed (like mine did), make sure to soak them in water and let them expand fully before cutting.
- Wet and expand the sponges if they’re compressed.
- Using scissors, cut 3 slits on each short end of the sponge—but don’t cut all the way through. Leave the center intact.
- Wrap a rubber band tightly around the center.
- Fluff it up into a soft, round shape.
- Soak in water and you’re ready for action!
These squishy sponge balloons are great for throwing, squeezing, and soaking—all without any waste or cleanup stress. Plus, they’re totally reusable for more outdoor water play for kids anytime!
💡 Fun Ways to Use Them
There are so many ways to use these sponge balloons for outdoor water play for kids:
- Toss them at targets or into buckets
- Have a sponge relay race
- Create a “car wash” for ride-on toys
- Cool off during hot-weather backyard play
- Toss them in a kiddie pool for splashing fun
You can even use them in your preschool water table or sensory bin for soft, squishy, splashy fun.
🧼 Easy Cleanup = Parent Win!
When playtime’s done, just give the sponge balloons a quick squeeze, lay them out to dry, and you’re all set for next time. They can even go through the washing machine if needed. Reusable = more play, less waste!
🏡 Outdoor Water Play for Kids Made Simple
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for screen-free ways to keep your preschoolers busy, active, and having fun outside. These sponge water balloons are one of my favorite summer hacks because:
- They’re budget-friendly
- They don’t create trash
- They’re safe for little ones
- And they make outdoor water play for kids a breeze!
Want more low-prep, playful ideas for home preschool?
Check out The Playful Preschool Club for themed weekly plans, printables, and easy activities to keep your little ones learning all year long! Plus for a limited time you can even get a FREE week to try it out!
🌞 Grab Your Sponges and Make a Splash!
You only need a few minutes to make these DIY sponge water balloons—and your kids will enjoy hours of creative outdoor water play. It’s simple fun that makes summer feel magical!
Have you tried sponge water balloons before? I’d love to see your kiddos enjoying their backyard water fun—tag me or send me a message!
For a fun indoor water play activity check out this Lego Bath Activity! My kids loved this one too!
Happy Teaching,
Trisha with Playful Little Thinkers
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