Summertime is not the only time to splash around in the water, especially for young children. Play-based learning can happen year-round with water play. Water play is an excellent activity for young children. Not only is it fun and entertaining, but it provides many benefits for a child’s physical and social development.
When children are splashing with their hands in the bathtub or safely swimming with other children nearby, they are unknowingly working on the skills necessary for their development. You can learn more about the social milestones of toddlers, but for now, let’s dive into the benefits of play-based learning in the form of water play.
The Benefits of Water Play
Young children learn and grow from every interaction they have. As parents and caregivers, we can give children the opportunity to expand the way they spend their time, not only for fun but also for their development. Whether children are jumping, splashing, or kicking their little feet, they are exposed to an environment they wouldn’t have outside of the water.
There are so many benefits of water play for children, including the following:
- Improved balance
- Strengthening muscles
- Coordination development
- Sensory exploration
Now that you know the benefits of water play, stay tuned to find out how you can incorporate water play for your kids in the form of toys.
Water Toys for Kids
Sitting in a bathtub or a kiddy pool can be so much fun on its own, but when you want to engage young children, water toys can be a great tool. Water toys for kids can help children work on their fine motor skills, and splashing around and safe swimming and paddling can help with the development of gross motor skills.
Check out a few examples of our favorite water toys for kids that encourage water play:
Splash pad
Kids play mat with sprinkler
Busy table
Inflatable water slide
There are so many water toys for kids – check out the top ten must-have water toys that your children can enjoy.
Everyday Items for Water Play
You don’t need fancy water toys for kids to have your children enjoy and engage in water play. You can use everyday items for water play that may be just sitting around your house or transform existing toys that you have into personal water toys for kids.
Your kids can enjoy water play with any of the following household items:
Cups and containers of different sizes
Small cups, containers, and buckets
Plastic toys that will float
Natural materials such as sand, pebbles, and flowers
It’s not hard to find everyday items that are safe for your children to use and encourage their sensory play. You can even designate clear containers solely for sensory activities, including water play. With a new activity for your children every day, they can reap the benefits of sensory play.
Water Safety
Water play in kiddie pools, bathtubs, and swimming pools is great for children, but you want to ensure that they stay safe during their water activities. Whether through the proper floating garments or swim training, parents and caregivers should take the necessary steps to ensure the child’s safety is put first when engaging in water play. Learn more about water safety for children so you can be safe and prepared for all water activities.