Today is one of those days where it is just miserable outside in the sun. I hate to complain, because I would truly rather be hot than cold…but it’s hooot.
I still love to try and get outside for at least a little bit on days like this though. The fresh air just puts everyone in a better mood! So, when it’s too hot to simply play with toys, I bring out the water.
Related: Do your kids love water play? Try this fun one!
Let The Water Entertain Them
Normally, I would fill up the kiddie pool or turn the sprinkler on. But today, I just didn’t want to deal with full swim suits and extra laundry (ugh, adulting).
So, I filled up the sensory bin and pulled out an activity I’ve been wanting to try with the kids…Sponge Boats!
Related: Looking to keep up on those school skills in a fun way this summer? Have an incoming Preschooler, Kindergartener or Early Elementary Learner? Check out This awesome Ready To Go Activity Pack!
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Materials
- Sensory bin
- Sponges
- Plastic straws
- Foam sheets
- Hole punch
- Scissors
How To
1. Start by collecting all of your materials.
2. Cut your sponge in half.
3. Cut a rectangle out of your foam sheet (this will become the sail).
4. Cut a straw in half.
5. Hole punch two holes on the short ends of your foam rectangle (one hole on each end).
6. Hole punch your sponge where you would like to place the sail.
7. Thread the foam sail onto the straw.
8. Insert the straw into the hole in the sponge.
9. Place your sponge boat in the sensory bin filled with water, and watch them play!
Related: Do your kids love water play? This one is perfect for a hot summer day!
Let Them Play!
This activity literally took less than 5 minutes to set up. And that was with my 4 and 6 year olds helping. Try as they may, helping doesn’t always make things go faster…wink wink.
They had the best time with this activity. It was fun to watch them predict before the boats even went in the water. Will it float or sink? Sponges absorb water, so it should sink! Mommy, you put your boat in first so we know if it floats!
The sponges absorbed the water, but they sure floated! So much fun!
And when my kiddos had enough of the boats, they pulled the sponges out and started writing with them on the patio! And that led to sponge tag! Boy, do I just love when an activity extends the play.
This is a must try for those hot summer days ahead!
Thanks so much for reading, sweet friend. As always, you can find us over on Pinterest and see what we are up to on Instagram.
Looking for another fun outdoor activity to try this summer? Check out our fun version of Hide and Seek with animals!
