Bringing tracks outside for water play is where it is at!
Sometimes indoor toys just need a change of scenery, and sometimes kids need a new way to play outdoors.
This new configuration was exactly what we all needed. As they explored some physical Science with problem-solving, I got to catch my breath alongside them.
Win. Win.
RELATED: Looking for all our water play ideas? Our list is a must-see.
How do you make water play?
It’s summer and the boys need to stop asking me for snacks 7 minutes after breakfast.
I have emails to check, and a few tasks to complete for work. The boys were met with one option: GO PLAY!
And play they did.
Here, I stayed close once they incorporated the ladder making sure I am supervising as they tested the cars down the ramp.
Water play can happen in the most organic way when given the opportunity.
RELATED: Big kids need hands-on learning! You must check out what we have on our activity cards for BIG KIDS!
We know kids understand how to play.
The silver lining of these summer days without camps or playdates is that children are left with plenty of time to be bored. The good news is that boredom can lead to some pretty amazing outdoor ideas like these 50+ Kid Activities at Home. Our crazy schedules come to a screeching halt which opens up plenty of time to play.
Of course, the guys have played with water before.
Messy Muddy Water Play and Water Bead Races are on repeat for some time now. But today they decided to take a favorite toy, and create something new.
Pinch me. All three boys ages 3-6 were in this together in harmony constructing and problem-solving. It was the play harmony I dream about.
But how did we get here? We started with sensory play at a very young age. Here are the basics of how to train for sensory play.
As I peek out the window, I see buckets of water being filled up and cars sliding full speed down the tracks.
But that’s not all!
Did you know that water play helps a child’s development in so many ways?
- The boys are collaborating about making adjustments with the water and tracks for more speed.
- Filling and dumping the water: capacity, quantity, and spatial relationships
- Test runs and inquiry-based learning. – a fancy term for testing ideas to make something work
- Exploring physical science with velocity, gravity, and momentum.
- Connecting and disconnecting the tracks to find creative solutions.
- Understanding how much space water takes up in each container.
Put a fork in me! Science for the 2020 school year is complete with this outdoor water play idea!
RELATED: Looking for Creative Hot Wheel Ideas? I found this great roundup online!
Each day, the water play had a different configuration.
Now, the water play with racecars meets imaginary play! The track loops in and out of the “jungle” and drops directly into the lava. – Why is it always lava? I’m not sure but the play here is where it’s at.
You do not need one specific list of supplies, so I have linked a few favorites here to get ideas flowing in your home.
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Items from the Outdoor Supply Bin
This link to our Amazon shop will show you even more parts and pieces to make this water play come alive!
When will you head outside for this water play?
