Most people hear water activities and immediately think water table, or sensory table, or activities that should be exclusive to outdoors and warm weather. But the truth is there are so many smaller-scale water activities that attract children and promote repetition and independence. You don’t need a giant amount of water to engage your child either! Sometimes, even just a little water, is all they need. Here are a few water activities (for toddlers and preschoolers) we’ve done in the last couple of months that have been popular.
Montessori Water Activities: Check here for some of my favorite items to support water activities at home. This is an affiliate link at no cost to you; however, if you make a purchase I might earn a small commission.
Sponge Squeezing: You need a kitchen bowl and a sea sponge! You could probably use any sponge, to be honest. Add a tiny bit of water into the bowl, drop the sponge inside, press it down so that it soaks up nearly all the water and then squeeze the water back into the bowl. It’s so simple and your child will want to do this on repeat. Bonus: it’s so great for fine motor skills.
Pouring: This is a classic. I have a Pouring Sequence you can check out here. Just remember, to put both pitchers on a tray to catch some of the spillage. Water will spill so start with just a tiny bit of it.
Plant Watering: This is a great extension to straight Pouring. It’s pouring with a purpose! You just need a small plant and a watering can. If you don’t have one, a small pitcher or a mister works just as well. Just fill the pitcher with the exact amount of water the plant needs because you can be assured, your child will empty the whole pitcher of water into the plant. So, don’t drown your plant!
Figurine Washing: For this, you’ll need a kitchen bowl, a bit of water, a dash of soap, a small cup, a sponge and some small figurines. We use Schleich or TOOB creatures. Your child will love washing their small toys! You’ll want a towel underneath the work space and an apron is always helpful for keeping them dry, too.
Table Washing: This is a great multi-step activity! I include a small dust pan and brush to sweep up crumbs, then a spray bottle to squirt some water (I do add a dash of dish soap), and then a small towel to dry the table. Right now, this is the most popular activity — our tables are really clean!
Window Washing: Who doesn’t love a good squeegee work? Pick up a spray bottle, a squeegee and a towel — find a dirty window (or better yet, include a dry erase marker and let them make the window “dirty“) and then get cleaning! My 3 year old LOVES this work.
Cleaning Sunglasses: Is there even a more perfect activity for sunny weather? I include a small misting spray bottle, a small towel and child sunglasses. They will want to clean everyone’s sunglasses!
Baby Washing: Everyone always wants in on this multi-step activity. It’s such a favorite and it’s even more fun with all the accessories: a hard-bodied doll, dish bin, baby soap, pitcher to rinse, sponge to wash, cloth to clean the doll’s face, a cup to wash off, towels to dry off, a doll diaper to put on and then clothes to dress the doll.
Painting with Water: Now this is a fun activity to do outside. A small cup of water and a paint brush is all you need! It’s always interesting to see what they paint and fun to watch it disappear!
Pouring a Drink: This one is popular, too. We have a water station in our self-serve snack station and the kids love pouring themselves and others drinks… all day long. This is a beautiful Practical Life and Grace and Courtesy work.
What kind of water activities do you include at home?
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