Summer Activities Day 4: Water Table Activities

The next couple of days I am focusing on just the little ones, and today is all about water table activities. We have a small, simple water table, that my 4 year old really loves. It can be played with as is on a hot day, or you can use some of these activities to change things up a little!


Water Beads

Water beads is a go to sensory play activity for my son, who hates getting his hands dirty (he is actually getting better with this, as long as there is a way for him to wash his hands nearby!). I don't do water beads often, as they take 6 hours to expand-which means I have to have it planned out when we play with them. However, my son will play with these for a long time. I add measuring spoons, cups, scoops, etc. to this sensory fun!

Soapy bubbles

Something else we've tried is adding dawn dish soap and allowing the bubbles to foam up. Here is a fun ocean play activity idea from Pinterest. I will warn you though, if you add food color, it will stain their hands for a while! I do like to add seashells to things like this and the water beads. I've also added alphabet magnets for my son to search for and find-fun and educational!

Muddy puddles 

Muddy puddles can be made from dirt and water, or cornstarch, cocoa, and water to form ooblek. I like to add construction vehicles to this kind of sensory play, and when they're finished, you can create a washing station to wash them off!

What are some other ways you can use a water table?