Water Play Meets Craft Time

The other Saturday, I woke up to my three-year-old and five-year-old having a water party in their bedroom. They said their dolls needed a bath, and it was only 10:00 am!

That’s when I decided it was time to prep for some summer sensory activities, before their dolls grew hands and started packing their bags.

These 5 ideas are perfect for warm-weather fun on the balcony or in the garden, and they combine craft time and water play in the best mess way possible.

1. Frozen Paint Pops

This trending idea on Instagram turned into one of our favourite activities. It’s cooling, creative, and super easy to prep the night before.

Supplies:

• Washable paint
• Popsicle tray
• Popsicle sticks
• Thick paper or cardboard sheets

How-To:
Add a small splash of water to paint and pour into a popsicle tray. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze. Once frozen, hand them to your toddler to paint on cardboard. The melting paint makes beautiful swirls and textures.

Why it’s great:
Creative, low-prep, and a fun way to introduce painting. Perfect for sunny days.

---

Anyway, I figured—since we love sponges so much, we might as well use them with purpose (and washable paint) – Enter: Spongey Prints!

2. Spongey Prints

Sponges + paint = hours of fun (and fewer sponge baths for dolls).

Supplies:

• Dish sponges
• Washable paint
• Shallow trays or paint mats
• Thick paper

How-To:
Cut sponges into fun shapes (stars, hearts, butterflies). Dip lightly in paint and press onto paper. Let your kids create rainbows, patterns, or abstract art.

Why it’s great:
Sensory, squishy, and a good way to learn shapes and colors while having fun.

---

MOM TIP: Always supervise these activities and remember to keep a pack of wet wipes close by for easy cleanup.

---

3. Frozen Friends Rescue

Turn toy-freezing into a rescue mission. This one was a HUGE hit at our house!

Supplies:

• Mini plastic toys
• Large plastic bowl
• Squirt bottles, droppers
• Optional: toy hammers, kids’ tools

How-To:
Freeze toys in a bowl of water (add food colouring if you like). Once frozen, hand your child warm water, tools to melt and “rescue” their toy friends.

Why it’s great:
Keeps kids focused, encourages problem-solving, and doubles as a mini science experiment.

MOM TIP: It’s best to do this activity outdoors—on the balcony or in the garden. Things can get wet and a little wild, especially if you hand your kids mini hammers for the rescue mission.

---

Pro tip: Watch out for stray ice pieces flying if hammers are involved. If you’d rather skip the smashing, there are plenty of gentler (and just as fun) ways to melt the ice. Try giving your kids warm water in squeeze bottles, eyedroppers, or even just cups to pour slowly over the frozen toys. Not only does it keep the mess under control, but it also turns the whole thing into a mini science experiment.

---

4. Messy Muddy Fun

Not actual mud, but still maximum mess! Our balcony turned into a pretend mud pie bakery in minutes.

Supplies:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder (or washable brown paint)
• Shaving cream
• Tray or bin
• Toy cars or animals, cleaning sponges

How-To:
Mix flour, cocoa, and shaving cream until it’s thick and squishy. Add toys for pretend muddy play. Add a bowl of soapy water and a sponge for a DIY car wash station.

Why it’s great:
Messy, sensory, imaginative—and it builds fine motor skills.

Note: It smells chocolatey, but it’s not edible—make that clear if your toddlers like to taste test everything.Alternatively, you can ditch the cocoa powder and just use plain flour with brown paint.

---

5. Rock Painting

This one started on our walk home from kindergarten. Now it’s our go-to quiet activity.

Supplies:

• Rocks or river stones
• Washable paint or paint markers
• Brushes, water cups, and newspaper to protect surfaces

How-To:
Rinse and dry rocks, then paint and decorate however you like. Add googly eyes or make kindness stones to hide around your neighborhood!

Why it’s great:
Calming, creative, and great for motor skills. Plus, kids feel proud of their little masterpieces.

---

If you’re looking for even more simple sensory ideas that use everyday materials, I always love the creative and realistic activities shared by Busy Toddler. I’ve tried a couple of them myself, and they’ve worked for me.

Conclusion

Summer sensory play can be achieved with just a few everyday materials. All you need is your child’s little imagination and the willingness to do it, and you can create fun experiences your toddler or preschooler will love—and actually stick with.

If this post gave you ideas, share it with a mom who needs some screen-free sanity this summer, and let me know in the comments which one your kids loved most.

Thanks for reading!