At Kare-A-Lot Daycare, summer is all about sunshine, giggles, and a whole lot of splashing! As the days heat up, we turn to one of our favorite seasonal activities—water play. Whether it’s dancing through sprinklers, scooping and pouring at the water table, or simply feeling cool water trickle through tiny fingers, water play offers more than just a way to beat the heat.
It’s a joyful, sensory-rich learning experience—and at Kare-A-Lot, we make sure it’s done with plenty of fun and safety in mind.
Why Water Play Is More Than Just Play
To a child, water play may feel like a simple summertime delight, but it actually encourages a wide range of developmental skills:
-
Fine motor skills: Pouring, squeezing, scooping, and filling containers help develop hand-eye coordination and muscle control.
-
Sensory development: Children explore temperature, texture, and movement, enhancing their sensory awareness.
-
Early science and math concepts: They learn about volume, cause and effect, and even basic physics (like how water flows or what floats and sinks).
-
Social skills: Taking turns, sharing tools, and collaborating on imaginative water games encourages teamwork and communication.
At Kare-A-Lot, our educators design each water activity with intention, ensuring every splash comes with an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others.
Our Favorite Ways to Get Wet and Wild
We incorporate water play into our summer routine in creative and age-appropriate ways. Some of the activities the children love most include:
-
Sprinkler time: There’s nothing like running through a gentle sprinkler on a sunny day! We turn our shaded outdoor area into a mini water park, encouraging movement and laughter.
-
Water tables and bins: Our sensory stations feature water beads, cups, boats, and more. These allow children to experiment and explore at their own pace.
-
Bubble play: Whether we’re blowing bubbles or adding bubble solution to the water table, the mix of water and bubbles is always a hit.
-
Ice cube fun: On extra-hot days, we introduce colorful ice cubes and frozen toys for an exciting cool-down and sensory surprise.
-
Car washes and doll baths: Pretend play with vehicles, dolls, or even toy animals in a soapy bin of water adds a layer of storytelling and imagination.
Safety First—Always!
As much as we love water play, we know that safety is the number one priority. Here’s how we ensure that every child stays safe while they enjoy their summer fun:
-
Constant supervision: Trained staff are always within arm’s reach, watching closely to prevent slips or accidents.
-
Age-appropriate water levels: We use shallow water and low-flow sprinklers to minimize risk while still maximizing fun.
-
Slip-resistant play areas: All water play happens in areas designed to prevent slipping and falling.
-
Hydration and sun protection: We ensure every child has sunscreen applied before going outside, and we provide shaded areas and plenty of water breaks.
-
Parental communication: We inform parents ahead of time about water play days so children come dressed appropriately and prepared for outdoor activities.
Splish, Splash, and Smiles All Summer Long
At Kare-A-Lot, water play is one of the most joyful parts of our summer curriculum. It’s a time for children to be curious, playful, and expressive, all while staying active and cool. When we see the sparkle of water flying through the air and the sound of laughter echoing through the playground, we know we’re doing summer right.
Whether your child is new to water play or a seasoned splash pro, we make sure every child feels safe, included, and ready for fun. So bring on the bathing suits, towels, and sunny smiles—summer is in full swing at Kare-A-Lot!