When summer hits, everyone starts looking for two things: ways to cool off and ways to keep kids entertained. Water balloon games and activities are the perfect solution. There are so many fun and interesting ways to use water balloons that go beyond just a typical water fight (not that those aren’t fun too). Whether you’re just looking to get in some exercise or you want to incorporate learning, there are plenty of options for water balloon activities.
There are different types of water balloons as well: Bunch O Balloons, which can be filled quickly; the old-fashioned balloons that have to be hand-filled (but are bigger); or for the environmentally conscious, reusable balloons. So cool off this summer with one or more of these water balloon games and activities!
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1. Water Balloon Dodgeball
Love dodgeball but it’s too hot out to do all that running? We have the perfect solution: Dodgeball, but instead of balls, use water balloons!
Setup
Set up four cones in a rectangle so you have a decent-size playing area. Then, place a large tote in the middle filled with water balloons. Finally, divide everyone up into two equal teams and send half down one end of the playing area and half down the other.
Rules of the Game
- On the count of three, everyone on both sides races to the middle to retrieve a water balloon.
- Once behind your cones, you can begin throwing water balloons at your opponent. No one can throw from inside the coned-off rectangle.
- Once you are hit with a water balloon, you are out of the game.
- Last man standing is declared the winner!
2. Toss but Don’t Break
This is a fun variation on an egg toss but with water balloons!
Setup
We especially love this simple game because it requires minimal setup and materials. You just need a large outdoor space and enough water balloons for each pair to have one. You’ll want to establish a starting line too.
Rules of the Game
- Everyone needs a partner, and each pair should stand with one person on the starting line and one about 2 feet away.
- Everyone makes one toss.
- If the balloon falls but doesn’t break, the team is still in the game. If the balloon is caught and doesn’t break, the team is also still in the game. If it breaks at any time, however, the team is out.
- Every time a team survives a round, the team member across from the starting line has to back up several feet.
- The one team left at the end is declared the winner!
3. Balloon Pop Relay
Who doesn’t love a good relay race? This one involves water balloons and some good old-fashioned water fun!
Setup
Establish a starting line and finish line in a playing area. Fill enough water balloons so that there is one for every member of each team.
Rules of the Game
- Decide how many teams you are going to have and then make teams of three or more players each.
- Everyone starts at the starting line while holding a heavily filled water balloon.
- Each racer runs to the finish line, where they have to sit on their balloon to pop it. Once popped, they race back and tag the next player in line.
- First team to have each member successfully return is declared the winner.
- Note: If a balloon pops at any time in the race other than while sitting on it, runners will have to start over with a new balloon.
4. Fill the Pail
We love how simple this water balloon game is to set up and play! We especially love that it can be played with anyone, from toddlers all the way through adults.
Setup
You’ll want a TON of water balloons filled for this particular game. You’ll need a beach pail of the same size for every player as well as a pile of water balloons beside them.
Rules of the Game
- Each player sits beside a pail and proceeds to pop their water balloons into it in an attempt to fill it.
- First player to fill their pail is declared the winner!
5. Ring Toss
Test your aim to see if you’re the next Tom Brady, but instead of footballs, use water balloons.
Setup
The setup for this version of ring toss is incredibly simple. Just have a Hula-Hoop and some water balloons handy for each pair of kids.
Rules of the Game
- Pair off players and then have one stand with a Hula-Hoop and the other with a pile of water balloons. Then, have the thrower attempt to get the balloon through the hoop.
- You can make this competitive by establishing set distances to throw from and seeing who can get it through the hoop from the farthest away.
6. Capture the Flag
We all have fond memories of playing Capture the Flag with neighborhood pals. This version allows you to throw water balloons at intruders attempting to steal your flag!
Setup
Create a playing area as big or small as you like, and designate it using cones or other markers. Create a smaller area within the larger for the tagged players, which will be known as the holding zone. Designate a small circle using a Hula-Hoop that will serve as the flag zone where the flags will be placed. There should also be a center line directly in the middle of the two playing areas. Finally, divide all players into two even teams.
Rules of the Game
- The object is to steal the other team’s flag and cross the center line without being tagged.
- A defender must stand at least 2 feet away from the holding or flag zones.
- Players are captured when tagged with a water balloon in the opposing team’s zone. They must then enter the holding zone.
- If a player successfully lands in the flag zone without being tagged, they are not able to be tagged again until exiting the zone.
- To free a player from the holding zone, a teammate must successfully enter the zone and tag them. Once that has been accomplished, they receive a free walk back into their own zone.
- The first team to successfully carry the flag across the center line without being hit by a water balloon is declared the winner.
7. Volleyball With a Twist
Instead of a ball, you’re going to want to get that water balloon over the net. But be careful it doesn’t break!
Setup
Before playing, set up a volleyball net. Amazon has some great options that don’t require those pesky stakes! Then, fill enough water balloons to have on hand if they break (and they will).
Rules of the Game
- This game is just like regular volleyball, but instead of a ball, you’ll want to keep a water balloon in the air.
- Make two teams and then set up on opposing sides of the net.
- Rather than hitting the balloon over the net, you’ll want to gently toss it up and over. Don’t break it, though, or it’s a point for the other team.
8. Hot Potato Splash
Everyone certainly remembers playing a game of hot potato as a small child. This version ups the ante on a hot summer day.
Setup
Some water balloon games, like this one, are ideal to play on a whim because they require very little setup. Have five or more friends, a few water balloons, and a phone or other way of playing some music.
Rules of the Game
- Everyone sits in a circle and a facilitator plays music.
- A water balloon is handed around the circle for as long as the music plays.
- Finally, when the music stops, whoever is holding the ball must pop the water balloon over their head.
9. Science Experiments
While this is a list of water balloon games, this one is more of a science experiment. Water balloons provide a lot of opportunities for kids to hypothesize and then test those hypotheses.
Setup
You really don’t need much of anything, honestly, but do be sure to provide a source of water like a hose and plenty of balloons for filling.
Rules of the Game
- There are a lot of possibilities for different experiments you can run with water balloons.
- Are balloons easier to break when filled less or more?
- Fill water balloons with different liquids and then test their buoyancy.
- Find a mason jar with an opening just a little too small for a water balloon to fit through. Then light two small tea lights at the base of the jar. Watch in amazement as the balloon gets sucked into the jar. Be sure to provide adult supervision!
10. Tag Team
Bored over the summer and looking for something fun and silly (and cooling!) to do with a friend? This funny race idea utilizes nothing more than a single water balloon per team.
Setup
Simply establish and mark off a starting line and a finish line. Then just fill enough water balloons for each pair of players as well as a few extras.
Rules of the Game
- Divide all players into teams of two and line them up back-to-back at the starting line. Then give each pair a water balloon that they must hold in between their backs without letting it break.
- Once all the teams are set, have them race to the finish line without breaking the water balloon.
- If the balloon does break before reaching the finish line, they must get a new balloon and start from the beginning.
11. Yo-Yo Fun
Most kids have fun playing with both water balloons and yo-yos so why not combine the two?
Setup
Simply fill a water balloon and then tie a cut elastic band around the end of the balloon.
Rules of the Game
- You can easily make this a game by seeing who can “yo-yo” the longest without popping their balloon.
- If you aren’t into the competition aspect, just have kids play with different-size water balloons and different-length/band-width elastic bands.
12. Duck, Duck, Pop
This early childhood game gets a cooling twist when you incorporate a water balloon into the fun.
Setup
There really isn’t much setup involved. Simply have a good-size playing area outside and some filled water balloons.
Rules of the Game
- Designate one child to start as the tagger. They start the game standing and holding a water balloon.
- The rest of the children sit in a circle. Note: This works best with at least five or six players.
- The goose lightly taps each “duck” before splashing the “goose” with a water balloon.
- Once hit with the water balloon, the goose has to chase the person who tagged them before they can replace them in their spot in the circle.
13. Wet and Wild Freeze Tag
Kids have been playing tag forever because it is fun and requires nothing to play. This version adds some water balloons for a cooling touch on a hot day.
Setup
Who doesn’t love water balloon games that require little more than a bunch of water balloons to play? The only other thing you’ll need is a large outdoor space and a lot of friends! Place a large amount of water balloons in large tubs throughout the playing area.
Rules of the Game
- You can divide the players into two teams. If you have pinnies, it can help distinguish between the two sets of players.
- The rules are pretty simple. If you get hit by a water balloon, you need to immediately freeze.
- A player on your team must tag you to unfreeze you.
- The object is to freeze all members of the opposing team.
14. Crab Walk Race
Some water balloon games double as a workout. Want to exercise all the core muscle groups while having a lot of summertime fun? This water balloon take on a crab walk race is the answer.
Setup
Again, there is very little to set up here. You just need a starting line and a finish line for the race and enough water balloons for each racer plus some extras in the event of a pop.
Rules of the Game
- Racers must get on all fours with their stomach facing upward. This is the crab walk position. Their legs must be behind the starting line.
- Each racer has a water balloon balanced on their stomach that must stay there until they cross the finish line.
- When a water balloon falls but doesn’t break, racers can restart from where it happened.
- If the water balloon falls and breaks, racers must restart from the beginning with a new balloon.
- The first person to successfully crab-walk the entire distance without breaking their balloon is declared the winner!
15. Water Balloon Piñatas
Kids love piñatas, but let’s face it, the last thing they need is more candy. These “piñatas” are really just water balloons!
Setup
You’ll want an outside area that has a lot of options to hang water balloons from (think swing sets, trees with low branches). Then you’ll need to tie string to water balloons and hang several around at kid height.
Rules of the Game
- Every kid gets a Wiffle ball bat and is let loose to smash as many water balloons as possible. In this version, there is no real winner or loser.
- If you want to make it more competitive, select two color water balloons to hang up and then assign a color to each team. The first team to pop all their balloons wins!
16. Slippery Catch
Want to have some messy, wet fun this summer? Then this is the game for you!
Setup
You’ll need a hose, some dish soap or shaving cream, and water balloons.
Rules of the Game
- Simply have a group of kids stand around in a circle with a water balloon between them.
- Have each kid put dish soap or shaving cream on their hands.
- Once everyone has made their hands good and slippery, the game of catch can start.
- See how long you can keep the water balloon before it drops or breaks.
17. Water Balloon Drop
Did everyone do the egg drop challenge during middle school science class? Think of that, but make it a water balloon challenge.
Setup
You’ll need more materials than for other games on this list. Gather a whole bunch of odds and ends and recyclable materials for kids to create chambers to protect their water balloons.
Rules of the Game
- Kids can work individually or in groups to engineer a contraption that will keep a water balloon safe from popping when dropped from a predetermined height.
- Once everyone has created their contraptions, you can drop them and see whose balloon survived.
- If more than one group’s balloon stays intact, try dropping them from an even higher height.
18. Balloon Painting
While this doesn’t technically involve water balloons, it is close enough. We love a good, messy art project that can be done outside on a warm day.
Setup
Use Smart Water bottles with the flip top to fill the balloons with washable liquid paint. Pour the paint into the Smart Water bottles and then squirt it into the balloons after stretching out the balloon’s base. Spread out several large canvases on the ground outside.
Rules of the Game
- There aren’t many rules here, just loads of creativity!
- Let kids place the paint balloons all over the canvases and pop them for a splatter of color.
- Finally, lay the masterpieces out to dry.
- Once dry, find a spot on the wall or give them out as gifts!
19. Balloon Bowling
This game doesn’t involve strikes or spares, but it’s still a lot of fun!
Setup
All you need is a driveway to play this game of water balloon bowling. You’ll want as many water balloons as people plus a few extras. You may also want to have some chalk on hand to mark how far each balloon went.
Rules of the Game
- The rules are actually quite simple. Each bowler has their own water balloon.
- Each bowler takes a turn rolling their water balloon down the lane (aka driveway).
- The farthest roll without breaking the water balloon is the winner!
20. Water Balloon Basketball
Shoot hoops with a water balloon instead of a basketball.
Setup
Place two buckets an even distance apart and divide players into two teams. We love that this can be played 1 v 1 or with a whole team. If you have pinnies, you can use those to distinguish teams.
Rules of the Game
- Players dodge the other team as they attempt to get their water balloon into their designated basket (bucket).
- Once a point is scored, get a new water balloon and keep playing.
- First team to whatever score you decide on is declared the winner.
21. Limbo
This wet twist on a classic party game will have everyone laughing.
Setup
Grab a large pole and have two people hold either end. Everyone who wants to try their hand at the game should have a water balloon in their possession.
Rules of the Game
- Each person has a turn going under the limbo stick in each round. The catch? They must do it while holding a water balloon.
- If you drop or break your water balloon, you are out.
- Keep going until there is just one person remaining.
22. Dance Party
Work up a sweat jamming to your favorite tunes and then cool off when your water balloon inevitably breaks!
Setup
Tie water balloons to the wrists and waist of each dancer. Set up a speaker and play your favorite tunes.
Rules of the Game
- Simply turn on some music and start dancing!
- You must always be dancing in some capacity. Assign someone to serve as judge to make sure.
- Once all of your balloons pop, you are out of the game.
- Last person standing wins!
23. Target Practice
Test your aim and cool off in the process.
Setup
Make a giant dartboard-style target on the pavement with chalk. Make the outer circles larger and worth fewer points and the inner circles smaller and worth more.
Rules of the Game
- Have your opponents stand in the various circles or targets. Then, try to hit them from a set distance away and see how many points you score.
- Switch places and remember to keep score. Everyone gets the same number of attempts.
- The person with the highest number of points wins!
24. Water Balloon Cornhole
We love this variation on the fun backyard game cornhole. You’ll need to have some boards on hand, but odds are someone you know has some.
Setup
Really nothing other than setting up the cornhole boards across from one another and filling some water balloons. Have two color water balloons so each team is assigned a color.
Rules of the Game
- Instead of beanbags, players throw water balloons.
- Pair off, and one member of each team goes to each board.
- Each team takes turns throwing their color water balloon at the cornhole board.
- One point is awarded if you hit the board and three points if it goes in the hole.
- If both teams land equal numbers of balloons onto the board or in the hole, it is a wash.
- The first team to 21 points is the winner!
25. Trivia
Take a fun game of trivia up a level by being pelted with water balloons for every wrong answer!
Setup
Break out your favorite trivia game, like Trivial Pursuit, and set it up outside alongside a pile of water balloons.
Rules of the Game
- Really you can just play whatever rules go along with the trivia game you select.
- The twist, however, is that if you answer wrong, you will get pelted with a water balloon.
26. Color Match
This one is for the toddler-to-preschool-age crowd. It can be hard to get little ones to learn their colors, but this game should solve that!
Setup
Select balloons of various colors and then fill them with water. Find buckets in matching colors.
Rules of the Game
- Spread the water balloons around the ground and have kids race to place them in the corresponding buckets.
- At the end of the game, they can have a good old-fashioned water balloon fight to celebrate their hard work.
27. Towel Toss
We especially love water balloon games that require little more than a few household items. So grab some towels and water balloons and get ready for some fun!
Setup
Find a good-size outdoor space and at least four friends. Pair off into teams of two and give each team a towel. Partners spread the towel out by holding the ends. Place a balloon on the towel.
Rules of the Game
- Two teams go up against each other. They should be standing a foot or two apart to start.
- Once everyone is in position, the first team works together to use the towel to toss it onto the other team’s towel.
- The receiving team must successfully catch the water balloon and pass it back.
- First team to drop 10 balloons loses the game!
28. Trash Collector
Some water balloon games are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, and we think this is certainly one of them.
Setup
Buy some industrial-size trash bags and hand them out to every participant. Each player should step inside their trash bag. Finally, spread a ton of water balloons all over the yard or field where you are playing.
Rules of the Game
- Once inside their sack (aka trash bag), each player will have one minute to race around and place as many water balloons into their sack as possible.
- The winner is the player with the most unbroken water balloons at the end of the allotted time.
29. Batting Practice
There’s nothing like some good old-fashioned batting practice, but you can really work up a sweat doing that in the hot summer sun. We have the perfect solution: Replace those Wiffle balls and baseballs with water balloons!
Setup
You can play this in your yard or your local ballpark depending on what’s available to you. All you need is a Wiffle ball bat and a bunch of water balloons.
Rules of the Game
- Assign one person as pitcher and one person as batter and then play some good old-fashioned baseball.
- You can make it a competition by seeing who can smash the most water balloons or you can just do it for fun.
30. Catch on Your Head
We can’t think of too many things funnier than someone running around with a kitchen pot on their head. But what if you add them trying to catch a thrown water balloon into said pot? Now you’ve got some quality entertainment!
Setup
There really isn’t too much to do here in terms of setup. Simply gather some pots and fill plenty of water balloons.
Rules of the Game
- Pair off and have one person stand holding a pot on their head while the other person attempts to throw a water balloon into the pot.
- The person holding the pot is allowed to move around.
- If you miss, you are eliminated.
- You can continue to increase the distance between teammates as the rounds progress until there is just one team left.
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There are more ways to stay cool this summer than water balloon games. It’s always cool to read a book! Grab our printable summer reading lists.
