Exploring Water

Water play is a wonderful way for toddlers and young children to explore, discover and learn about the world around them. Through water play, children begin to develop an appreciation for this precious natural resource. Simple conversations about where water comes from, how we use it and why we should avoid wasting it can help kids build an early understanding of caring for our environment. Our outdoor water experiences also provide endless opportunities for curiosity and hands-on learning. Toddlers can experiment, problem-solve, develop coordination and strengthen their fine motor skills, all while having fun! Here are some of the activities we can explore together:

Nature Water Curtain

Create a nature curtain using a net (like this one). Then add tubes and funnels, watching as water travels, drips and flows through different pathways.

Water painting

Use brushes and water to paint trees or rocks. Watch the artwork slowly disappear as the water dries!

Transporting water

Use pipettes, sponges and small containers to move water from one place to another, encouraging concentration and coordination. You can even add some colorful water to the mix, using liquid paint.

Making boats

Use tin foil or paper to create boats and see whether they float. Children can experiment with different shapes and designs.

Float or sink

Collect nature treasures such as leaves, sticks, stones and pinecones, then predict and test which will float and which will sink.

Outdoor water play is about so much more than getting wet. It encourages children to ask questions, make predictions, test ideas and learn from what happens. Most importantly, it gives toddlers the freedom to explore nature through their senses and experience the joy of learning through play. So grab a bucket, a few simple tools and some natural treasures, and let the water play begin! 💦🌿