Water balloon games are a great way for kids to stay cool and have fun in the summer.
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Although water balloon fights are the most popular game, there are many other games that can be played with water balloons.
These games are not only fun, but they are also safe for kids of all ages.
Summer is the best time of year for water balloon games! The warm weather and long days are perfect for playing outside and getting wet.
There are so many different games you can play with filled water balloons, and they’re all super fun.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Backyard Water Balloon Games
Water balloons are a simple, affordable way to have some (wet) fun anywhere!
But, thinking beyond just throwing them at each other for a water balloon fight, we try to find more ways to watch them bust and cool everyone off.
Water Balloon Toss
One of the classic water balloon games is water balloon toss. This is a great game for kids of all ages and can be played with as few as two people. You can either play with teams or have a free-for-all.
Tip: This may NOT be the best time for reusable water balloons.
The object of the game is to toss the water balloon back and forth to your partner without dropping it. If you drop the balloon, your team is out. The last team standing wins!
And, to mix it up even more, you can (very carefully) cut the bottom of gallon milk jugs (keeping the handle intact), cover the cut part with Duct Tape, and then use the jug to toss the water balloons.
Each player will need their own jug to play. Make sure to leave the lids on the jug so that when the balloon breaks you can catch the water!
Cover your opponent with the water or pour it over your own head to cool off more!
Beach Towel Toss
Keeping with the water balloon toss theme, mix it up again with a beach towel. This time each team will require at least 4 players, 2 to hold each towel.
Playing the same way you would the aforementioned game, use the beach towel to toss the water balloons. This will take a bit more practice.
You must pull the towel tight to fling the balloon to your team members on the other side.
Plenty of teamwork involved in this version!
Target Practice
Another great water balloon game is target practice. This one is perfect for those hot summer days when you just want to cool off.
Set up some targets in your backyard (plastic cups work great) and see who can hit the most. You can play with teams or individual players.
The person or team with the most hits at the end of the game wins!
Balloon Dodgeball
If you’re looking for a water balloon game that’s a little more high-octane, try water balloon dodgeball!
This game is just like regular dodgeball but with water balloons instead of balls. It’s a great way to cool off while still getting a good workout.
The object of the game is to hit your opponents with water balloons and eliminate them from the game. The last person standing is the winner!
Balloon Drip
This game is similar to the balloon toss — but with a twist.
Each team gets a few drops of food coloring added to their water balloons. The object of the game is to toss the balloon back and forth between team members, trying not to break it.
If the balloon does break, the team that breaks the most balloons loses.
Balloon Drop
This is a game for two teams of equal numbers. Line the teams up on opposite sides of a table, with each team having a few water balloons.
The object of the game is to drop the balloons onto the other team’s side of the table. The team that drops the most balloons wins.
Yard Tennis
Using backyard tennis rackets, grab a water balloon, toss it into the air and just see if you can keep it from busting as you hit it over to your opponent.
Balloon Relay
This is a relay race where each team has to pass a water balloon down the line without using their hands. The first team to get the balloon all the way down the line and back wins.
Paper Tube Relay
Here’s a way to put all those empty toilet paper rolls to use! Separate the kids into two teams for a relay race.
Each team will line up with a paper tube and bucket of water balloons.
The first player balances a water balloon on their empty tube and completes the pre-determined course before passing it to the next player.
If the balloon falls, that player must start again.
Tic-Tac-Toe Splash
Using sidewalk chalk, draw a Tic-Tac-Toe board on the ground.
Two players then toss water balloons at the squares trying to make a Tic-Tac-Toe pattern. The first player to get three in a row wins.
Balloon Pick Up
Remember playing 52-card pickup as a kid? Just me? Well, you would toss all 52 cards on the ground and see who could pick up the most cards.
With balloon pick-up, it’s more than just a competition. You don’t want broken water balloon pieces laying around for both safety and cleanliness.
Therefore, at the end of the day, have everyone pick up as many water balloon pieces as they can find and then give a reward to the person who found the most.
Be sure to clean up when you’re done.
Backyard water balloon games are the perfect way to keep your kids cool and entertained during the summer months.
And spending time in your backyard with the family never has to be a big production. After all, it’s not about the money spent, it’s about the quality time you give them!
With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a water park for the day.
Whether you’re looking for games to play with a group of friends or ways to keep your kids busy for an afternoon, water balloon games are a great option.
Be sure to soak in everything this summer has to offer with activities that the entire family can enjoy!