Water Balloon Learning Games

If you want to really add a splash of excitement to academics, then transform water balloons into learning games!  In addition to being a great activity to do together, I always find that the best learning takes place when children are motivated, excited, and happy.  You can get the “best of both worlds” with these Water Balloon Learning Games because your child will have fun playing and you will feel empowered helping your child learn new concepts.

Water Balloon Learning Game #1- Spelling Words

Simply fill up several water balloons and write the spelling words you are working on with your child.  Put them into a bucket and then ask the child to find the word you give them.  Once they find the word, they can throw the water balloon out to make a splash!

Water Balloon Learning Game #2- Number Ordering

Fill up several water balloons and then write one number on each balloon (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…… etc).  Then instruct your child to find the #1 balloon and throw it.  Then move onto #2 and throw it.  Then onto #3 and throw it….until all of the balloons have been thrown.  ‘

More difficult variations of the number ordering balloon game includes:

1. Throwing balloons in descending order (i.e. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6….)
2. Throwing balloons counting by 2’s
3. Throwing odd then even numbered balloons

Water Balloon Learning Game #3- Color Identification

Make sure you buy a pack of multi-colored balloons.  Simply fill up different colors of water balloons and then instruct the child to find a certain color of balloon.  Once they find the balloon, then they can throw it out to make a splash!

Water Balloon Learning Game #4- Size Identification

Fill up the water balloons into different sizes (i.e. big, medium, and small).  Ask the child to find the smallest balloon and throw it.  Then ask them to find the next smallest balloon to throw and so on….. until all the balloons have been thrown.

Water Balloon Learning Game Tips

The first time I played these games with my kids, I learned a few tricks about water balloons that I wanted to pass along to you.

1. Place a towel inside your bucket so that the balloons stay dry
2. Dry off each water balloon with a towel before putting it into the bucket
3. Water balloons will instantly pop on many surfaces such as grass, so its recommended to put them in a bucket rather than on the ground
4. Use a permanent marker to write the concepts on the balloons
5. For more fun outdoor learning games, check out these spray bottle games  and this shaving cream game