The idea: to get wet, cool off, and have fun. The bonus: hands-on experiments with H2O.
Looks pretty simple, doesn't it, that wading pool behind the house with the grass clippings fermenting in the bottom? Hose it down, add water and children, and you've got a nice, easy way to pass a few hours. But wait, there's more. While the kids are splashing, they're also conducting scientific research. And that engagement of curiosity causes these experiments to produce some startling results: a toddler who ordinarily won't let go of her father's leg now laughing and squealing with the older kids; boys and girls ages 1 to 7 happily at play together; a 4-year-old spontaneously discussing water physics with her mom.
We found the most fun (and engaging) water activities by filling our wading pool, tossing in some household items, offering up ideas, and inviting in the experts (some pictured here). These kids didn't hold back. They rejected many, revamped some, and approved a few. At the end of the day, we came away with three wading pool games that worked across a wide age range and inspired merry mayhem (not to mention that learning thing).
