I had a different idea for these water balloons, but unfortunately plan A didn’t work out. Originally, I wanted to tape the water balloons to the wall to encourage Riley to stand up and cruise along the wall. However, the water balloons were too heavy for the tape and kept falling. So I had to come up with plan B. Plan B worked out so much better and Riley loved it!
Materials
- Balloons (You want the regular balloons instead of the water balloons because they are thicker. It will be harder for baby to pop the regular balloons.)
- Deep dish filled with water to allow the water balloons to bob
- Water proof mat or large plastic table cloth folded in half
- Painters’ tape
Directions
- Gently stretch the balloons out. Then wrap the opening around the faucet. Slowly fill with water. You don’t need a lot of water. They should be small like a typical water balloon.
- Fill your deep dish with water. Place the water balloons in the water and check to make sure they can bob below the surface.
- Place your mat or table cloth on the floor and tape it down. I didn’t tape mine down and Riley pulled it up. It sent rivers of water all over my floor.
- Roll up baby’s sleeves and get ready for splashing!
Tip: Do this activity on a day you plan to mop your floors :)
Riley's experience
Riley loves water play so this was right up her alley! She had fun trying the grab the water balloons. They kept slipping away from her and bobbing under the water when she would grab for them. It was trickier than she expected and sometimes they would slip out of her hand and onto the mat, though she thought that was pretty funny. Riley loved splashing and tossing the balloons in the water which made even larger splashes. She did enjoy chewing on the tied ends of the balloons which is why this activity should only be done under close supervision. It is also why I recommend using regular balloons because they don’t tear as easily. All in all, this activity was a blast.
Benefits
-
Physical development: This activity is working on Riley’s balance as she sits/crouches and splashes in the water. It is also working on her fine motor skills as she is reaching, grabbing, and splashing. In addition, this activity develops hand-eye coordination.
-
Language development: Riley is being exposed to new vocabulary as mama narrates what she is doing. She is hearing words such as splash, water, balloons, slippery, bounce, wet.
-
Cognitive development: Sensory play increases the neural pathways that are being formed. This activity is also working on spatial awareness as Riley seeks out the bobbing balloons.
Links to materials
