4 Types of Outdoor Water Play Equipment
Children have a natural fascination with water, making outdoor water play equipment an essential addition to any playground. From sensory experiences to STEM activities, water toys offer a wide range of developmental benefits, says DeLia.
This deluxe inflatable water slide and spray pool combo is great for toddlers. It requires a garden hose to set up, and direct parental supervision is recommended.
Sand and Water Tables
A sand and water table is a kids’ outdoor toy that usually has two bins (one filled with sand and the other with water). But you can also fill it with different sensory play materials like pebbles or water beads. These types of tables are great for toddlers and preschoolers as they offer plenty of opportunities for open-ended and self-directed play that grows confidence and independence.
Kids can create their own sand castles, fill and pour, or even build a river with toys. In addition, sand and water play helps children develop their fine motor skills by scooping, pouring, and digging. This messy play can also help children explore the different textures, shapes and temperatures of sand and water.
Most sand and water tables have multiple areas for play to encourage group activities and socialization, which can further promote children’s cognitive development. They also encourage creative thinking and problem solving. And most have a drain plug for easy clean-up, so you can empty the table and rinse off the accessories in between splash sessions.
Before you buy a sand and water table, make sure it is recommended for the age range of your kids and look for ones with fun and educational accessories. Some of the best accessories include spinners, slides and tracks that can be used with toy cars or trains. Also remember that any sand table can get dusty so it’s a good idea to spray a light mist of water on the sand before playtime.
Streams and Fountains
Kids are naturally fascinated with water, making outdoor water play equipment a smart addition to any playground. This type of play helps kids cool down and recharge while socializing and engaging in a unique sensory experience. Adding water-flow equipment, like streams and fountains, outdoor water play equipment can also encourage imaginative play. Many are styled to look like natural streams or waterways, allowing children to use them in their games and make up their own fun scenarios.
Pacifico recommends setting up water games that will help kids use their imagination and channel energy, such as a water relay race where they run back and forth with buckets filled with water. This is a simple, inexpensive way to introduce water play. She also suggests trying out a sprayer that blows bubbles—one of her favorites is the Gazillion Mega Zillion Wand, which comes with 33 mini wands built into the paddle and can shoot bonkers amounts of foam into the air for a great sensory experience.
Another option is a pondless waterfall, which looks just like a traditional fountain but doesn’t require a large space and can be used indoors or out. If you do go with this option, consider choosing a pondless fountain that has a low maintenance water line so it’s easy to clean and sanitize. Many fountains are designed to be eye-catching focal points and can be lighted for an extra special touch.
Splash Pads
Often referred to as spray parks or water playgrounds, splash pads use several different equipment types to jet and mist water on children. Unlike traditional swimming pools, splash pads have no standing water in the play area to reduce the risk of drowning. They also don’t require access control personnel or lifeguards to be present, which is why they are a great option for communities that may not be able to afford the high cost of a public pool.
Splash pad equipment includes ground nozzles that can be activated by pushing a button, arcs that water sprays from for kids to run through and even fountains that drop “rain showers” on visitors in the form outdoor water play equipment of mushroom- or tree-shaped sprayers. In addition to offering a wide variety of ways for kids to interact with water, splash pads can feature special equipment like hydraulophones that make music when people press down on jets of water laid out in the shape of a musical scale.
Most splash pads are surfaced in textured, non-slip concrete or crumb rubber and typically recirculate the water they use. The recirculated water passes through pipes and is disinfected with germ-killing chemicals before it’s sprayed again. However, as with all water play, it’s important to watch for the potential for bacterial contamination in the water and take steps to minimize risk.
Splash Mats
For smaller areas that won’t accommodate a water table or other larger piece of equipment, splash mats can be a great alternative. They typically resist water and food stains, and many are easy to wipe clean. They’re also machine washable for a more thorough cleaning.
The main consideration when choosing a splash mat is where it will be used. You’ll want to choose a mat that fits the space and matches your home decor. In addition to size, consider the design. If you plan to use the splash mat under a high chair, for example, choose one that is designed to fit with that style of seat and can easily be cleaned up after meals.
Another important factor to consider is the materials used in the splash mat. For example, BapronBaby’s waterproof fabric is made with recycled plastic and is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and lead. The material also meets the highest standards for food-safety and feels great against children’s skin.
Water play can be a wonderful way for kids to exercise and channel energy. It’s also a great way to develop key skills. For instance, working pumps, spinning wheels and starting cascades are all excellent ways to improve fine motor skills and reinforce concepts such as floating, sinking, gravity and cause and effect. Whether using a water table, sand or foam, outdoor water play equipment helps promote socialization, physical activity and imagination.
