Fun Outside Water Games Without Having to Connect a Water Hose

Water Balloon Games

• Fill water balloons indoors in the sink or bathtub for a variety of games. Split a large group (eight or more) into pairs. Give each pair a water balloon for a water balloon toss. Form two lines with each person standing opposite her partner. After each toss, each row takes a large step back. Balloons will start bursting and the last pair standing wins. Throw blindfolds into the mix for an extra challenging game.
  Organize a water balloon relay race with two teams of three or more. The runners must tuck a water balloon under their chin and run to the end of the race and back. They then pass the balloon to the next teammate. If the balloon breaks, the runner must go back to the start and get a new balloon. The race ends when all the members of a team complete the race.
  Experiment with water balloons' many uses. Consider a relay race where the runner must reach a goal and pop a water balloon without using his hands or feet. Add water balloons into classic games such as capture the flag or tag. Whatever game you play, pick up those little pieces of rubber once the fun is over.

Other Games

• Organize a bucket brigade race with two buckets for each team and a cup for each player. Fill one bucket for each team. Have each team form a line with a bucket on either end. When the race starts, the player at the front of the line fills his cup from the bucket and pours water into the cup of the player behind him. When the water reaches the rear player, he dumps it into the bucket and the process starts again. Whichever team has the most water in their rear bucket after 45 seconds wins.
  Turn the bucket brigade into a relay race. The runners must run from one bucket to the other while carrying a cup of water. The goal is to spill as little water as possible. After all the runners have gone, the team with the fullest bucket wins. Have the players balance cups on their heads for an extra challenge.
  Use sponges for a variation on tag. The player who is "it" must use the wet sponge to tag other players.
  Have an ice-melting race. Divide the group into two teams. Each team receives an ice cube. The player rubs the ice between her hands and passes it along to a teammate when she's too cold. Whichever team melts their ice first wins.