Fun Bathtime Games for Toddlers and Children

Bath time isn’t just about getting clean—it’s also a great opportunity for play, learning, and bonding. Getting your child ready for a bath can also lead to some great learning opportunities. Bathtime games can unlock a variety of sensory developments, supporting motor skills and even language acquisition. Research from the University of Sheffield found that bath time can significantly boost a child’s cognitive and social development.  With the right games, you can turn an everyday routine into a splash-tastic adventure! Here are some fun and easy bath time games to try with your little ones.

8 Fun Bath-time games

1. Treasure Hunt

Turn bath time into an exciting treasure hunt! Drop waterproof toys, plastic coins, or small floating objects into the tub and encourage your child to “dive” for treasure. Use a small net or strainer to scoop up the prizes, making it a fun way to build hand-eye coordination.

2. Sink or Float?

Teach your child about buoyancy with a simple game of “sink or float.” Gather a variety of waterproof objects (rubber ducks, sponges, plastic cups, toy boats) and let them guess whether each one will sink or float before dropping it into the water.

3. Bubble Pop Challenge

Make bath time extra bubbly and challenge your child to pop as many bubbles as they can before they disappear. This game is great for toddlers, helping them develop their reflexes while giggling away.

4. Pouring and Scooping Fun

Give your child plastic cups, ladles, or watering cans and let them experiment with pouring and scooping water. This simple activity helps develop motor skills and introduces concepts of volume and measurement.

5. Bath Time Tea Party

Bring in a plastic tea set and let your little one host a bath time tea party. They can pour “tea” (water) into cups and serve their favourite bath-safe toys as guests. It’s a wonderful way to encourage imaginative play.

6. Water Painting

Use bath-friendly crayons or foam letters to let your child draw on the bathtub walls. They can practice writing letters, numbers, or create colourful masterpieces—all of which rinse away easily when bath time is over.

7. Storytime Splash

Make up an exciting bath time adventure story! Perhaps your child is a deep-sea explorer discovering new ocean creatures, or a mermaid searching for hidden treasure. Let them act out the story using their bath toys or everyday items that can become diy bathtoys.

8. Animal Rescue Mission

Place small waterproof animal figurines in the tub and let your child “rescue” them using a toy boat, fishing net, or their hands. They can pretend to save stranded sea creatures and bring them safely to shore.

Prioritising Bathtime Safety  

Despite bath time being a time for fun both parents and children, it is important to be conscious of the risks and how to avoid any accidents. To minimise any possibility of risks:

• Children should never be left unattended while in the bath, even if it is for a few seconds
• Make sure at the start of bathtime you are well prepared with everything you need within arm’s reach
• A non-slip bath mat can be useful
• Always check the water temperature first with either your elbow or wrist, it should feel comfortable to the skin – not hot or cool
• Have towels easily to hand ready to grab and wrap
• Make sure to regularly clean and check bathtoys for deterioration

With just a little creativity, bath time can become the highlight of your child’s day. Whether they’re exploring the ocean, having a tea party, or testing their science skills, these games make getting clean a whole lot more fun.

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