When I think of activities that bring both joy and learning, water play is at the top of the list. It’s playful, versatile, and has a natural way of engaging children with autism.

One of my clients, a young girl who often avoided messy textures, discovered she loved painting the sidewalk with water. What started as a hesitant brush stroke soon turned into a full canvas of creativity. That small success built her confidence for other sensory activities too.

In this blog, I’ll share different water play ideas that encourage learning, comfort, and connection.

Sensory Bins with Water

Sensory bins are a simple way to introduce water play at home. Fill a container with water and add items like sponges, plastic cups, or floating toys. Children can scoop, pour, and squeeze, which helps develop both fine motor skills and sensory awareness.

These bins can be especially helpful because they:

• Encourage hand-eye coordination

• Provide calming sensory input

• Teach early problem-solving through play

Water Painting on Sidewalks

A bucket of water and a paintbrush can turn your driveway or sidewalk into a creative canvas. As children “paint” with water, they see their creations appear and disappear, sparking imagination.

This activity offers benefits such as:

• Building creativity and self-expression

• Strengthening grip and fine motor skills

• Creating a mess-free art activity

Splash Play in Kiddie Pools

Small backyard pools are great for supervised free play. Adding floating toys, water wheels, or funnels keeps kids engaged while building confidence around water.

Kiddie pool play is valuable because it:

• Supports gross motor development through splashing and movement

• Provides opportunities for pretend play

• Encourages social play when siblings or friends join in

Bubble Play with Water

Adding bubble solution to water creates endless fun. Children can blow bubbles, pop them, or try catching them on wet hands.

Bubble play can support development by:

• Strengthening oral motor skills

• Promoting turn-taking and social interaction

• Adding a fun visual element for engagement

Water Pouring Games

Pouring water from one container to another may seem simple, but it’s incredibly beneficial. Try using different-sized cups, bottles, or funnels to add variety.

This kind of play helps children by:

• Teaching cause-and-effect

• Building independence with daily living skills

• Improving focus and concentration

Ice Cube Exploration

Adding ice cubes to water play creates a new sensory experience. Children can scoop, chase, or melt them with warm water.

This type of play is great because it:

• Teaches about temperature differences

• Engages multiple senses at once

• Encourages problem-solving through experimentation

Toy Washing Station

Set up a small tub of soapy water and give your child toy cars, dolls, or action figures to “wash.” Add sponges or brushes for variety.

This activity supports children by:

• Encouraging pretend play and imagination

• Building independence with task completion

• Introducing early self-care routines in a playful way

Sprinkler Fun

Running through sprinklers is a classic summer activity. Some children love the sensory input from the water spray, while others prefer watching.

Sprinkler play can be helpful because it:

• Supports gross motor movement and coordination

• Provides strong sensory input for regulation

• Encourages outdoor play and exercise

Sink or Float Experiments

Gather a variety of waterproof items and test whether they sink or float in a tub or pool. Children love guessing and watching the results.

This activity is valuable as it:

• Introduces early science concepts

• Builds curiosity and engagement

• Encourages interactive learning through play

At Blossom ABA Therapy, we see the value of play in every child’s growth. Water play activities are just one way we support children in building motor skills, sensory regulation, and social connections.

We offer personalized home-based ABA, center-based ABA, and school-based ABA programs across Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.

If you’re looking for ways to help your child grow through play and therapy, we’d love to connect with you.