Summer Fun with Sponges

Now I can't take credit for this game - just the "me-ified" version. I saw this game in Family Fun magazine and despite the fact that we don't have a full-size pool, I adapted it to work in our little kiddie pool.

The kids LOVED it! And really, in the middle of the hot summer, when the kids are hot and cranky, one hour of squealing, laughing kids makes it so worth it.

The Family Fun version needs:

• 3 pool noodles - shaped into a ring using duct tape
• 3 (or more) plastic plates/bowls
• Sharpie
• Sponges, cut into pieces
• A large pool

My version needs:

• Sponges, cut into squares (we used a different color for each child
• Plastic/foam bowls or plates - you can only fit so many in a pool
• A Sharpie
• A kiddie pool

Write different numbers in the bottoms of the bowls (1-5) assigning "points" to each bowl. Once the pool is filled, float the bowls/plates in the pool and let the kids take turns tossing the sponges into the bowls, earning points. The kiddo with the most points wins.

This game lasted for about 10 minutes and then it turned into several different things for the kids. Zachary had a great time trying to toss the sponges in and identify the numbers. McKenna and Laurianna were trying to add and skip count as they tossed theirs in. Kaleb just kept trying to grab everything or throw anything else into the pool.

Then the kids figured out that the wet sponges make some lovely wet shapes. On Mommy. So we spent about twenty minutes with Mommy being chased around the yard screaming and soaking wet, until the hose came out in my defense and then the screaming was reversed.

I tell ya' - it's quick, painless and pretty cheap when it comes down to it. And you can't beat that!