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Turn up the fun. Water Sports are the best activity for kids this summer.
Once kids hit nine or ten, party ideas get a bit trickier. They still love to be active, but they are ready for more challenge and competition.
That is where water sports parties shine. They mix friendly rivalry, constant movement, and splash filled fun in a way that keeps older kids and tweens fully engaged from start to finish.
Why Water Parties Work for Tweens
Older kids crave excitement, variety, and a chance to compete with their friends in a fun way. Water games deliver all of that, plus a great way to cool off during Australia’s warm months without needing a full size pool.
- They keep kids moving and active for the whole party.
- They encourage teamwork, strategy, and quick decisions.
- They work well for mixed age groups, including younger siblings.
Water sports parties are perfect for ages nine to twelve. Younger kids, around six to eight years old, can often join in with adjusted rules and easier roles.
Easy Water Sports Party Ideas for Your Backyard
You do not need a beach or a big pool to host a great water party. A backyard, a hose, and a few simple props are enough to turn your place into a mini water arena.
Slip and Slide Relay
Lay out a long tarp on a gentle slope or flat lawn. Add water from the hose and a little baby shampoo for extra slip.
- Divide kids into teams.
- Each player slides down, runs back, and tags the next teammate.
- First team to complete all turns wins.
Sponge Tag
Skip single use water balloons and use chunky sponges instead.
- Soak sponges in buckets of water.
- Kids try to tag others by gently throwing or tapping with the wet sponge.
- Once tagged, players do a quick fun task, then rejoin the game.
Mini Paddle Battles
If you have a small inflatable pool or shallow shell pool, you can set up simple water duels.
- Use kick boards, float boards, or inflatables as bases.
- Kids try to knock soft items off each other’s boards without pushing or shoving.
- Last one with all items still on their board wins the round.
Target Toss
Line up buckets, tubs, or laundry baskets at different distances.
- Assign point values to each target.
- Kids throw soaked sponges, soft balls, or water balloons into the targets.
- Tally scores for individuals or teams.
Ultimate Water Blaster Arena
This one turns your backyard into a mini version of Aqua Siege style play.
- Set up team bases and scoring zones.
- Use water blasters and flags or cones to mark objectives.
- Teams earn points by capturing flags, defending zones, or completing water challenges.
Safety First for Water Sports Parties
Water plus running feet means you need a quick safety setup before the fun begins.
- Use non slip or grass surfaces where possible.
- Clear the area of sharp edges, rocks, and tripping hazards.
- Set house rules such as no pushing, no aiming at faces, and listening to the host.
- Keep a shaded rest area with towels, hats, and sunscreen close by.
- Offer plenty of water breaks so kids stay hydrated.
Tip. Give a short safety briefing before games start. Older kids respect clear rules when they know it means more time for fun and fewer stoppages later.
Why Parents Love Water Sports Parties
From a parent’s point of view, water sports parties tick a lot of boxes.
- They are active and social rather than screen based.
- They work well for mixed age groups, so younger siblings can often join.
- They can be set up in a normal backyard with simple gear.
You can even book Funtime Kids Parties to manage the entire setup. Our hosts bring the gear, explain the rules, keep games fair, and watch the pace so kids stay safe while having the time of their lives.
With a hosted water sports party, your backyard turns into a small stadium and you actually get to enjoy the day instead of running from station to station with a hose in your hand.
See Our Water Sports Parties in Action
Here is a sneak peek at how a high energy water party looks when we run the games.
Ready to Plan Your Next Level Water Party
If your child is ready for more than simple party games, a water sports party is the perfect upgrade. Mix a few of the ideas above or let our team design a full session that matches your space and age group.
Next step. Choose a date, think about your guest list, and reach out to Funtime Kids Parties so we can help you build a water party that older kids and tweens will still talk about long after the towels have dried.
