Summer Outdoor Activities for Kids: Water Bucket Relay Race

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Redcorn Studios [Matt]; Flickr.com

Parents and teachers can make exercise fun with a unique way to cool off and get active on a sunny day. Combining fitness with fun is my favorite way to keep kids active. One activity kids will enjoy playing with their friends is the "Water Bucket Relay Race."

In this water relay race, the kids will get pretty wet, so be forewarned. To play Water Bucket Relay Race, a few supplies are needed. All kids who play will need a pair of sweatpants and a bucket. All buckets should be exactly the same. A kiddie pool is also needed for this active game.

First, determine a start and finish line for the kids. The kiddie pool should be at the finish line. The buckets should be at the start line. Each of the kids will stand in front of their own bucket. At the start of the race, each one of the kids will race alongside each other to the kiddie pool and jump in, which should soak their sweatpants. They then should run the race back to their own bucket and squeeze as much water as possible into it.

Game play continues until one player's bucket has been filled completely. That player is the winner. If there are more than 10 kids playing, the game can be adapted into a team relay game. The kids should really like this active game and have so much fun running back and forth. The determined looks on their faces while attempting to fill the buckets will make you smile.

For those concerned about the physical challenges, when the pants become soaked, it creates extra weight, which gives a good workout, in addition to the racing itself. To make this race even more challenging, try adding a mini obstacle course in between the pool and bucket. One idea for a mini obstacle course is to put out some cones to weave through, a row of batons to jump over, or a row of tires to step through.

Be sure to have drinking water, towels and dry clothing on hand for when the race is completed. The kids should enjoy this active race, but when it is over, they will also be happy to get refreshed.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network