After finally making our first water wall this summer, I wanted to share with you the different options you have for making your own. It doesn't have to be difficult and no matter how you do it, your kids are going to love it anyway!
What is a water wall?
A water wall is a series of tubes and containers (etc.; more on that below) that are attached to a vertical surface in such a pattern that water flows from one to the next until it reaches the bottom. Or, a really cool activity to keep the kids busy and happy - and just perfect for summer!
Why?
Well, does fun count? Because they are certainly that! It's also a great way to cool off on a hot day (because you just KNOW that at least some of that water is going to get on themselves!). But there are other benefits too - fine motor skills are honed with the pouring of water and scooping it up again and there is all kinds of experimenting going on while they finagle with the pieces ("What will happen if I move this a little? Oh, the water just falls to the ground. What about this way...?")
How?
There are several different ways to go about building your own water wall, depending on what you already have on hand and how elaborate you're looking to get.
First you need to decide what you want the water to run through. Some ideas are pool noodles, tubes, plastic piping, buckets, rain gutters, funnels, watering cans, PVC pipes, plastic bottles, plastic jugs - basically any kind of plastic recyclable! Use your imagination and have a look around!
First you need to decide what you want the water to run through. Some ideas are pool noodles, tubes, plastic piping, buckets, rain gutters, funnels, watering cans, PVC pipes, plastic bottles, plastic jugs - basically any kind of plastic recyclable! Use your imagination and have a look around!
Then think about what you're going to attach it to. Some ideas: (click on the links to see examples)
- wooden pallets
- fence (chain link or wooden)
- foam board
- hardware cloth inside wooden frame
- peg board
- bath tub wall
- plexiglass
- baby gate
Finally, what are you going to attach it with? This will vary depending on where you're planning to set up your water wall (you can't use zip ties for the wall in the bath tub, for instance) but some ideas to get you started are:
- zip ties
- tape
- pipe cleaners
- suction cups
- Velcro
As you can see, there are and endless variety of ways you can make a water wall. Mix and match and have fun building it - and then have fun watching your kids play with it. Remember, no matter how unsightly you think it looks - your kids are going to love it all the same!
