There’s no better way for kids to have fun and make the most of the outdoors than by soaking up the sunshine and splashing around in the water!
Not only is it a brilliant way to stay cool, water activities can actually help your child develop in lots of surprising ways. From improving physical fitness and mental well-being to strengthening relationships and offering a rich sensory experience, the benefits of water activities for kids go far beyond just having fun!
In this article, we’ll “dive” into what water play is, how it nurtures both the mind and body, including five exciting activities to try during the holidays. Plus, we’ll highlight why watersports camps are the perfect place for children to grow and thrive!
What is water play?
Water play (often called aquatic play or wet play) refers to any structured or unstructured activity that lets children interact with water. It can be as simple as pouring buckets into a paddling pool or as adventurous as swimming in the sea. On a watersports camp, water play usually involves supervised sessions in canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing.
Because water is tactile and just a little unpredictable, it becomes a powerful medium for experiential learning and exploration. Unlike static indoor activities, water play engages multiple senses at once, stimulating both brain and body. Whether they’re navigating a canoe through a gentle current, feeling the resistance of water while paddling, or noticing how wind direction affects a sailboat, children learn to adapt quickly, building confidence and resilience along the way.
7 benefits of water activities
Whether your child is a natural water-lover or still finding their feet in the shallows, water activities offer something for everyone. With the right environment and guidance, every child, no matter their age, can benefit (physically, emotionally, and socially) from spending time in and around water.
1. Builds confidence in water
The most immediate win is building confidence in the water. Controlled exposure helps children replace fear with familiarity. By learning how buoyancy works, practising safe entry and exit techniques, and playing fun games like a relay race, kids quickly realise that water is a friend, not a foe. Each new stroke mastered or successful jump off the poolside is a mini‑victory that turns into greater self‑esteem on land, too.
2. Enhance swimming ability
While building confidence in the water, kids naturally enhance their swimming skills. They learn the key principles of water safety (e.g. swimming in designated areas) and vital skills such as how to stay afloat by treading water or using the back float technique by tilting their head back with their ears submerged. Alongside this, children are introduced to different swimming styles, including front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and basic diving techniques.
3. Improves physical health
Paddling and swimming provide a full‑body workout that develops aerobic stamina, core strength and fine motor control. It requires us to use our muscles in a coordinated, low-impact way against the natural resistance of water. This also cushions joints, making it an inclusive option for kids of varying fitness levels. Moreover, participating in water activities regularly can further reduce screen time and contribute to a lifelong love of exercise.
4. Develops social skills
Many water activities often involve some kind of teamwork, which is ideal for developing kids’ social skills. Whether paddling a tandem kayak or keeping lookout on a sailing dinghy, good communication is essential for success. They learn to give instructions, listen actively, and delegate roles—core skills that benefit them not only at school but also later in work and social life. Plus, the neutral setting of the water helps break down social hierarchies, creating a level playing field where even quieter personalities have the chance to shine.
5. Outdoor exploration
One of the biggest benefits of water activities is giving children the chance to experience the outdoors in ways they might never have done before. Sure, most of us are used to going to our local swimming pool, but there’s something satisfying about doing an aqua park course on a lake or exploring a winding river. Water play also nurtures a sense of curiosity and environmental responsibility, from surveying beach finds on the Jurassic coast to pond dipping, introducing children to biology and ecology firsthand.
6. Boosts problem-solving skills
Activities like sailing, canoeing, or navigating water obstacles challenge children to coordinate their movements, plan ahead, and adapt in real-time. Whether they’re figuring out how to steer a canoe efficiently, balance in a small sailboat, or transfer gear without tipping, kids are constantly solving problems and adjusting their techniques. These hands-on experiences promote persistence, experimentation, and creative problem-solving as they refine their skills on the water.
7. Increases focus and concentration
Studies have shown that spending time by lakes, water, and the sea can enhance our mood and attention span. On the water, distractions like smartphones are naturally removed, and children must stay present to maintain balance or follow navigational cues. That laser focus can transfer back to the classroom, where teachers report improved time‑on‑task, as well as at home, where kids may be more engaged during family time.
Water activities for kids to try this summer!
Ready to turn theory into practice? Whether you’re in your garden, at the park, a local centre, or heading to the beach, these water activities for tweens and teens are sure to make a splash with you and your family this summer!
Paddleboarding (SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding)
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a brilliant full-body activity that challenges balance, focus, and coordination. Kids stand on a wide, stable board and use a long paddle to glide across calm water. It’s ideal for lakes, slow rivers, or coastal bays, and it’s easier than it looks!
What you’ll need:
- Paddleboard (SUP)
- Paddle
- Buoyancy aid or life jacket
- Wetsuit or swimwear
- Water shoes or grippy sandals
Snorkelling
Snorkelling opens up a whole new world beneath the surface. Armed with a snorkel and mask, kids can explore shallow coastal areas, watching fish, crabs, and other marine life in their natural habitat. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to connect with nature.
What you’ll need:
- Snorkel and mask (or full-face snorkelling mask)
- Fins (optional but helpful)
- Wetsuit or swimwear
- Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Canoeing
Canoeing is a classic watersport (and PGL activity) that teaches paddling technique, coordination, and teamwork. Whether tandem or solo, kids learn how to control their direction and work with water currents, all while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
What you’ll need:
- Canoe and paddles
- Buoyancy aid or life jacket
- Wetsuit or quick-dry clothing
- Dry bag (for keeping valuables safe)
Sailing (Beginner Level)
Learning the basics of sailing is an empowering experience. Children learn to harness the wind, steer using a rudder, and manage simple rigging. Beginner sailing is usually done in small dinghies with expert guidance and supervision.
What you’ll need:
- Small sailboat (often provided at watersports centres)
- Buoyancy aid or life jacket
- Wetsuit and water shoes
- Windproof jacket (optional for breezier days)
Water Wall
This is a creative DIY water play activity perfect for younger children. Using recycled materials like an old pallet, fence, or even a sturdy piece of cardboard, attach various plastic bottles, funnels, and tubes. Kids can pour water in at the top and watch it flow down through their self-made water-park contraption.
What you’ll need:
- Plastic bottles, tubes, funnels, and old containers
- A sturdy vertical surface (e.g. wooden board or fence)
- Zip ties, string, or clips to secure items
- Jug or watering can for pouring water
Rockpooling
Rockpooling involves exploring coastal rock pools at low tide to discover hidden sea creatures like starfish, limpets, anemones, and crabs. It’s a calm, observational activity that’s part science lesson, part treasure hunt—a great way for kids to develop scientific skills and have fun at the seaside.
What you’ll need:
- Waterproof shoes or wellies
- Small bucket or clear container for observation
- Net (optional)
- Guidebook or ID chart for marine life
Tips for parents: Introducing children to water
Introducing children to water, especially from a young age, can be a wonderfully positive experience. From starting at the shallow end of the pool to enrolling on swimming lessons, here are some key tips for parents to ensure it’s safe, fun, and builds a love of water:
- Start small and shallow: Using a bath or a small paddling pool allows young kids to explore water at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed by large spaces or deep water. It’s a gentle introduction that focuses on sensory play such as splashing, pouring, and feeling water on their skin.
- Make it play-based: Games and playful activities like “pour and scoop” or rubber duck races help children focus on the fun of interacting with water rather than any fear they might have, making the process of getting comfortable in water feel effortless.
- Practice wearing swim gear: Familiarity with swimming gear helps children feel more prepared and confident when they enter the water. Wearing goggles, swim caps, or buoyancy aids for the first time can sometimes feel strange or intimidating, but over time, they’ll get used to the sensation.
- Introduce face & head wetting slowly: Many children are sensitive about water touching their face or head, which can be a big barrier to learning to swim. Gradually introducing this sensation in a controlled, gentle way helps children overcome this fear.
- Join a supervised swim session: Swimming sessions where parents join their children in the water provide a safe, supportive environment for learning. The presence of a trusted adult alongside an experienced instructor reassures children, easing anxiety and boosting confidence.
Book your child’s watersports adventure today!
If you’ve enjoyed learning about the benefits of water activities and your child is looking to “dive” into the world of watersports, then it’s time to check out our Aqua Explorer watersports camp at PGL!
Our Specialist Summer Camp offers kids aged 11 to 16 the opportunity to try activities they’ve never done before, all under the supervision and support of our expert instructors. Depending on the centre, activities can include canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, and stand-up paddleboarding—to name a few!
If you’re new to PGL and want to dip your toe in (like what we did there?), then why not try our Multi-Activity Camps, where we also offer water activities held at our very own centres. With 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 nights available and lakes at every centre, water activities can be enjoyed by all.
We also have a range of other fun-filled holiday camps, including bushcraft, netball, and our new short specialist camps—3 half day action-filled PGL activity sessions plus 2 immersive half days in your chosen specialism. Our camps have been running for over 66 years! So, we know a thing or two about adventure.
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help. It’s never too late to book!
