Need a simple activity for kids to play outside? Try this pom pom water play activity that’s perfect for outdoor days. Included in this post is information on how to dry pom pom balls after using them in a water sensory bin.
What is pom pom water play?
Pom poms make a fantastic sensory bin. They’re magical to kids and they are absolutely perfect as a “bin filler.”
But did you know that pom pom can get wet, be washed, and used again?
This was shocking news to me a few years ago so now it’s a little bit of a mission to make sure everyone knows:
Pom poms don’t have to be thrown away just because they get wet.
You can make this amazing pom pom water play activity and keep your pom poms for next time.
Credit where credit is due: I learned about pom poms and water from my dear friends at Simply Play Today and Happy Toddler Playtime.
The supplies
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This is a very basic set of supplies – in fact, these are some of the most used supplies in my life. Check out the 15 supplies I love so much and the 40+ activities you can do with them.
RELATED: Looking for more outdoor activities to try this summer? Check out my favorite list of ideas.
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The set-up
Trust me when I say: this was the ultimate in quick and easy activity set-ups.
I started by setting my sensory bin outside and dumping in all my pom pom balls.
Then, I added in some bowls and scoops and topped it all off with hose water. Nothing but the finest around here.
RELATED: Thinking of upgrading your backyard toy collection? Check out what’s been a hit for my family for nearly a decade in this list of outdoor toys for toddlers to tweens.
What happens in pom pom water play?
I started this as an activity for my 2.5-year-old but really it turned into an all-day activity for all of the kids – neighbor kids from toddlers to ten year olds ended up playing with this activity.
They scooped the pom poms, sorted them, turned them into sensory soup, and created imaginary scenes with them.
No one can resist a pom pom ball and water. We proved it with the wide age group that played with this activity. There’s just too much squeezing and smooshing needs to happen – and kids can’t resist it.
RELATED: Wondering about sensory bins with kids? Let me give you some information on how to support kids with sensory play.
How to dry pom pom balls
Start by transferring all the pom pom balls to a pillow case with a colander.
Next, press out the extra water with your hand – the goal is to get them as rung out as possible before tossing them in the dryer.
Place the pom pom balls in a pillow case or garment bag – just make sure to tie the top securely. Many rubber bands were used!
Put it in the washing machine on gentle and then into the dryer on regular heat (it may take two rounds in the dryer).
VOILA!!! The pom poms are like new again!
I always do pom pom water play when I know my pom pom balls have gotten a little gnarly. This gives me the excuse to wash them and clean things up a bit around here.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.