Kids can learn at water parks (or pools or splash pads)! We're all about having fun, but while you're there it never hurts to sneak in some education. If you have season passes to a water park, or even just a day trip there, doing a little teaching over the summer can help make it more interesting.
Plus, research shows the more you engage your child's brain with activities and questions, they will grow up to be a smarter adult. And what parent doesn't want to give their kids a headstart in life?
What can kids learn at a water park you ask?
For your youngest kids (2s & 3s):
*Water parks are usually very colorful. This is a great opportunity to ask them to name the colors that they see all around them. There's several in the photo above so you see what I mean.
*Water parks often have lots of round items (inner tubes, pools etc) so this is also a good opportunity to work on shapes. I'm sure you'll be able to spot lots of squares and rectangles too.
*Now is a good time to discuss safety. Ask them if they know why it's not a good idea to run at a water park. If not, now's your chance to explain it as well as other water safety rules.
*Talk about sunscreen and why it's important. Sing silly songs when you put it on.
(If your kids are like mine, knowing WHY they have to do something makes it easier for them to abide by the rules!)
For older kids (6 and above):
*Water parks are the perfect places to discuss displacement and buoyancy. Have them notice how the water splashes out of the pool when they jump in, especially if they do a cannon ball. Use this time to discuss displacement.
*See if they know why some items float and why some sink. If they don't, now's your time to shine as a parent and explain it. (HINT: If you're not sure how best to explain these topics, google them before you go or make a mental note to discuss these topics at home.)
*If the water park has a wave pool discuss the tides in the ocean and what causes them.
So there you have it moms and dads, kids can learn at water parks! Avoid learning loss this summer and take every chance you get to educate while having fun.
For a list of public pools, splash pads and water parks in Dallas Fort Worth, see our list.
Win FREE Tickets to Hawaiian Falls this summer! We're giving away tickets every week!
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We hope you find these tips helpful from the Around-Town Mom. Lots more age-appropriate location-centric tips are available in my new book, Kidding Around Town, perfect for summer!
Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.
To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides 100s of local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures. At less than 10 cents per location information, it's a bargain!
To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides 100s of local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures. At less than 10 cents per location information, it's a bargain!
