Keeping cool in the garden: 5 water play tips for kids during a heatwave

The temperature is soaring, the sun is beating down on the patio and the kids still want to go outside. Sound familiar? During a heatwave, your garden doesn't have to be a no-go zone. With a bit of water, some shade and the right toys, you can turn your back garden into a refreshing mini holiday park. Here are the 5 best tips for keeping cool in the garden, so you and the kids can breeze through the hot days.

1. The water table: cooling and development for the little ones

The perfect starting point for toddlers and preschoolers

A water table is the ideal solution for young children on warm days. Your child plays comfortably standing up, supervision stays easy and the table is filled and emptied again in just a few minutes. Scooping, pouring, splashing: kids will be entertained for hours. And the best part? Playing with water isn't just refreshing, it also stimulates motor skills and sensory development. Place the water table in the shade and refresh the water daily – water play in the garden doesn't get more carefree than this.

2. A paddling pool in the garden: the classic that always delivers

From inflatable pool to frame pool

Nothing says summer like a paddling pool in the garden. For the littlest ones, a shallow inflatable pool with just a few centimetres of water is enough, while older kids prefer diving into a more spacious frame pool. Choose a spot that's partly in the shade: that way the water stays pleasant and no one gets sunburnt while playing. Important: never leave children unsupervised near water, not even a shallow pool.

3. Water sprinklers: run, squeal, cool down

Active outdoor play without a big pool

No room for a pool? A water sprinkler on the garden hose might just be the simplest way to keep kids cool. Turn on the tap, and they'll run endlessly through the water jets. From cheerful sprinkler figures to splash mats: there's something for every age. Extra tip: in the late afternoon, give the lawn and borders a spray too – it noticeably cools down the whole garden.

4. Water guns: the ultimate water fight

For kids who love action (and parents who dare to join in)

For older kids, a water fight is the highlight of a hot summer's day. Water guns in all shapes and sizes, reusable water balloons or simply a bucket and sponge: it doesn't matter, as long as everyone gets wet. Turn it into a game with teams or "capture the flag", and the whole neighbourhood will want to join in. Active movement and cooling down at the same time.

5. Shade and greenery: the cool foundation of every summer garden

No summer play day without a shady spot

As much fun as water play is, between 12:00 and 15:00 the sun is at its strongest and best avoided. So make sure there's enough shade above the play area: a parasol, shade sail or gazebo makes a world of difference. And good to know: a green garden is literally a cooler garden. Trees, plants and grass retain moisture and cool the air, while paving stores heat. Combine shade with a blanket and cold drinks, and you've got a chill-out corner where kids can recharge in between.

Frequently asked questions about keeping cool in the garden

How do I keep my child cool during a heatwave?

Combine water play (water table, paddling pool or sprinkler) with plenty of shade, lots of drinking and rest moments during the hottest part of the day. Play mainly in the morning and late afternoon.

What is the best water toy for toddlers?

A water table is ideal for toddlers: safe, easy to supervise and great for development. A shallow inflatable pool with a few centimetres of water is a good alternative – always under supervision. Check here for tips on finding the water table that suits your child best!

How do you quickly create shade in the garden?

A parasol, shade sail or gazebo above the play area is the quickest solution. In the long term, trees, plants and grass ensure a naturally cooler garden.

Ready for a summer full of water play?

Bring the cool into your garden

With a water table, a paddling pool, some water toys and a good shady spot, you'll turn every hot day into a party in your own garden. Discover our complete range of water toys and summer essentials at Toys and Garden and bring the cool into your garden. ☀️💦