Splash! A Sponge Tossing Game

When the warm weather sets in, there's no better way to cool off than by jumping into a bathing suit and playing water games outside! A worn-out kitchen sponge or loofah makes the perfect cooling-off tool, especially when used as a makeshift "ball" in a tossing game. Two plastic cups, a bucket of water, and the sponge are all you need to play. Not only is this hand-eye coordination boosting game made from recycled materials, it's inexpensive to boot!

What You Need:

• Sponge or loofah
• 2 or more plastic cups
• Bucket of water
• Scissors
• Clothes you don't mind getting wet
• Large, open space

What You Do:

1. Have your child clean the sponge thoroughly. Before playing with it, make sure it hasn't been exposed to harmful chemicals or bacteria.
2. If necessary, ask her to trim the sponge to make sure it fits inside the cup.
3. Next, soak the sponge in water. Give each player a cup.
4. Instruct the players to stand about 10 feet apart.
5. Now, have players toss the sponge back and forth, catching and throwing it using only the cup.
6. After every player has caught and thrown the sponge successfully, have all players take a step back, re-soak the sponge and then begin throwing it again. Have fun; encourage players to see how far apart they can stand and still manage to catch it!