Water Works (weensie alert)

As the temperature heats up outside, it's important to come up with some ways to stay cool. Toddlers and preschoolers L-O-V-E water and there are many ways you can encourage water play at home.

Clearly, the most obvious is the tub. Why rush through this nightly routine and who says it has to be a nighttime only event anyway? Why not a midday splash in the tub when you're all out of tricks? Throw in some toys and let them go to town. Or why not try this recipe for homemade bath paints (I'm planning to)?

If you have a backyard or some outdoor space, water tables are simply the best! We have this water table and The Bean loves it. But it doesn't have to be anything fancy, a simple plastic tub like this will do just fine. Simply fill with water and toys and let the good times roll. And when you're feeling crazy, or if you just need to spruce it up a little towards the end of summer, add some food coloring or a little liquid soap.

If a water table isn't an option for you, or for when it's just too darn hot to be outside, turn the ole kitchen sink into a play area for your curious kiddo. Pull up a sturdy stool sink side and stand back! You can place a slightly damp dishtowel on the stool to prevent slipping if your toddler splashes on the stool. Even if they get water everywhere- no sweat, it's only water right?

Whatever your set up - tub, table or sink - I promise you don't need expensive toys or equipment. Simple kitchen tools and their own creativity are all the minis need to get the party started. Cups or containers of various shape and size, measuring cups with pour spouts, funnels, colanders and turkey basters all make for fun, fun, fun!