Neon Water Sensory Play: How to Make Water Play Exciting for Summer Fun

Gina
May 17
3 min read

Updated: Jun 17

In this BLOG post I will teach you the benefits of water play and how to set up this fun and festive activity.

Looking for a simple, vibrant activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses? Neon Water Sensory Play is the perfect mix of color, curiosity, and hands-on learning and it’s super easy to set up at home or in the classroom!

What is Neon Water Sensory Play?

Sensory play helps children explore the world around them using their five senses. Neon Water Sensory Play uses brightly colored water, glowing elements, and a few fun tools to encourage tactile discovery, fine motor development, and even a little science.

It’s like a glowing science experiment meets a splash party and it is perfect for kids of ALL ages.

Learning Through Play

This simple setup offers tons of developmental benefits:

Fine motor skills: Pouring, scooping, and squeezing help strengthen small hand muscles.
Color recognition: Talk about the colors you see and how they mix.
Science concepts: Introduce ideas like liquid, density, light, and glow-in-the-dark materials.
Calm focus: Water play has a soothing effect, making it great for sensory regulation.

Ways to enhance your play:

Add in plastic letters or numbers and explore academic concepts such as letter names, letter sounds, beginning reading, number identification, counting, etc.
Add in measuring cups & spoons & incorporate math words such as volume & weight.
Add a few squirts of food coloring & explore color identification & color mixing.

What additional items can you add into your play?

Measuring cups & bowls
Pipette
Medicine dropper
Fruit juicer
Spray bottle
Squirt bottle
Strainer
Funnel
Sponge
Paint brushes
Gems, Pom Poms & other loose parts
Plastic animals
Cookie cutters
Plastic letters or numbers
Nature treasures (flowers, acorns, leaves, sticks, shells)

Neon Water Sensory Play is not just a feast for the senses, it’s also full of rich language development opportunities, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.

Language Opportunities in Neon Water Sensory Play

1. Descriptive Language

As children explore textures, colors, and temperatures, they naturally begin to describe what they feel and see:

“It’s squishy!” “The water is warm!” “That’s really bright!”
Encourage them to use words such as: wet, cold, slippery, glowing, soft, bubbly, smooth.

2. Color & Shape Vocabulary

Use the neon theme to teach and reinforce color words:

“This water is neon green, what other things are green?”
Explore shapes by using differently shaped tools or items: “This funnel is a triangle! The beads are round!”

3. Action Words (Verbs)

Water play encourages a variety of actions:

Pouring, squeezing, splashing, dripping, swirling, scooping, stirring.
Model sentences like: “You’re stirring the water!” or “Can you scoop and pour it into the cup?”

4. Comparative Language

Introduce early math and science comparisons:

“Which cup holds more water?” “Is this lighter or heavier?” “What happens when we add more color?”

5. Question and Answer Practice

Encourage conversation and curiosity:

“What do you think will happen if we mix pink and yellow?”
“Why do you think it glows?” (Great for introducing the word “fluorescent” or “glow-in-the-dark!”)

6. Following Directions

Use multi-step instructions to build comprehension:

“First fill the cup, then pour it into the funnel.”
Scaffold by giving choices or asking them to repeat instructions.

7. Social Language & Turn-Taking

If doing this in a group setting, it's a great chance for:

Practicing sharing tools
Using polite words (“Can I have a turn?”)
Describing to peers what they’re doing or making

Materials:

Water
Sensory tray or bowl
Washable neon paint
Sponges
Scoops, Bowls or Cups

Step 1: Fill the bin with warm water, enough for kids to splash and scoop.

Step 2: Add neon coloring to the water. Start with just a few drops and watch the color pop!

Step 3: Place tools and scooping items in the bin for open-ended exploration.

Step 4: Let your kids dive in (figuratively!) and start exploring.

APFL Tips:

Always supervise young children during water play.
Add a few drops of baby shampoo to make the water bubbly and silky.
Try different themes like "Glow Potion Lab" or “Underwater Alien World.”

Ready, Set, Glow!

Neon Water Sensory Play is an easy, low-cost way to bring excitement and learning into your home or classroom. Whether it’s a rainy-day boredom buster or a sensory station for your toddler, this glowing activity is sure to be a hit.

Have you tried neon water play?

Share your photos or tips in the comments, we’d love to see your glowing creations!