Summer is here, and that means it's time to grab the sunscreen, gather the kids, and head outside for some epic fun in the sun! And what better way to cool off than with a good old-fashioned water balloon battle? 

Whether you're planning a backyard party, looking for easy outdoor games, or just trying to beat the heat, these water balloon games are the perfect way to keep kids (and grown-ups!) giggling, moving, and getting gloriously soaked.

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Quick List of Our Favorite Water Balloon Games

• Water Balloon Dodgeball

• Hot Potato with a Splash

• Target Practice

• Spoon Race Challenge

• Water Balloon Tag

• Team Splat

• Fill the Bucket

• Water Balloon Fight

• Minute-to-Win-It Water Games

• Reusable Water Balloon Ideas

Water Balloon Dodgeball

This is just like classic dodgeball but with water balloons! Kids love it, and it’s hilarious to watch. Just make sure you have plenty of balloons ready to go!

Mom Tip: Set a refill station with a big bucket of water balloons so nobody has to wait!

Water Balloons Easy Quick Fill BalloonsBunch O Balloons Crazy Color Water BalloonsEasy Fill Colorful Water Balloons

Water Balloon Hot Potato

Pass a filled balloon around the circle while music plays (or just count to 20). Whoever is holding it when it pops? SPLASH! They're out! This one is a blast for younger kids who love the suspense.

Water Balloon Target Practice

Set up some buckets, chalk targets, or even drawn faces on cardboard. Let kids take turns aiming for the bullseye!

You can even challenge older kids or teens to long-distance throws and keep score.

Spoon Race with a Twist

Can you balance a water balloon on a spoon while racing across the yard? Bonus challenge: hold the spoon in your mouth! 

Perfect for team relay races or just some silly solo fun.

Splat! The Ultimate Team Game

Split into two teams. Each player runs to the center, tries to pop a balloon without using hands or feet, then races back to tag the next teammate.

The first team to pop all their balloons wins!

Ideas to pop balloons hands-free:

• Sit on them

• Elbow drop!

• Belly flop (gently)

Fill Your Bucket

Scatter filled water balloons across the yard. Each player or team gets an empty bucket.

Players must pop balloons and pour the water into their buckets until the timer runs out—or the bucket is full!

Only one balloon at a time allowed. The rush is real!

Water Balloon Tag

A classic game of tag, with a soggy twist! The person who’s "it" must tag others by throwing a water balloon at them.

Once tagged, that person becomes “it”! This game works great with larger groups and older kids.

Water Balloon Fight (Free-For-All Fun!)

No rules. Just fill as many balloons as possible and let everyone go wild! It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it’s so much fun.

Mom Tip: Make a “safe zone” for little ones or those who need a quick break.

Minute to Win It Water Balloon Games

These quick games are perfect for friendly competitions or parties with lots of kids!

Pop the Balloon

How many water balloons can you pop in 60 seconds, without using your hands or feet? Sit, roll, squish… whatever works.

Water Balloon Juggle

Balloon Balance

Balance a water balloon on your head for as long as you can. Add silly music for extra fun!

Water Balloon Toss

Pairs stand close together and toss a balloon back and forth. Each time they succeed, they take a step back. Who can go the furthest without it popping?

Reusable Water Balloon Fun (No Mess!)

Don’t want to spend time cleaning up balloon bits? Try reusable water balls!

They're soft, cottony, and perfect for little hands. Just dunk them in a bucket of water, and you're good to go, again and again.

 Perfect for Summer parties or even for trampoline party games.

Reusable Water Balls, Cotton Splash BallsReusable Water Balls - Highly Absorbent Cotton Splash BallsReusable Water Balloons, Rapid Fill Water Balls

Water balloon games are the ultimate mix of exercise, giggles, and cooling down. From tiny toddlers to brave teens (and yes, even fun-loving parents), there’s something here for everyone.

So grab your balloons, reusable or not, and get ready to soak up the laughter

More Fun Party Games:

It's hot outside, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun. Beat the heat with these water sprinkler games that are sure to keep you entertained. From sprinkler jump to tug of war to just soaking each other in cool water, there's something for everyone here. So grab your friends and get ready to have a blast!

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained at your pool party? Check out these fun pool party games that will keep them occupied and happy all day long! From beach ball races to water balloon tosses, there's something for everyone!