Summer is the best time to create lifelong memories for your youth group members. What better way to do that than to host super-soaked youth group games?

Here are some fun game ideas for your church student ministry:

1. Water Balloon Volleyball

Water Balloon Volleyball takes the traditional game to new heights of fun and excitement.

Participants are divided into two teams, each pairing up with a teammate. Armed with towels, players catch and toss a water balloon over the net.

The objective? Keep the balloon from hitting the ground!

Teams strategize and collaborate to ensure the balloon stays afloat, adding a twist to the match that guarantees laughs and camaraderie.

2. Sponge Relay Race

The Sponge Relay Race is a race against time!

Each team races to soak a sponge in a bucket of water, then sprints back to their team to squeeze the water out into another bucket. The number of teams can vary, depending on the available buckets.

Participants take turns soaking and squeezing, aiming to fill their bucket to the designated line. The first team to fill their bucket to the line wins.

3. Slip 'n Slide Kickball

Combine the excitement of kickball with the exhilaration of sliding on a slip 'n slide with Slip 'n Slide Kickball!

Instead of traditional running, players slide to the bases on the slip 'n slides.

Safety is paramount, so using a soft kickball helps prevent any injuries, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants. It's a combination of fun and adventure that guarantees laughter and excitement!

4. Water Limbo

Water Limbo puts a refreshing spin on the beloved limbo game.

Instead of a traditional stick, a stream of water from a hose creates the limbo bar. Participants must test their flexibility as they limbo under the water stream, aiming to avoid getting soaked.

It's a fun challenge, creating laughter and excitement for all involved. Who will bend the farthest without getting soaked? Jump in and find out!

5. Duck, Duck, Splash

Duck, Duck, Splash adds a splash of excitement to the classic game.

As children eagerly sit in a circle, the "goose" swaps gentle taps for a playful splash of water on the new "goose" to tag them. Imagine getting a surprising shower of cold water before having to chase someone else!

It's a refreshing twist that combines the anticipation of the original game with the excitement of water play, ensuring laughter and fun for all participants.

6. Water Balloon Toss

Pair kids up to test their coordination and teamwork.

Standing close together, pairs toss a water balloon back and forth, gradually stepping back after each successful catch. The challenge intensifies as the distance increases.

The last pair standing with an intact balloon wins!

7. Water Balloon Dodgeball

This is one of the most fun water games for youth group!

Water Balloon Dodgeball amps up the excitement of traditional dodgeball with a cool splash!

Teams engage in a fun battle, hurling water balloons (instead of a regular rubber ball) to eliminate opponents. The last team standing with members remaining wins, creating unforgettable memories of teamwork and fun in the water.

8. Water Gun Capture the Flag

Teams gear up with water guns for a high-stakes match.

Players strategically maneuver through the field, aiming to capture the opposing team's flag while dodging opponents armed with water guns.

It's a high-stakes race against both time and opponents, requiring quick thinking and teamwork to secure victory.

9. Soaked Sponge Tag

Have everyone gather in a circle as one player in the center attempts to tag others with a soaked sponge. Once tagged, the victim becomes the new sponge thrower.

With players constantly on their toes, the excitement never wanes, creating uproarious laughter and keeping everyone engaged in this wet and wild game of tag!

10. Water Balloon Hot Potato

Water Balloon Hot Potato amps up the classic game by adding a splashy twist!

The kids sit in a circle, passing a water balloon as music plays. When the music stops, the unlucky holder must pop the balloon over their head.

This game keeps everyone engaged and laughing, as anticipation builds with each passing balloon, creating unforgettable moments of fun and excitement.

11. Water Balloon Baseball

Water Balloon Baseball turns a backyard favorite into a splashy adventure!

Play baseball as you normally would. But instead of getting tagged by the ball, players must be tagged with a water balloon! This refreshing twist on baseball guarantees an unforgettable and fun-filled experience for all involved.

12. Sponge Soak-Up

Embark on a thrilling race against the clock.

Armed with sponges, players must quickly soak up water from a bucket and then squeeze it out into another. With each team member contributing, the race intensifies as they strive to fill their bucket to the designated line before time runs out.

It's a test of teamwork, speed, and determination, fostering camaraderie and competitive spirit among your kids.

13. Beach Ball Over Under

Beach Ball Over Under is a hilarious game that promotes coordination and teamwork.

Participants stand in a line, with the person at the front holding a beach ball. The first player passes it over their head to the person behind them, who then passes it under their legs to the next person. Once the ball reaches the last kid, they run to the front of the line and repeat the process.

The first team to inch their way to the finish line wins!

14. Slip 'n Slide Tug-of-War

Played just like a regular game of tug of war, but have both teams stand on slip 'n slides!

Everyone will be howling with laughter as both teams slip and fall, desperately trying to stay on their feet and pull the other team across the line. The kids will have to work together to help teammates not slip and fall while tugging on the rope. You'll wish all tug of war games were this fun!

15. Water Balloon Freeze Tag

This is an easy water balloon game for youth group.

In Water Balloon Freeze Tag, participants freeze in place when hit by a water balloon until tagged by a teammate to unfreeze.

This fun and refreshing twist on the classic game of freeze tag keeps everyone active and engaged as they dodge and weave to avoid being hit. With teamwork and quick thinking, players strategize to keep their teammates unfrozen and thaw out frozen friends.

16. Water Balloon Jousting

In Water Balloon Jousting, participants climb aboard floating devices for a jousting match.

Armed with water balloons and pool noodles, players attempt to knock opponents off their floats, combining strategy, balance, and plenty of laughter.

17. Wet Whiffle Ball

Wet Whiffle Ball adds a refreshing twist to the classic game by incorporating water obstacles or playing in a pool.

Participants swing at a floating ball with a pool noodle and navigate the bases, blending athleticism with laughter in a wet and wild game.

18. Water Balloon Basketball

Water Balloon Basketball adds a splash of excitement to the traditional game. Players take turns aiming and throwing water balloons into a basketball hoop, testing their skill, coordination, and accuracy.

With each toss, laughter fills the air as participants enjoy the refreshing challenge of making a splash with every shot!

19. Sponge Relay

In Sponge Relay, teams embark on a thrilling race to soak a sponge in a bucket of water and pass it down the line.

Kids squeeze out the water into another bucket, aiming to fill it to the designated line before their opponents. It's an exciting and engaging challenge that encourages collaboration among teammates.

20. Water Bucket Brigade

In Water Bucket Brigade, teams form a line with buckets of water, passing cups of water down the line to fill an empty bucket. The goal is to fill their bucket to the designated line before the opposing team.

This cooperative and coordinated effort emphasizes teamwork and communication as participants work together to accomplish the task.

21. Water Balloon Target Shooting

This one requires the most skill, but will definitely make great memories.

Water Balloon Archery challenges participants to take aim and shoot water balloons at a target to score points. You can use BB guns, bows and arrows, or any other projectile that can pop balloons at a distance.

The kids will love practicing their aim, hitting the target, and cheering each other on!

22. Wet Twister

Wet Twister adds a refreshing twist to the classic game. Players spin the dial and place their hands or feet on corresponding colored dots while observers take turns spraying them with a hose.

The combination of agility and laughter makes it a refreshing and hilarious challenge for all involved.

23. Water Balloon Countdown

Water Balloon Countdown amps up the excitement as participants stand in a circle, passing a water balloon while a timer counts down.

Tension builds with each toss as players try to avoid being caught holding the balloon when time runs out. The unlucky holder must burst the balloon over their head and sit out the next round.

It's a silly and suspenseful game of timing and anticipation, guaranteed to make every laugh.

Remember to Prioritize Safety

Summer fun is on the agenda! But safety should always remain a top priority. Ensure that the playing area is free of hazards, provide supervision at all times, and remind participants to stay hydrated.

The point of outdoor water games for youth groups is to be inclusive and encourage kids to be more involved. Be mindful of any participants who may not feel comfortable participating in water activities and offer alternative games or roles.

Need More Youth Group Games and Activities?

Check out our other articles for more ideas for your youth group:

• 25 Perfect Youth Group Icebreaker Games
• 15 Fun Outdoor Youth Group Activities for Everyone
• 15 Fun and Easy Indoor Youth Group Activities
• 33 Impactful Service Projects for Youth Groups

The Best Youth Ministry Water Games

Ready to make waves with your youth group? Dive deeper into the fun of outdoor water games and activities and watch your community bond like never before!

Water games offer a fantastic way to deepen relationships, promote teamwork, and create unforgettable memories within your youth group. So, why not make a splash this summer with these exciting activities? Whether you're hosting a church event, summer camp, or simply replacing your usual Wednesday night gathering with something different, these water games are sure to be a hit with your youth group!

Matt Church Engagement