30 Days to Hands on Play: Water Play

Water play was the theme for Day 8 of the 30 Days to Hands on Play challenge.  Like most of the challenges, the theme was simple and open-ended.  I knew right away what we were going to do...

We have a lovely park near us with fabulous natural elements the kids (and I) enjoy exploring.  It rained recently, so the creek was flowing again.

 I was hoping to make leaf boats with my son but some of the kids that gather each day after school had created several dams across the water.  While I moved some rocks around, Michael threw rocks into the water.

 He realized different rocks make different sized splashes.  Of course splashing mommy was a plus too!

Then we played a bit of sink or float.  Michael learned that while rocks sink, leaves float.  Unfortunately, due to the water level, his first leaf was too big to float down the creek; it immediately became stuck on some rocks.

We tried a smaller leaf, which floated an extremely short distance, before it too, became stuck.  I guess leaf boats will have to wait until the water level is higher.  

We had such a nice time playing in the water at the park...and I didn't have to clean it up afterwards!