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DIY Water Toys: How To Make a Sponge Ball (Fun Summer Craft For Kids)

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How To Make a Sponge Ball originally appeared on Mom Always Finds Out three summers ago. Sponge balls are STILL some of our favorite water toys.

Sponge balls (also called sponge bombs) are a cheap and easy craft for kids to make. If you haven’t made sponge balls yet, this is a summer idea you have got to try.

My kids love to pelt each other with these squishy sponge balls. It’s a fun way to keep the kids cool and active outside on a hot summer day. If you don’t have a pool, simply fill up a bucket or large tote container with water so kids can dip and “reload” the sponge balls with water. A baby size swimming pool works great, too.

sponge balls craft

DIY: How To Make a Sponge Ball

We had a kids pirate birthday party and the sponge balls worked great for the kids water games. I made at least a dozen sponge balls so there were plenty to go around. The kids had fun playing a game they made up called “Water Wars” and nobody got hurt. 

outdoor water games for kids party

How To Make a Sponge Ball

You’ll Need:

  • 3 Sponges (NOT the kind with a rough scrubby side…ouch!)
  • A Rubberband or hair elastic
  1. Use scissors to cut the sponge into equal pieces lengthwise. Repeat with the other two sponges. *Note: The sponges I used measure 4.7 x 2.5 x .6 inches. I cut them into 4 equal pieces. If your sponge is larger, you can cut it into as many equal length pieces as possible.
  2. Lay the strips on top of each other in three layers, in equally numbered layers. I had 3 layers of 4 strips and chose to mix up the colors in the layers.
  3. Cinch the layers tightly across the middle with a rubberband or hair elastic.
  4. Shape into a ball by fluffing the pieces outward.

Your sponge ball is now ready to play. Dunk it in water until it is soaking wet. Then, ready…aim…FIRE!!!diy sponge ball water toy

See other fun diy craft ideas and more when you follow me on Pinterest.

Another fun outdoor activity for kids is giant bubbles! See our giant bubble wand in action and get our favorite homemade bubbles recipe.

Giant Bubbles Solution Recipe

Make a super cool Bubble Snake Bubble Blower the kids will play with for hours! All you need is an empty plastic water bottle and a sock.

Bubble Snake Bubble Blower

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rosie says

    Now there’s a cute toy the kids could even help make them – and lots of fun!!! It makes me want to jump in a pool right now!

    Reply

  2. Jennifer Hiles says

    These look so simple to make! What a fun and affordable activity for the kids to make and use. I have a feeling if I allow them to make these, I’m not going to be able to stay dry 🙂

    Reply

  4. Tammy S says

    These are great! What a easy way to keep the kids happy that doesn’t ost and arm and a leg. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  8. Julie Wood says

    This is a great thing to make where everyone can play with a Sponge Ball and throw it around in the pool and no one gets hurt. Thanks for the idea. I have to make some of these.

    Reply

  9. Betsy Barnes says

    Now this is a great idea! I wish I would have seen this years ago when my son was younger, he would have loved making and playing in the pool with these 🙂

    Reply

  10. RICHARD HICKS says

    The sponge ball is really creative and they look cool too. Kids would have lots of fun with them.

    Reply

  11. Rita Spratlen says

    These are neat. I am going to make some for my grandson, Liam. He is 3 years old and this would be wonderful. He loves to throw things and he wouldn’t get hurt. Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply

  12. Kelly says

    What a great idea! I used to spend hours filling up water balloons, but now I can just make some of these instead. Plus I wont have to run around and pick up all the popped balloon pieces. 🙂 Thanks!!

    Reply

  13. jan says

    I had actually forgotten about the wet sponge fights we use to partake in as a child. Thanks for the memories!

    Reply

  15. Linda Manns Linneman says

    This is a great idea that my grandkids would love. They love playing in water and I like that they can’t get hurt doing this. Thank you for sharing

    Reply

    • Nicole says

      Hi Karen, Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It amazes me how many hours my kids will spend outside with sponges and a bucket of water. LOL Hope your guy has lots of fun, too! –Nicole

      Reply

  20. Melissa says

    Nicole – these are perfect for a birthday party or just a hot summer day! I’m going to remember this for my son’s birthday party in September! #HomeMattersParty

    Reply

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