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.
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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Cinch the layers tightly across the middle with a rubberband or hair elastic.
- 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!!!
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.
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.
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!
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 🙂
Jennifer says
thanks for the idea! I am going to use it for my son’s birthday party in 2 weeks!
Nicole says
You are welcome. Hope you have a fun party! -Nicole
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!
Small Footprints says
What a fun idea and, it seems, easy to make! They’d be great as bathtub toys, too. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
I am going out today to buy some colorful sponges to do this! Water bombs!! My kids would love these:)
Nicole says
Hi Lisa, I know they will have a blast. These are so fun! -Nicole
Cassie says
Looks fun and easy! Thanks for sharing!
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.
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 🙂
RICHARD HICKS says
The sponge ball is really creative and they look cool too. Kids would have lots of fun with them.
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!
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!!
jan says
I had actually forgotten about the wet sponge fights we use to partake in as a child. Thanks for the memories!
Shannon says
What a cool craft and thank you for sharing with us all!
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
Carol says
Love, love, love these!! thanks.
Suzie M says
great idea thanks
Karen says
these are so flipping cool. so simple but so awesome. Making these for my guy. thanks for the idea
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
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai says
Sponge fight!!! What a fun (and inexpensive) summer toy. I bet the kids love making and playing with these sponge balls. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
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
Lynn Woods says
This looks so fun! I need to make one for myself! 🙂 #HomeMattersParty
Boy mom says
Well, how spot-on for a social distancing outdoor outdoor party next weekend. This is perfect!
Nicole says
Thanks for stopping by! Have a fun party! -Nicole
Emily @DomesticDeadline.com says
These are so cute, I need to do these with my son and nephew. #HomeMattersParty