Water balloons are an ingenious invention.  They offer a great versatility when it comes to using them.  If you have a pool, they provide some great game opportunities.  If you are having a party at a park, there too will they allow for hours of fun and easy clean up.  In your backyard, you will be able to play many games and entertain large and small numbers of children with simply a balloon, water, and a few clever game ideas.

For example, if you have an even number of children and a few towels, you will be able to play the famous balloon toss game.  You will need a balloon, water, and a towel for each pair of children.  Fill the balloon with water and instruct the children to each hold two corners of the towel.  Now place the water filled balloon on top of the towel, and explain to the children that they are to toss the water balloon up into the air with the towel and then catch it again with the towel.  If the balloon hits the ground, their turn is over.  You, or another child, may be appointed to count how many times the balloon gets airborne.  The team with the most number of catches wins.

Another fun game is the balloon toss.  You will need a balloon, water, and some kids to start out.  Fill up the balloon with water, and instruct the children to stand in a circle.  Hand the balloon to the first child and ask her or him to toss it to the next child, who will then toss it to the next, and so on.  Make the game more interesting by suddenly tossing a few extra water filled balloons into the circle for the children to pass to one another.  Additionally, you may appoint a certain word, such as "switch!" to designate a change in the direction that the children are passing the water balloons.  If they have been passing from left to right, this word should cause them to immediately begin passing them in the opposite direction.  Another variation of this game might have you ask the children to stand on one leg until they receive the next water balloon.

If you don't mind a wet mess, and if the weather is favorable, you may wish to consider an old fashioned game of dodge ball with water balloons.  Start out with a balloon, water and two teams.  Draw a line on the ground, or erect your volleyball net. Have two large containers filled up with more water balloons, so the children may replenish their supplies, and then let the kids go at it.  The goal is to get the other team soaking wet.  Of course, to really get the kids soaking wet, you could rely on a good water balloon sling shot.  Due to the high speed that some of these balloons may reach, this is probably not a good idea for small children.  Teens or young adults, on the other hand, will probably love to use a water balloon sling shot, and you will hear loud squeals from your backyard as long as there are any balloons left. 

Hopefully these game ideas have inspired you to host your own water balloon party the next time that you see the sun shining bright in the sky.  The children love it, and it is a wonderful way to cool off during the heat of the summer.  This also makes for some unforgettable summer vacation memories for your child's friends and your extended family. As you can easily see, for a great time in the heat of the summer, all you really need is a balloon, water, and some kids!