Spray bottle target practice
Use a spray bottle to knock lightweight balls off toilet rolls! A simple, satisfying target game that builds focus, hand strength, and coordination while keeping things cool and fun.
A spray bottle, a few toilet rolls, and some lightweight balls (like ping pong or ball pit balls) - that’s all you need for this super simple game that kids absolutely love.
Set up a "target range" by balancing the balls on top of toilet rolls or cardboard tubes. Then hand your little one a spray bottle filled with water and challenge them to knock each ball off its stand.
It’s a great mix of cause-and-effect play and fine motor work, perfect for building strength in little hands (hello pre-writing muscles!). Plus, the joy of watching each ball topple over never seems to get old.
When it’s warm out, it’s also a great screen-free way to cool down and get some energy out.
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Balance one ball on top of each toilet roll.
Step 2:
Place them on a tray, table, the ground or any outdoor surface.
Step 3:
Fill the spray bottle with water and set the nozzle to "stream."
Play
Step 1:
Stand back a little and take aim.
Step 2:
Spray until you knock the ball off its perch.
Step 3:
See how many you can topple in a row!
Step 4:
Reset and try again from further away.
Extend
STEM Twist: Try different distances, angles, and nozzle settings to experiment with what works best.
Score Board: Give each ball a number (1–5) and keep score for every knockdown. Great for adding counting and early maths.
Nature items: Use pinecones, leaves, or flowers as targets for a more natural play setup.
Balance Bonus: Challenge older kids (or yourself!) to restack all the targets as fast as possible after each round without knocking any over.
