Bible Verses About Trusting God

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Open Bible with pen and text saying bible verses about trusting God

Today I want to share with you 31 Bible verses about trusting God.

Some seasons of life are harder than others. There are big events and little occurrences that come up where we have to stop and consciously choose to keep trusting God.

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Some recommendations for when you are struggling.

♦ Get in the Bible. It will remind you of who God is and what He has done since the beginning of time. Seeing God worthy of trust in the life of Abraham, David, Esther, and Paul will encourage you to keep on trusting him. Reading truths about God will help you remember just who God is and what He is capable of.

♦ Read biographies of heroes of the faith. Read about Gladys Alward, Corrie Ten Boom, Darlene Rose, Richard Wurmbrand, Brother Andrew,  Hudson Taylor and so many others! It will encourage your heart to see how God worked in their stories.

♦ Remember how God has already provided for you in the past. Think on and praise God for those “small” and “large” ways He’s shown Himself to you already. God was faithful and He still is faithful.

♦ Journal your trial and how God shows Himself to you so you have it to look back on.

♦ Hang scripture around your house to encourage your heart to make a choice to continue trusting, even when it’s hard. I have James 1:2-4, Isaiah 26:3, and Psalm 118:8 written on Post-It notes stuck to my computer monitor at work. Bible verses about trusting God or Bible verses about attributes of God or who we are in Christ are great places to start.

♦ Read over these Bible verses about trusting God. They show words of trust and hope spoken in the Bible, commands to trust, why we trust, and the results of trusting God.

Read the Bible verses about trusting God listed in this post, but also take time to open your Bible and read the passages surrounding the verses. Dig a little deeper. Use the scripture as a prayer to God.

bible with pens and pencils for Bible verses about trusting God

Bible Verses About Trusting God

Old Testament Bible Verses About Trusting God:

2 Samuel 22:2a-3: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him;

Job 42:2 I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Psalm 18:2: The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 32:10b: but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

Psalm 33:20-22: Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Psalm 37:3-5: Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your hear. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

Psalm 40:4a Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalms 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 112:7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 115:11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.

Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Psalm 147:10-11 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 30:5: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Isaiah 26:3-4: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an everlasting rock.

Jeremiah 17:7-8: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.

Lamentations 3:21-25: But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion”, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.

Nahum 1:7: The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Habakkuk 3:17-19: Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no heard in the stalls, yet, I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me treat on high places.

Trust written in the sand

New Testament Bible Verses About Trusting God:

Matthew 6:25a Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.

Mark 5:36 “Do not fear, only believe.”

John 14:1 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith is is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meed trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

What other favorite Bible verses about trusting God do you have?

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Healthy Cheap Grocery List When Money is Tight

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lady with a grocery cart looking a receipt. Graphic for cheap grocery list

A cheap grocery list. I know we’ve talked lots about ways to save money on groceries! If you’ve been around before, you know my number one tip is to have a meal plan!!!

Today we are going to get a little more specific with this cheap grocery list.

Maybe it’s the end of the month, maybe money is especially tight right now.

Whatever it is, you are wondering what cheap food you can buy.

Not only what frugal/cheap foods to buy, but what are the healthiest  foods you can put on a cheap grocery list. What are your options.

First, I want to tell you don’t worry and stress. Just do the best you can. Hang in there. Being anxious, as easy as it is to do, (talking to myself here too) about what cheap food to feed your family does no good.

Related Posts on Saving Money:
Eating Healthy on a Tight Budget
How to Drastically Reduce Your Grocery Budget
Dirt Cheap Meals Under $5 Total
Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget

picture of beans and other foods and a great cheap healthy grocery list that will help you feed your family on a budget.

Cheap Grocery List – aka Healthy Cheap Food

The first two that come to mind are the stereotypical budget foods – but don’t let them scare you off.

Beans. Specifically dry beans. They are super easy to cook and you can season them in a variety of ways and use them to stretch meat or replace it all together. Buying them dry will cost you at least a third of buying a can.

Rice. You can buy a pound of brown rice at Dollar Tree for $1. One of our local grocery stores sells a pound bag for $.50! If you don’t like brown rice, you can find white rice even cheaper.

Lentils. Another affordable legume for a cheap grocery list right here. People use these for all kinds of things. A lentil and rice casserole. Meat replacement in things like sloppy joes. Or one of our go tos is a quick lentil soup.

Rolled Oats. Buy the big container, none of the instant oatmeal packets. You can always make your own oatmeal packets. Breakfast really can’t get much cheaper than this. A jar of cinnamon is only $1 and will season a lot of bowls of oatmeal.

Bag of flour. Grab a bag of whole wheat (or unbleached white) flour. Use it to make a loaf of bread or a batch of pancakes (for dinner or breakfast).

Pasta. Cheap and easy. Make a batch of meatless spaghetti sauce (or replace the meat with some lentils) and supper will cost next to nothing. I always make a big batch so we can have leftovers another meal or two. (<– Another money saving tip right there!)

Peanut Butter. Takes you back to your childhood, I know, but it’s really hard to get cheaper than peanut butter sandwiches. My kids dislike jelly, but of course you can add some fruit to your peanut butter sandwich. Kroger brand peanut butter has the best price on peanut and salt peanut butter – especially if you get it on sale.

Bread. Make bread using flour for pennies a loaf. Also, watch for your local dollar store to get in a shipment of Nature’s Way bread. You can also find bread marked down at Aldi and other grocery stores. Here is an easy recipe for french bread and English muffin bread.

Popcorn kernels. Buy the kernels and pop it yourself for a healthy and frugal snack or even turn it into a snack supper.

Milk. Not to drink. I’m a huge proponent of water. Instead use it to make the pancakes, baked oatmeal etc. Dairy free, sub almond milk.

Eggs. This is really an inexpensive source of protein. Have them hard boiled for a snack, as part of a meal, or in a salad. Scrambled eggs make a great brinner. Can also use to make cheap things such as pancakes or french toast.

Chicken. If you are going to buy meat, chicken will likely be your cheapest bet. Use it as an ingredient – not the star of the meal. Be sure to ration it out and stretch it with beans, lentils, or veggies when you can. If you buy bone in chicken, use the bones to make stock and stretch your dollar even further.

Ground Turkey. As far as ground meat goes, turkey will give you the most bang for your buck! Use for spaghetti, tacos, meatballs, sloppy joes etc. Basically just as you would use hamburger only it is under $2 a pound!

Potatoes. Especially in the fall and winter months when they will often go on sale for $2-$3 for a 10 pound bag. I prefer sweet potatoes and you can also find them cheaper in the fall and winter months. There’s nothing wrong with a baked potato supper. Plan on leftovers and have fried potatoes with the eggs for supper the next night. Make a potato soup with some of the milk.

Sweet Potatoes. A great super food that’s also cheap when they are in season and frequently on sale. Use in soaps, roasted as a side dish, as a breakfast hash, in curry etc.

Summer Squash/Winter Squash. When squash is in season, you can find it for under $1 a pound. I great time to incorporate it into your diet. I love making zucchini corn skillets in the summer and spaghetti squash is a winter favorite.

Check out these spaghetti squash recipes: Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein, Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowl, and Tex Mex Spaghetti Squash.

Onions and Garlic. Not only are these a great cheap food, but they also add tons of flavor to recipes. I use a lot of onions and garlic in my house and they are great for you!

Carrots. Not the baby ones when you are pinching pennies. Whole carrots are typically super inexpensive. I get them for $1 for a 2 pound bag. Serve them raw as a side for lunch or supper (or try roasting). Add them to soups or a stir fry.

Celery. In my part of the country a bunch of celery is $1. Use in the same way you would the carrots. Carrots and celery also make great snacks.

Frozen Veggies. Frozen green beans, peas and corn are both under $1 at Aldi. Use in soup, fried rice or as a side dish.

Apples. In the fall and winter months these are often times under $.70 a pound. Add to oatmeal or slice and serve with lunch or for a snack. Of course apple cake is a fun splurge too. 🙂

Cabbage. Right now a head of cabbage is just over a dollar and it will be cheaper in fall and winter months. Shave it for a salad or add to soups and stir fries. I also love sauteing it and having with eggs.

Bananas. Bananas are pretty much always under $.50 a pound and will frequently go on sale cheaper than that.

Canned Tomato Products. Canned tomatoes are cheap. Make your own pizza sauce, salsa, spaghetti sauce, and tomato soup for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them already made. I know canned tomatoes are controversial in the “healthy foods” world. But you do what you have to do. Another option would be to stock up on tomatoes when you can get them dirt cheap and can or freeze them to avoid the cans.

Lettuce. I can get a head of romaine or leaf lettuce for between $1 and $1.30 at my grocery stores. A bean based taco salad would make a great meal or simply have salad for your lunch or a side dish.

Other In Season Produce. This is key to getting fresh produce in on the cheap food to buy when you are broke cheap grocery list. Only buy what is on sale for a great price. Things like broccoli, corn, peaches, strawberries, grapes. It depends on what is in season and on sale.

Free Menu Plan Guide & Template

Here’s the bullet point list of all the healthy foods for a cheap grocery list, in case you are a skimmer like I am! 🙂

  • Beans
  • Rice
  • Lentils
  • Rolled Oats
  • Flour
  • Pasta
  • Peanut Butter
  • Bread
  • Popcorn Kernels
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Chicken
  • Ground Turkey
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Summer Squash/Winter Squash
  • Onions and Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Frozen Vegetables
  • Apples
  • Cabbage
  • Bananas
  • Canned Tomato Products
  • Lettuce
  • Other in Season Produce

 

I hope this gives you a starting point next time you are trying to make a healthy, cheap grocery list.

What other healthy(ish) cheap foods am I missing from the list? What’s the cheapest, healthy meal that you make?

empty grocery cart and a shelf with tomatoes

picture of beans and a great cheap healthy grocery list that will help you feed your family on a budget. picture of bananas and a great cheap healthy grocery list that will help you feed your family on a budget.

Originally published October 30, 2018. Updated August 4, 2020.

Sweet Potato Chorizo Hash

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Close up of sweet potato chorizo hash in a bowl

If you like spicy food with a lot of flavor that’s also healthy, you have to give this sweet potato chorizo hash recipe a try!

It is my latest breakfast obsession.

(If you’ve been around a while, you know that my other breakfast obsession is this Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole I love just as much.)

This recipe came to be after I found some chorizo marked down at the grocery store. (Aren’t those shopping trips the best!) Surprisingly, it was the first time I had ever purchased chorizo. In fact, I don’t know if I had ever even tried it before.

Did you know you can even make your own chorizo? I have this recipe for chorizo saved on my Pinterest to try! Great way to enjoy it if you are on a Whole30 or eating Paleo and need to avoid some of the ingredients you normally find in it.

overhead shot of sweet potato chorizo hash in a white bowl

Back to breakfast. I know my love of sweet potatoes and we eat a lot of eggs for breakfast so I couldn’t go wrong if I put it all together with some bell peppers and onions. A perfect and flavorful dish!

I make this dish roasting cubed sweet potatoes in the oven. You could also dice the sweet potatoes and cook them in a skillet. Since I make the sweet potatoes in bulk (I fill up a jelly roll pan), the oven works best. (I’ve even done it on broil when I don’t want to heat up the house as much. I just have to watch them more closely so they don’t get scorched.)

Time Saving Tip: Roast a ton of sweet potatoes at the beginning of the week and then for the other breakfasts, just grab out and reheat in a skillet with the also already cooked bell peppers, onions, and chorizo while you are cooking the eggs and breakfast will be done in 5 minutes.

You could prep everything completely and divide into breakfast size portions and store in the fridge (I’ve done this many times) but let’s admit that freshly cooked eggs are better than reheated ones! 😉

sweet potato chorizo hash with okra

I added okra I roasted with the sweet potatoes to this breakfast bowl!

Sweet Potato Chorizo Hash Ingredients:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Chorizo
  • Onion
  • Bell Peppers (Feel free to swap these for something else. I think broccoli, brussel sprouts or even cabbage would be yummy!)
  • Fresh garlic
  • Eggs

Some of my family are not fans of sweet potatoes. You can swap sweet potatoes for roasted white potatoes, hash browns, or even tater tots!

sweet potato chorizo hash in a white bowl

Sweet Potato Chorizo Hash Recipe

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Sweet Potato Chorizo Hash
Author: 
Recipe type: Breakfast
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4-6
 
This easy sweet potato chorizo hash is loaded with flavors and plenty of veggies. A tasty and healthy way to start the day.
Ingredients
  • 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • ½-1 pound chorizo
  • ½ of a large onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 eggs
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Olive or Coconut Oil
Instructions
  1. Peel and chop/dice your sweet potatoes into whatever size pieces you like best. Place on a large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Place in an oven preheat to 450 degrees and bake for 20-45 minutes depending on the size of your pieces. Stir part way through. You want them to have golden brown parts and be tender but not mushy.
  3. Meanwhile, brown the chorizo in a skillet and remove to a bowl. Drain the grease/
  4. In the same skillet with a little of the chorizo grease, saute the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender and caramelized. Add to the chorizo.
  5. Whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Scramble eggs in the skilled the chorizo was just in.
  7. When sweet potatoes have finished cooking, combine with the chorizo, onion mixture, and eggs in the skillet, warm, and enjoy!
Notes
IF MAKING AHEAD:
1. The fast method: Make completely and combine into serving size containers. Refrigerate and reheat in the mornings.
OR
2. Longer method: Combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked chorizo, and cooked onion mixture. Refrigerate. In the morning reheat the amount you want in a skillet, remove to a bowl or plate, and cook your eggs in the same skillet. Just add to your already heated sweet potato mixture and your breakfast is ready!

Additional Veggies: feel free to use additional veggies. Roasted okra or broccoli would be wonderful!

 

I’ve love to connect with you on Facebook and Pinterest!

Originally published June 3, 2015. Updated August 3, 2020.

Chorizo and Sweet Potato Hash! This easy breakfast in a skillet is super flavorful and with approved chorizo is even Whole30 and Paleo approved! Need to try this right away.Chorizo and Sweet Potato Hash! This easy breakfast in a skillet is super flavorful and with approved chorizo is even Whole30 and Paleo approved! Need to try this right away.

Be sure to check out these other posts for more breakfast ideas:

This sweet potato breakfast casserole is amazing and can even be made the night before! The leftovers taste amazing as well and it's #paleo and #whole30 approved. SO GOOD!

 

20 Whole30 breakfast ideas and recipes! Great resource for healthy breakfasts - the hardest for me to come up with recipes for. (My FAVORTIE breakfast casserole is on this list)

 

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

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chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies on cooling rack

This yummy chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies recipe has been in our family for a couple decades now.

Remember the days of pen-pals? That’s how this recipe was given to my sister.  I probably just dated myself. 😉 (Especially if I tell you we found these pen-pals in a magazine! But they were the best and we spent too many hours and pieces of paper to count writing letters.)

We’ve made these easy cookies many, many times over the years.

One thing that makes the chocolate mint crinkle cookies different than most recipes is that it uses so little butter. I suppose that also makes them super affordable! It only uses 2 tablespoons!!!

Now, the original recipe didn’t involved any peppermint or mint extract. You can feel free to omit that ingredient if the chocolate mint combo isn’t your thing and they are still delicious.

I loved getting Andes mints from restaurants as a child and now the Ghirardelli dark chocolate mint squares are one of my favorite candies, so of course I think the mint is amazing.

Now, let’s get on to talking about the actual chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies recipe.

chocolate peppermint crinkle cookie dough in bowl and powdered sugar

INGREDIENTS:

  • Butter (just 2 tablespoons, crazy!)
  • Sugar, plain white granulated
  • Vanilla extract
  • Mint extract or peppermint oil (if you want it)
  • Egg whites
  • Chocolate chips
  • Baking powder
  • Flour
  • Water
  • Powdered sugar

All basic ingredients you probably already have in your house. Another reason this recipe is a great one.

Scooping chocolate peppermint crinkle cookie dough into bowl on powdered sugar

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INSTRUCTIONS:

  • In a glass bowl you will melt half of the chocolate chips.
  • In a (separate) mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar as well as you can.
  • Add in the vanilla, egg whites, mint extract/peppermint oil, and the melted chocolate chips. Stir well.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, and water. Mix well!
  • Fold in the other cup of chocolate chips.
  • Refrigerate batter for 15 minutes, if needed, stirring 3 or 4 times. Don’t want dough too firm, because the powdered sugar will have a harder time sticking.
  • Roll into balls and roll generously in the powdered sugar. (Be sure to see tips for the best way to do this!)
  • Put on baking sheet and bake.
  • After baking, let cool 2 minutes on the pan and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies on pan ready to go in oven

TIPS:

  • To roll the dough into balls, I use my cookie scoop to drop rough dough balls into the the powdered sugar. The dough is quite soft, so this is less messy and after coated with powdered sugar the dough is easier to handle. Mine is the 2 tablespoon scoop from Pampered Chef. You can also find scoops on Amazon!
  • The cookies are quite soft and gooey after they come out of the oven. Let them cool completely before you move them to a platter.

chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies on pan after baking

One more thing. Let’s talk texture. These chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies are rich and fudge like! The insides are soft and chewy and the exterior has a tiny little crackle to it. I’d describe it as part cookie, part brownie, part fudge! If that doesn’t make a chocolate lover want to go make these, I don’t know what will!

For another cookie recipe, check out these thin and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from my grandma!

close up of chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies on a table

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Print
Peppermint Double Chocolate Cookies
Author: 
Recipe type: Cookies
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 25
 
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoons vanilla
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon mint extract or ⅛ teaspoon peppermint oil
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 cups chocolate chips divided
  • 1½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1½ cups flour
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Melt 1 cup of the chocolate chips.
  2. Beat butter and sugar.
  3. Add in vanilla, egg whites, mint extract (start with lower amount) and melted chocolate chips.
  4. Add in baking powder, flour, and water. Mix will. Adjust mint in necessary.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
  6. If dough is extremely soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes stirring 3 or 4 times. You don't want the dough firm or the powdered sugar won't stick as well.
  7. Use a cookie scoop and fill level with dough. Drop into bowl with the powdered sugar and roll until generously coated.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool a minute or two on the pan and transfer to cooling rack. Cookies with be quite soft and gooey until cooled off.Melt 1 cup of the chocolate chips.
  9. Beat butter and sugar.
  10. Add in vanilla, egg whites, mint extract (start with less) and melted chocolate chips.
  11. Add in baking powder, flour, and water. Mix will. Adjust mint in necessary.
  12. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
  13. Roll into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
  14. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool a minute or two on the pan and transfer to cooling rack. Cookies with be quite soft and gooey until cooled off.

 

Have you made chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies before? What are you go to chocolate cookies?

Originally published March 24, 2014. Updated July 31, 2020.

Water Activities for Kids: surviving summer without a pool

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Girl getting sprayed with water on a slip and slide with graphic water activities for kids

I live in the part of the country where summer is hot and humid. That means it’s miserable to be outside unless water is involved. So water activities for the kids are a must! If you are like us and don’t have the luxury of a nice pool, you need some ways to manage summer without a pool.

We know that kids need to be outside. Spending the summer in the house just isn’t a good option. Even as an adult, I’ve found that mentally I do so much better getting outside on a run in the morning. The same goes for our kids. Being outside does wonders for attitudes, creativity, adventure, and even wearing them out so they’ll go to be early. 😉

Many of these water games are ones that I used for our annual kids’ ministry water party at church! The activities with sponges and water balloons were always a hit.

Water Activities for Kids

At Home Water Activities for Kids:

DIY Sponge Bombs 

These are so easy! Older kids will enjoy making them and for younger kids it’s still a project you can finish for them in no time. Let the kids play with them or else you can use for a wet game of catch or use like a water balloon fight.

Slip and Slide

My kids love slip and slides (just be careful no one breaks an arm)! You can buy one  or make your own. A giant homemade one will be a huge hit with your entire neighborhood.

Mini Splash Pad

We got one of these to use in our yard last year. The kids have really enjoyed it. Don’t buy anything smaller than 68 inches. The bigger the better!

Water Balloon Fight

Isn’t this a classic? You have to decide between saving money and filling up one balloon at a time or splurging and buying the Bunch O Balloons that fills up multiples and self seals.

Water Balloon Spoon Race

This is the same as the spoon egg race, only you use balloons instead. Divide your kids up into 2 teams and see who can transfer their bucket of balloons to the bucket at the finish line the quickest.

Water Balloon Toss

Once again, this is like the traditional egg toss. Pair up and see who can go the longest without dropping and breaking theirs.

Sponge Toss

Have your kids get in pairs, one at the start and the other at the finish. Have a bucket filled with water at the start line and an empty bucket at the finish line for each pair. Set the time for 1 minute.  The child at the start will put the sponge into the water and toss it to their partner who will squeeze the water into the empty bucket and toss the sponge back. Keep going until the time is up and see which team has the most water in the bucket at the finish line.

For these two sponge games, I recommend large sponges similar to these car wash sponges!

Sponge on Head Race

Divide into two teams. Each team will need a bucket of water and one sponge at the start and another at the finish. Each team lines up behind their start bucket. Start the time and the first person in each line will place the sponge in the water and balance it on their head and go as fast as they can, without dropping the sponge, to the finish line bucket. After squeezing the water out, they will run the sponge back to the second person. Keep going until time is up. The bucket with the most water wins.

Match Box Car Water Gun Race

Each kid needs a matchbox car and a water gun. Draw a start and finish line on the sidewalk or driveway. The kids race their cars by propelling them forward with the water gun.

Rubber Duck or Plastic Boat Race

Decide where you will race depending on number of kids. Maybe a plastic tub, a kiddie pool, or even individual sections of gutter. The kids will propel their duck using a spray bottle or water gun.

Sponge Boat Race

Help your kids make their own sponge boat and decorate the flag. Have a race the same as above.

Water Shooters

We’ve had some form of these every summer and the kids always like them. Have buckets of water or a kiddie pool to use for filling them.

Jump Rope Holding a Cup of Water

This works exactly like it sounds. You have two people spinning the jump rope and the one in the middle is jumping with a Solo cup filled with water. Rotate through all of the kids. The cup with the most water left is the winner.

Duck Duck Splash

The same as Duck Duck Goose, only instead of saying “goose” the person will dump a cup of water on someone’s head (or you squeeze one of the big sponges out on their head).

Wash the Car

Your car gets washed and the kids get to be wet – a win win situation. 😉

Water Beads

Make water beads in a big plastic container (or even put them in the kiddie pool). Give the kids scoops, bowls, spoons etc and let them play.

Painting with Water

Great option if you have a fence. You could do this on the driveway or sidewalk as well. Have buckets of water and paintbrushes of various sizes and let the kids “paint” away.

Tub of Water

Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Even more so for young kids. A tub of water and some scoops, cups, and bowls from your kitchen might be all they need.

Sprinkler 

Sprinklers are another one that my kids love. I love how simple it is (and the yard gets watered at the same time). There are a lot of fun options, but most years we just use a standard lawn sprinkler.

DIY Sprinkler

Here are 10 fun ideas of sprinklers you can make for your kiddos.

Hose Over Swing Set

If you have a swingset or slide, my kids love draping the hose over the top and playing in the water.

Water Blob

SO MUCH FUN! This would be such a hit. Check out this tutorial.

Water Table

Another fun idea for littles. I’m all about buying used, so watch your Facebook groups and garage sales to buy one from a child that has outgrown theirs.

Water Freeze Tag

Traditional freeze tag except you have to spray someone with a water gun (or spray bottle – try both and see which you prefer) instead of touching them.

DIY Water Wall

This post has 10 great ideas to check out!

Water Activities for Kids Away From the House

Beach

Take a trip to the local beach and load up snacks and sand toys and enjoy the water.

River

Go exploring and splashing in a river or creek. See how many creatures you can find.

Splash Pad

This has been a favorite for years. My kids just discovered they love to bring balls of various sizes and toss them and try to float them on top of the spraying water.

Hopefully these ideas give you some fun inspiration for summer fun! They would also be fun things to add to your summer bucket list. What are you favorite water activities for kids that help you survive the summer without having a pool?

If you liked this post of water activities for kids, check out this list of outdoor activities, family night ideas, and more summer fun ideas for the kids!

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