Water may be, bar none, the healthiest beverage of all, but let’s face it: Unless it’s hot or you’re playing sports or exercising, plain water can be a yawn, and that’s especially true if you’re a kid.
But there are some fun ways to make tap water and its slightly more vivacious cousin, seltzer, a little bit more exciting for kids, particularly if you are hosting a playdate or picnic. They are also great to make kids feel a part of the mix if grown-ups have started cocktail hour (or, as my nephew once understood it, “cottontail hour”—which is obviously what my extended family now calls it as well). Some ideas:
-Add a splash of juice for taste and color
-Use a fun glass (I like these 12-ounce straw cups from GoGo Kids because they are BPA-free, feature bright colors, can go in the dishwasher, and are, in my experience, virtually indestructible.)
-Make fancy fruity ice cubes in advance, and add them to a pitcher or glasses of water.
The fancy fruity ice cubes are really fun to make. And, if you want clearer cubes—which involves boiling the water beforehand to remove air bubbles—the activity includes a science-experiment-component, which allows you to make something delicious and flex your excellent-parent muscles at the same time.
Ingredients
- 4 c water
- 1/4 cup berries, diced small
- 1/4 cup cherries (natural or maraschino, with stems)
- 1/4 cup lemon wedges, peel removed, diced small, rolled in sugar
- A couple shredded mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in small saucepan, and let it cool. (This helps remove trapped gases in the water, which leads to clearer cubes. For even clearer cubes, boil and cool twice.)
- While water is coming to a boil, arrange fruits in an ice cube tray, using whatever combination your kids like best. Our favorites were lemon and mint, and mixed berry.
- Carefully pour cooled water into liquid measuring cup, and then into the individual ice cube wells.
- Freeze until frozen--about 1 hour. Pop out and add to a pitcher of water or juice.
Love this idea, Kelley. You are made for reporting fun and facts in any format! Great blog!