Bath time can be a daily ritual of calm, play, or self-care, depending on who’s in the tub! For little ones, it’s often the highlight of the evening… once they’re actually in. We all know the struggle to coax them there, only to find that once they’re splashing away, they never want to get out. For adults, the bath becomes something else entirely: a quiet sanctuary, a pause from the noise and rush of the day.
Here are 50 creative ways to make bath time magical, soothing, and full of fun, with a few favourite toys from our favourite Mushie, sprinkled in.
25 fun things to do in the bath for babies and kids
1. Play “sink or float” with safe toys or household objects.
2. Pour and scoop water with the Mushie Bath & Pour Cups.
3. Have an ice cube race, drop cubes in and watch them melt.
4. Watch the water rain down through Mushie stacking cups.
5. Catch floating toys with a little net.
6. Sing bath songs and clap along with splashes.
7. Line up toys along the tub edge and count them (the Mushie bath play sets and bath boats look especially sweet in a row).
8. Pretend cooking with cups, spoons, and pouring water as “ingredients.”
9. Blow bubbles in the water with a straw (always supervised).
10. Hide toys under bubbles and go treasure hunting.
11. Build a “toy boat parade” and let them sail.
12. Stack toys high and knock them down with water.
13. Draw with bath crayons on the tiles.
14. Create waterfalls by holding the Mushie Bath & Pour Play Set under the tap.
15. Play peek-a-boo with foam or bubbles on faces.
16. Practice colours by grouping toys in different water cups.
17. Pretend the bath is an ocean and the toys are sea animals.
18. Name shapes using stacking cups and other toys.
19. Practice letters by “writing” in the steam on a mirror.
20. Have a splash contest, biggest splash wins!
21. Sing lullabies while pouring water slowly for a calm wind-down.
22. Count how many times a toy can sink and float back up.
23. Pretend watering a garden in the bath with the Mushie pour cups.
24. Make a bubble mountain and hide little toys inside.
25. Let favourite dolls or figures have their own bath adventure with the kids.
25 relaxing things to do in the bath for parents & self-care
1. Light a candle and dim the lights.
2. Add calming bath salts for tired muscles.
3. Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate.
4. Bring in a waterproof book or magazine.
5. Sip herbal tea while soaking.
6. Pop on a face mask and let it work while you relax.
7. Listen to calming music or a podcast (phone well out of splash range!).
8. Add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus.
9. Practice deep breathing with the rise and fall of the water.
10. Do a gentle stretch in warm water for stiff muscles.
11. Meditate with eyes closed and focus on the sound of water.
12. Add flower petals for a little luxury.
13. Try a hair treatment and let it soak in while you bathe.
14. Soak your feet only if you don’t have time for a full bath.
15. Bring in crystals or stones for a mindful moment.
16. Add a bath bomb for fizz and colour.
17. Try journaling before or after while still feeling calm.
18. Sip sparkling water with fruit slices for spa-like refreshment.
19. Diffuse calming scents nearby.
20. Close your eyes and daydream—let the mind wander.
21. Use a gua sha or roller for facial massage.
22. Add oat milk or coconut milk to the water for soft skin.
23. Practice gratitude—think of three things you’re thankful for.
24. Set an intention for the week ahead while soaking.
25. Do absolutely nothing—just breathe and enjoy the quiet.
With a mix of playful moments for little ones (thanks to Mushie’s thoughtfully designed bath toys) and soothing rituals for parents, the bath can truly be a place where everyone in the family finds calm and joy.