How Much Water Do Kids Need? (And How to Make It Fun!)

A parent’s guide to hydration that’s anything but boring.

Let’s be honest: asking kids to drink more water can sometimes feel like asking them to fold laundry or eat plain broccoli. 😅

But here’s the truth — water is the #1 healthy kids drink, and most kids aren’t drinking enough of it.

At Wave Kids™, we’re on a mission to change that — by turning “plain old water” into something kids actually want to drink.

💧 So, How Much Water Do Kids Really Need?

Generally, kids should drink the number of 8-ounce cups of water equal to their age until they reach the age of 8 (e.g. if you’re 5 years old, you should be drinking 40 oz of water per day).

However, the answer depends on age, size, and activity level as well. Here’s a simple breakdown to help:

Age            Daily Water Goal

1–3 years    ~4 cups (32 oz)

4–8 years    ~5 cups (40 oz)

9–13 years  ~7–8 cups (56–64 oz)

14+              ~8–11 cups (64–88 oz) or more with sports!

That includes water within food as well as other drinks — but plain water is still the best and easiest way to hit those numbers.

Spoiler alert: most kids fall short, especially in warmer months or during sports and play.

🚨 What Happens When Kids Don’t Get Enough Water?

You might notice:

• Crankiness (a.k.a. “grump mode”)

• Headaches

• Trouble focusing

• Dry lips or dark pee

• Fatigue (cue the post-playtime meltdowns)

Dehydration can sneak up on kids, and they don’t always recognize thirst the way adults do. That’s why building healthy hydration habits early matters — big time!

💦 How to Make Drinking Water Way More Fun

Good news: water doesn’t have to be boring.

Here’s how we help kids choose a healthy kids drink — and love it:

🎨 1. Turn It Into a Game

• Use a “Sip Chart” or sticker tracker — every cup earns a star, or even a silly dance!

• Set fun reminders: “Every time we hear a bird tweet, we take a sip!”

🧊 2. Add Some Flavor (Naturally!)

• Freeze strawberries or citrus slices into ice cubes

• Let kids make their own “fruit water” with safe, simple ingredients

• Bonus points for colorful cups or silly straws (just skip plastic!)

🌈 3. Make It *Look* Magical

That’s where Wave Kids™ comes in.

Our color-changing cans light up in sunlight or when chilled, feature artwork made by real kids, and feel like a drink made just for them — because it is. No Grownups Allowed!TM

• No sugar

• No dyes

• No plastic kiddie straws

• Just 8.4 oz of pure, refreshing water in a can kids can’t wait to pop open

Seriously, it’s the healthy kids drink they’ll actually brag about.

👏 The Takeaway: Water Is Cool. Let’s Keep It That Way.

When kids drink enough water, they feel better, move better, think better, and stay energized — and when it’s fun, they’re more likely to stick with it.

So whether it’s a backyard play day, a school lunch, or a game-winning goal, let’s make sure your kids are sipping something that supports them — not slows them down.

Wave Kids was made to help your family win at water — one silly, splashy, colorful can at a time.

Want more hydration hacks and playful parenting tips?

Join our NewsWave and grab your first pack of Wave Kids™ at www.wave-kids.com! ✨