This is one of those activities that turned out to be just beautiful. I had originally intended the game for Veronika after a morning trip to have our real car inspected, but big brother Travis was eager to join in, too!

We have a kid-sized Mustang that was perfect for the activity, but truly any kid “vehicle” would work, whether toddler ride-on toys, old tricycles, or bikes! Pull out the buckets, sponges, mild dish soap, and rags, and set your washers to work.

Both kids immediately loved dipping little sponges in the bucket of soapy water and scrubbing gently all over the car.

Travis focused on the exterior…

…while Veronika liked cleaning the seats!

When it was all soaped up, we rinsed with the hose. Then it was time to towel dry.

And then of course we took the car for a spin!

This was watery, soapy, sunshine-y summer magic at its best.