When life gave these St. Thomas sisters a puddle, they made a viral social media splash

In a world where technology often reigns supreme, two sisters from St. Thomas, Ont., are proving that good old-fashioned outdoor play still has its charm. When Lillie, 11, and Harper, 10, O’Reilly’s mom took away their mobile phones for the day on Good Friday, the girls were left with no choice but to venture outside and entertain themselves.

What started as a simple idea turned into a viral sensation. The sisters noticed a large puddle across the street from their house and decided to create a sign that read “Splash us.” Standing in front of the puddle, they eagerly waited for passing vehicles to give them a good soaking. The response was overwhelming, with cars not only splashing them once but even going around the block for a second round of fun.

Impressed by the playful antics of her daughters, their mom, Taylor Brooks, captured the moment on video and posted it on TikTok with the caption “Remember when kids played outside?” The video quickly went viral, amassing over 10 million views and thousands of comments from viewers who were captivated by the sisters’ carefree spirit.

Brooks, who never expected the post to garner so much attention, believes that the nostalgia of outdoor play resonated with many grownups who grew up in a time before smartphones and tablets dominated children’s free time. She encourages other parents to let their kids be bored every now and then, as it can spark their creativity and lead to innovative ways of having fun without technology.

The comments on the video echoed this sentiment, with many viewers reminiscing about their own childhood adventures and praising the O’Reilly sisters for their playful attitude. Lillie and Harper, who have learned that screen time isn’t always necessary for a good time, are already planning their next outdoor escapade.

As they reflect on their experience, the girls have discovered that rainy days don’t have to be spent cooped up indoors with a phone in hand. They have embraced the joy of simple outdoor play and look forward to more unplugged adventures in the future. With a little bit of boredom and a lot of imagination, the possibilities for fun are endless.