The 20 Best Water Toys That Will Make Your Kids Want to Play Outside All Day

Best Overall

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad

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This splash pad combines sprinkler action with a shallow pool ideal for kids ages 12 months and up. With a 60-inch diameter and a depth of about 2 inches, this splash pad is big enough for a few kids (and maybe even an adult) to play together, whether they want to sit and explore the letters and animals on the bottom of the pool or cool down with the water as it shoots upward all around them.

For best results, the splash pad should be used on grass, as concrete could rip the vinyl. An outdoor hose is all you'll need to set it up—the water fills the pool's rim and activates the sprinklers.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA and phthalate-free vinyl |Recommended Age:12 months and up |Dimensions:60 x 60 x 4 inches}

Best Water Slide

Jambo Triple Lane Slip, Splash, and Slide

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This slip-and-slide is triple the fun: it's three lanes wide for three children to slide together. The standard water slide is 16 feet long, but it's available inextra large (20 feet)andextra-extra large (32 feet)as well. It also includes three inflatable body boards, although children can slide on their stomachs like we all used to if they prefer. Water shoots out from sprinkle holes on both sides to maximize the slippery effect.

Keep in mind that the slide should only be used on a high-traction surface such as grass to minimize ripping, and it's designed for kids ages 5 and up. The weight limit is 110 pounds, so as tempting as it might be, adults should avoid using it.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA- and phtalate-free vinyl |Recommended Age:5 years and up |Dimensions:14.88 x 12.6 x 3.07 inches}

Best Water Table

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset

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There's a very good reason why you'll find water tables in preschool classrooms and other educational settings: through play, they allow young children to engage with scientific and mathematical concepts, sensory exploration, creativity, and social skills, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table is ideal because it holds 5 gallons of water and includes 13 accessories, like a strainer, cups, toys, spinners, and half pipes to create a water maze. We love that it has two levels, so kids can pour water at the top and watch as the rain falls on the bottom tier. It's also big enough for several kids to play together and it's super easy to clean: just drain it and wipe it down with a dry cloth. Levy also recommends this water table because rain showers and waterfalls can have a soothing effect on children.

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA-free plastic |Recommended Age:18米onths to 10 years |Dimensions:39 x 24 x 32 inches}

Best Sprinkler

Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Splash Patrol Sprinkler Toy With Hose Attachment

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Sprinklers are great, but add a few fun characters and 12 water squirters, and you have a whole new favorite summer game for young children. As parents, our favorite part is how easy this Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Splash Patrol Sprinkler is to set up. All you need is a garden hose that attaches directly to the toy—no adapter needed. It's specifically designed to introduce younger kiddos (ages 3-6) to backyard water games, so the water pressure is just enough to shoot up but there won't be any scary or painful experiences.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Material:Plastic |Recommended Age:3 to 6 years |Dimensions:8 x 7.5 x 6 inches}

Best for Active Play

SUNNY & FUN Slide ‘N Spray Inflatable Water Slide Park

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If you’re looking for the ultimate backyard water slide experience, this Sunny & Fun giant inflatable delivers. It has a climbing wall, water slide, and splash pool to keep your kids active for hours. It comes with a pump that needs to be plugged in to keep it inflated, as well as stakes to secure it to the ground. Once up and running at full capacity, the water in the pool is about 8 to 10 inches deep.

According to the manufacturer, the water slide is designed for kids ages 3-10. There is also a 350-pound total weight limit (and 117 per individual), as well as a 5-foot height limit and a recommended maximum occupancy of three children at a time. Keep in mind that the water slide needs to be completely dry before it is stored.

Price at time of publication: $350

^{Key Specs:
Material:Fabric, nylon, and synthetic materials |Recommended Age:3-10 years |Dimensions:16.9 x 12.6 x 7.5 feet when inflated}

最佳水游戏

Fun Knuckles Hoop Shark Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop Set

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Active families will appreciate this pool basketball hoop for a bit of competitive bonding. The hoop is a good size and pretty sturdy—it inflates to 40 inches tall and 46 inches in diameter. It also comes with a regulation size five basketball. Although it's recommended for kids ages 7 and up, we're pretty confident adults will find it just as entertaining and challenging.

This Hoop Shark toy is made of heavy-duty vinyl with reinforced seams. It's divided into four chambers with large bore valves that make inflating it a lot easier. What it doesn't have is an anchor, which some might consider a con because the hoop won't stay in one place, but we personally find it more fun and challenging if the hoop floats around.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Material:Heavy-duty vinyl |Recommended Age:7 and up |Dimensions:40 x 46 inches when inflated}

Best for Backyard Fun

Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler Inflatable

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Supersize your sprinkler experience with this inflatable unicorn that stands about 6 feet tall. Hook it up to a garden hose, turn on the water, and watch as water shoots out of the unicorn's horn. Although it doesn't come with a pump, it does have large double valves to speed up the inflation process. The toy also includes four ground stakes to keep your magical creature from flying away. And if 6 feet isn't tall enough, the unicorn is also available in alarger inflatablethat measures nearly 9 feet.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Material:Phthalate-free vinyl |Recommended Age:8 years and up |Dimensions:83 x 34 x 65 inches when inflated}

Best Inflatable

Intex Giant Gator Ride-On

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For parents looking for a nostalgic throwback inflatable ride-on toy for their swimming-age children, this Intex Giant Gator Ride-On fits the bill. It measures 45 by 80 inches, which is long and wide enough for several children to join in on the floating fun. It features four plastic handles and is made of durable vinyl.

Like any inflatable, it might take time to blow up. The gator is divided into two chambers that inflate—you might want to use a pump rather than try to blow it up manually. Although it does not come with a pump, it does include a patch kit should there be a leak. Note that the edges of the vinyl could be sharp for some children as they slide on and off the float.

Price at time of publication: $31

^{Key Specs:
Material:Vinyl |Recommended Age:3 and up |Dimensions:Spec 3}

Best Splash Pad

Jasonwell Splash Pad Sprinkler

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A large splash pad can quickly turn a boring backyard into the neighborhood's favorite hangout. Measuring 68 inches in diameter, this Jasonwell Splash Pad Sprinkler is big enough for multiple kids to play together, but larger options are also available, including a75-inchand an87-inchpad.

When at full water pressure, the sprinklers can shoot water up to 3 feet in the air. To operate, simply plug your garden hose into the attachments provided and you'll be up and running quickly. The water might spray outwards at first; if so, roll the edges of the splash pad inward to keep the water flowing to the center where it can accumulate. When full, the pool should have water as deep as an adult's ankles, or about 2 inches deep.

When using splash pads, always put them on a surface with lots of traction, such as grass, to prevent injury. Although this splash pad features a non-slip textured surface, it's safer if you have your kids wearwater shoesto prevent falls, especially if multiple children are playing together. Drowning can happen even in inches of water; always directly supervise water play on a splash pad, even if your child is older.

Price at time of publication: $32

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA- and lead-free PVC |Recommended Age:18米onths and up |Dimensions:68 x 68 x 3 inches}

Best for the Pool

JOYIN 30 Pcs Diving Pool Toys

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If your kiddo enjoys diving for treasures in the pool, this toy is a must. Diving rings and sticks, squid, torpedoes, fish, and gems—30 pieces total—will keep them entertained for hours. They can also be used poolside for sorting games or in the bathtub for imaginative play. When pool time is over, all the treasures can be stored in a convenient mesh bag that allows air to circulate to prevent mold.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Material:Rubber and plastic |Recommended Age:3 years and up |Dimensions:Assorted}

Best for the Beach

Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set

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Little cooking enthusiasts will love this sand playset from Melissa & Doug. It can be used at the beach, in a sandbox, at the pool, or in the bathtub for imaginative play. It comes with three shell-shaped measuring cups, an octopus whisk, a crab mixing spoon, and a mixing bowl. The cute turtle lid doubles as a strainer, and all the pieces can be stored inside the bowl. The lid does not snap shut, which might be frustrating for some children, but it is lightweight enough while empty for them to transport it themselves.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Material:Plastic |Recommended Age:3 years and up |Dimensions:9.5 x 8.5 x 7.5 inches}

Best Measuring Toys

Battat Stacking Cups

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"Object building" is an essential skill that kids develop in the toddler years,and toys like these Battat Stacking Cups are an easy way to encourage this and other key abilities. The set includes 10 cups, and the largest one has a handle so little hands can store them neatly and carry them around for fun on the go. Unlike the First Years Stack Up set, these cups don't have holes on the bottom, so they're more appropriate for measuring, pouring, stirring, and transferring water between cups. They're also much larger, allowing for taller towers and creations.

The cups come in a variety of colors and sizes ranging between 1.5-5 inches in diameter. Since they're larger, they're recommended for kids ages 18 months and up.

Price at time of publication: $9

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA-free plastic |Recommended Age:18米onths plus |Dimensions:5.5 x 5.5 x 5.25 inches (nested)}

Best for the Bathtub

Nuby Floating Purple Octopus Interactive Bath Toy

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Whether your little one wants to take a dip in the kiddie pool or the bathtub, this adorable Nuby Floating Octopus is guaranteed to be tons of fun. The toy is made from flexible BPA- and latex-free materials and is designed for kids ages 18 months and older. Kids can try their hand at ring toss, which promotes hand-eye coordination, although some children might find it frustrating that the rings don't catch the curved tentacles easily.

One minor detail that sea creature-obsessed kiddos might notice is that this toy only has six legs, while a real octopus has eight—but we're willing to overlook the tiny inaccuracy. We love that the octopus and the rings both float, so toddlers won't have to go under the water to find them. And since there are no holes in this toy for water to gather, it won't get all moldy.

Price at time of publication: $9

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA- and latex-free rubber |Recommended Age:18米onths and up |Dimensions:‎7 x 7 x 5.5 inches}

Best Water Balloons

Zuru Bunch O Balloons Multi-Colored 10 Bunches

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取the grunt work out of filling and tying water balloons with the Zuru Bunch O Balloons. Each stem—there are 10 included—comes with 35 water balloons. Attach the end of the cap to a garden hose and watch as the balloons fill and tie themselves off. It can fill up to 100 water balloons in one minute.

The balloons are made from natural rubber, and the stems and caps are made from recycled plastic, according to the manufacturer. While each bunch contains 35 water balloons, it’s not guaranteed that all will fill equally. Adults should fill them or directly supervise the process as they could get heavy for some children to hold. Keep in mind thatballoons can be a choking hazardfor young children, so keep a close eye on little ones.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Material:Natural rubber and recycled plastic |Recommended Age:3 years and up |Dimensions:2 x 9 x 9 inches}

Best Kiddie Pool

Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool

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Infants and toddlers will love cooling down and splashing in their very own baby pool. Measuring only 34 inches in diameter, this pool is small, but that also means it's convenient to move around the backyard or take to the beach, and it's very easy to inflate and fill. We love that the bottom of this pool is also inflated, so it's more comfortable for your little one. And if you're done playing outside, it can also double as a ball pit indoors.

Be sure to always stay with your child when using this baby pool.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Material:Vinyl |Recommended Age:2 years to 7 years |Dimensions:10 x 34 inches (diameter)}

Best for Play and Learn

Discovery Toys Hydro Launch Water Rocket

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Combine water play with science exploration with this launch rocket. Water will shoot through the provided tube into the base. Then, children can enjoy lining the rocket up with the water stream to let it “blast off.” Kids can experiment with positioning, water pressure, and more, as well as run through and around the water stream for basic water play. It requires a garden hose for set up, and direct parental supervision is likely needed, especially for younger kids.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA-free plastic |Recommended Age:5 and up |Dimensions:10 x 8 x 8 inches}

Best for Sensory Play

Glo Pals Water-Activated Light-Up Cubes

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GloPals are light-up sensory play water cubes that are safe for the pool or the bathtub. Children can learn about colors, cause and effect, and hand-eye coordination through sorting, stacking, and submerging these blocks. Because they glow, they’re also great for a lights-off sensory bath experience.

Each GloPal—there are 12 in this set in four different colors and characters—contains a non-lithium, hermetically sealed battery and automatically turns itself off when dry. Each block should last 30 days or 16 full hours of light. The batteries are not rechargeable or replaceable. Every purchase benefits Batson Children's Hospital of Mississippi.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA- and phthalate-free plastic |Recommended Age:3 and up |Dimensions:1.25 x 1 x 0.8 inches per cube}

Best for Pretend Play

CUTE STONE Color Changing Kitchen Sink

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Little kitchen helpers will love playing with this pretend sink with running water and color-changing accessories. The sink comes with a faucet that pumps water from the tub below it, plates, cups, plastic knives, a brush, play detergent, and a dish rack.

To get it to work, you only need to install two AA batteries (not included) and fill the bottom tub with water up to the indicated level. The water runs through a cycle system, so you don't need to refill the tub. The downside to this system is that you need to keep the water clean, so no real soap or dirty dishes should be used. The accessories will change color when the water is warm (above 91 degrees F). The manufacturer recommends removing the faucet from the sink if not in use so the batteries stay dry, even though it's sealed with a waterproof strip.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Material:ABS plastic |Recommended Age:3 and up |Dimensions:16 x 11 x 4 inches}

Best Budget

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

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这些堆积杯看似普通,小玩具s, but in reality, they can help open a whole world of exploration for babies ages 6 months and older. Stacking and nesting toys are instrumental in developing a skill called "object construction." An important developmental step, object construction while playing allows young children to explore relationships between different items as well as their properties. This skill goes beyond simple object manipulation and demonstrates advanced cognition, according to a study published in the journal Infancy.

This First Years set includes eight colorful cups that can be used for stacking, sorting, and nesting, but they also feature small holes on the bottom of each cup that allow water to drain, making them perfect for playing in an inflatable pool, water table, or bathtub. The cups also feature numbers on the bottom to help older kiddos practice their colors and numbers.

Price at time of publication: $8

^{Key Specs:
Material:BPA-free plastic |Recommended Age:6 months+ |Dimensions:‎3.5 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches when nested}