15 Water Toys for Kids That Will Turn Your Backyard Into a Mini Water Park
Looking for some backyard entertainment this summer? Check out these water toys that will keep toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids occupied for hours.
Keeping the kids occupied, happy, and cool all summer may sound like an insurmountable feat. But whether you've got a toddler or a tween, these practical and exciting backyard water toys for kids will make the job easier. Some of the splashy picks were even recommended by Laurie Schacht, a mom of three and chief toy officer of The Toy Insider. Check out the list and get ready for hours of outdoor entertainment!
Note: All children's water toys and games should be played under adult supervision.
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1. BigMouth Giant 6-foot Unicorn Yard Sprinkler
Be prepared for an abundance of squealing in the yard this summer, thanks to the BigMouth giant inflatable unicorn sprinkler. Standing at a whopping 6-feet-tall and shooting water out of its horn (once you connect a garden hose), this thing will delight kids of all ages. Ages 1+
2. 59-inch Fish Print Wading Pool
For a simple way to keep the kids distracted this summer, fill this cute 59-inch fish and turtle printed wading pool with water or sand and let them play for hours. It's a sturdy and durable little pool, and at $25, it's a pretty economical way to keep kids happy. "Just what I needed for two toddlers," reported one satisfied parent in the reviews. Ages 1+
3. Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table
From a tipping fishbowl and a spinning lily pad, to a water launcher and tons of critters to catch with the fishing rod, this activity table has plenty of bells and whistles to keep toddlers amused for the afternoon. One happy shopper credits gifting this water table to her nephew for earning her the title of "best aunt IN THE WORLD!" Ages 2+
4. Step2 Water Park Arcade
The Step2 Water Park Arcade is about as much excitement a kid can have practicing hand-eye coordination. The aim of this at-home arcade-like game is to hit the various targets with your water blaster (included)—a spinning paddle, pinwheel, and several knock-down flaps. Ages 3+
5. AquaPlay Container Port Water Table
The intricate AquaPlay water table includes a port basin, access ramp, large gantry crane, and many other accessories that allow children to learn while they play. They can load and unload containers manually with the crane and crank the handle to generate a current, teaching them how currents are created as well as the ins and outs of real-life canal systems while they play. Ages 3+
6. ECR4Kids 4-Station Sand and Water Activity Play Table Center
For an organized way to play and learn, these classroom-grade sand and water activity play tables with lids are a great choice. The basins are removable for easy cleaning and the height is adjustable to accommodate kids of all ages. Ages 3+
7. Nickelodeon Bubble Blastin' Machine
Nothing makes children (and pets) quite as giddy as bubbles, so spending a little over 10 bucks on a bubble blasting machine might just turn out to be the best purchase you'll make all year. All you have to do is press the "on" button and let the rotating bubble wands produce bubble after bubble for endless fun. Ages 3+
8. HearthSong Water Slide
Turn your backyard into a private water park with this 12-foot water slide from HearthSong. Complete with two inflatable speed boards to help them zoom down the slippery straightaway, kids will need no help keeping themselves entertained once this bad boy is set up in the yard. Ages 4+
9. NERF Super Soaker Scatter Blast Water Blaster
You don't always need to go big when it comes to summer toys for kids. Enter the water blaster, AKA maybe the easiest (and cheapest) way to beat the heat and any potential boredom. The NERF Super Soaker can hold up to 22 ounces of water and launch five water streams clear across the yard—just be prepared to become a moving target at some point. Ages 6+
10. B. toys Kids' Diving Set Scoop-A-Diving
Send swimmers underwater to capture cute creatures with the B. toys Kids' Diving Set Scoop-A-Diving. Using a shark-shaped net, they'll discover a blowfish, a goldfish, a crab, and a lost boot. Ages 3+
11. Simplay3 Rushing River Falls Water Play Table
The three-tiered Rushing River Falls Water Play Table includes tipping buckets, pouring cups, and toy boats for a cascade of aqua excitement. Ages 18 months+
12. Step2 Play & Shade Pool for Toddlers
Keep kids cool and content in the Play & Shade Pool, designed with two built-in seats, a spinning water wheel, and funnel cups. The umbrella promises a respite from the sun. Ages 2+
13. H2OGO! Beach Bounce Water Park
The giant, inflatable H2OGO! Beach Bounce Water Park has room for jumping, sliding, swimming, and splashing. It sets up in two minutes. Ages 3+
14. FUNBOY Giant Inflatable Kids Rocketship Sprinkler
Outdoor fun really takes off with the help of this Inflatable Backyard Rocketship Sprinkler, which is more than 7 feet tall and sprays water 360 degrees. Ages 3+
15. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Splash Patrol Sprinkler Toy
Little kids will be fascinated by the 12 adorable critters in the Splash Patrol Sprinkler that squirt water out of their hats. Ages 3+
Parts of this article originally appeared in Parents magazine's July 2021 issue as "Water Play All Day! (Just Add Water section)." Want more from the magazine? Sign up for a monthly print subscription here
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