Make a splash with these fun water balloons, water tables, inflatables, and more
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Water toys are an easy way to turn your backyard, patio, or playspace into your very own waterpark—without the expensive admission ticket. When a sunny day rolls around, water toys add some soaking wet fun and engage your kids outdoors. And beyond plain fun, there are many educational perks to water play, such as opportunities to hone motor skills or develop social skills.
Whether you’ve got a toddler, school-age kiddo, or tween, there’s a water toy on this list that they’ll love to play with. Most of our top water toys just require water in a bucket or from a garden hose, so they’re easy to use in your backyard. Some do work best in a pool, though, and some can even be used in the bathtub.
To find the best water toys for kids, we thoroughly reviewed dozens of options, looking at safety, durability, recommended age range, ease of cleaning, value, and more. We also consulted two summer camp directors and a dad of two to get their advice on what keeps kids happy and occupied while playing outdoors. “There are few joys in life that bring such a level of endless excitement and adventure to my kids than the water table,” notes Paul Criscuolo, a father of two.
Outdoor water toys range in cost from under $10 to hundreds of dollars. As you shop, factor in the longevity of the toy and whether it can be used by several kids. Plus, you’ll want to think about how the toy fits into your lifestyle—a large inflatable water slide may work for some families and spaces, but small reusable water balloons may be a better fit for others. So, lather the little ones up with baby sunscreen and get ready to play with the 17 best water toys for kids this summer.
Why We Like It: A versatile toy, it’s fun in a kiddie pool, bathtub, or water table.
But Take Note: Some of the figures float and some sink.
Kids will love helping the stingray-shaped net catch Dory, Nemo, and other friends in the water. The six-piece set comes with a ray-shaped net and five plastic characters, which each float at different depths. If you’ve got a reluctant swimmer or a kiddo that’s apprehensive about being in the pool (or even a bathtub), this toy is a smart way to build confidence and comfort in the water and will keep your kiddo engaged and interacting with the toy.
The recommended age is 5 years old and up, though this toy may be best suited to younger kids. As always, make sure your child is supervised if playing in a pool, and note that some of the figures may sink, so avoid playing in a deeper pool if your child is unable to swim down and snag the toy.
Why We Like It: The eight-pack offers enough toys for a crowd of friends or siblings.
But Take Note: These won’t work outside of a pool.
A lightweight, inexpensive addition to any pool bag, this multi-pack of underwater diving torpedoes will lead to lots of underwater fun. With their dynamic shape, the torpedoes glide underwater, going up to 10 feet deep. Since these do sink, make sure your kiddo is prepared to dive down for the torpedo, especially if they end up in the deeper end of the pool. The eight-pack ensures you’ve got plenty of torpedoes for a crowd of kids, though note that these water toys are best used in a pool and won’t be much fun in a backyard.
Why We Like It: It fits on a standard garden hose for convenient backyard fun.
But Take Note: It probably won’t entertain older kids for long.
This whimsical plastic sprinkler from Melissa & Doug features 12 adorable “splash patrol” figures that spray water out of their sweet red firefighter hats. Designed for younger kids ages 3 to 5, this sprinkler provides instant joy and cooling relief on a hot summer day. Simply attach the sprinkler to a standard garden hose, turn on the water, and let the fun begin—this makes it convenient for last-minute playdates or occupying bored kiddos.
Little ones will have a blast running in, out, and over the water, which sprays in smaller arcs. So while it’s great for younger kids, older kiddos may want a bit more excitement (and larger water sprays) from a backyard sprinkler.
Why We Like It: Lightweight and versatile, these can be used in a body of water or with a big bucket or kiddie pool full of water.
But Take Note: The foam material could be more durable.
Though they may look like ordinary pool noodles, these water blasters are packed with fun. To use, dip one into some water, pull back the handle to load the cannon, take aim, and push the handle forward to blast water at friends, family, or a target. The foam blasters can float, which is a bonus if you’re playing with them in the pool, lake, or anywhere else.
No pool? No problem. Simply fill a big bucket or kiddie pool with water and you can have lots of backyard fun with these toys. We love that the affordable six-pack provides plenty of blasters for a crowd, and since they can spray up to 30 feet, they’re good for lots of outdoor games.
Why We Like It: Along with the two-level table, this set comes with eight accessories.
But Take Note: The table holds up to 4 gallons of water.
Ideal for toddlers, this water table offers two levels and 360 degrees of fun, so there’s plenty of room for more than one kid to play and socialize with their friends. Kiddos can scoop up water from the 4-gallon basin and pour it into the top level of the tower, creating a showering splash below. Beyond plain fun, water tables can also help enhance gross and fine motor skills.
Offering tons of ways to play, we appreciate that this set comes with eight accessories, including scoops and a rubber duck. With all these toys, there’s plenty to share, even if your kiddo is in a “mine” phase. When playtime is over, cleanup is a cinch: A non-leak drain plug keeps water in during playtime but easily drains when playtime’s over—no need to lift the whole thing to dump out the water. And since it’s made from plastic, the water table can easily be sprayed or wiped clean with a multi-purpose cleaner.
Why We Like It: It’s small and lightweight, so it’s easy to stash in a beach bag or even a pocket.
But Take Note: This ball works best in open water.
Small but mighty, this little ball packs a punch. The waterproof ball is made from three layers of lycra wrapped around a unique gel core, so it can both float and bounce on water. Once your kids get the hang of how to toss, skim, or launch the ball over the water, it’ll be hard to stop playing. At under 4 ounces, it’s a lightweight addition to your beach bag for portable fun. While it works for playing catch in the yard, too, it really shines in open water, like a pool, lake, or ocean.
Why We Like It: Easy to use, these are a much more environmentally friendly option than traditional water balloons.
But Take Note: There is no option to select your preferred colors.
Water balloons may be fun, but they can also be time-consuming and tricky to tie, challenging to clean up, and not the most environmentally-friendly option. With this reusable alternative, you can keep the fun in an easier, more sustainable way. These handmade crocheted balloons are ready to use immediately: Simply drop them in a bucket of water and the yarn will soak up the water. Toss the balls, collect them, then drop them back in the bucket, so kiddos can play over and over and over again.
Not only do you avoid the hassle of combing through the grass to pick up popped latex balloons, but these crochet balloons are machine washable, so they’re especially easy to keep clean. This set of 12 comes with a white mesh bag for washing and storage, though note that each set comes with different color assortments, so you can’t select your preferred hues.
Why We Like It: The spill-proof set comes with three bubble wands and very little mess.
But Take Note: You’ll need to provide your own bubble solution.
It’s no secret that young kids, particularly babies, love playing with bubbles, but the fun usually ends with the bottle of bubble solution falling over and spilling. With this clever invention, you’ll never need to worry about spills again: Made to hold up to 20 ounces of bubble solution, this spill-proof bucket won’t leak—even when tipped over—so you can avoid a sticky mess. It’s 11.5 inches tall, making it easy for little ones to access with the three included bubble wands, which come in different colors.
While not explicitly a water toy, this bubble bucket is convenient for toting to the beach or playing with by the pool. There’s an easy-to-grip handle for carrying the plastic bucket with you to the beach, park, or backyard, but do note that bubble solution is not included, so you’ll need to stock up before showing your kids this fun toy. (The brand offers a non-toxic bubble solution, sold separately.)
Why We Like It: The buoy attachments turn your Spikeball set into a floating water game.
But Take Note: To use this, you’ll need to purchase Spikeball separately if you don’t already have it.
Older kids, teens, and parents who are fans of the backyard game Spikeball will flip for this accessory set, which turns your Spikeball net into a floating version for water-filled play. (To get started, you’ll need to buy Spikeball if you don’t already own it.) This add-on set includes five buoyant pieces that attach to the net to keep it above water. Whether you’re visiting the beach, lake, or pool, your family will have two versions of the popular game at your fingertips. Just like Spikeball, the Spikebuoy attachment set packs neatly into the included bag for easy travel.
Why We Like It: Reusable and machine washable, they’re fun all year long, wet or dry.
But Take Note: They’re only available in a multicolor pack.
Fun for backyard, pool, or trampoline play, these reusable water balls are versatile, fun, and make less of a mess than typical water balloons. Essentially, they’re tennis ball-sized cotton pom-poms that are made to get wet. Once wet, they can act as water balloons, but they won’t pop or create a mess in your yard.
The multicolor 60-pack offers six bright colors and includes 10 balls of each color and a mesh bag for easy storage. In the winter, they can be fun for indoor “snowball” fights or for filling up a small ball pit. Best of all, they can be machine washed and dried for easy cleanup.
Why We Like It: It’s a unique toy that keeps older kids busy and active in the pool.
But Take Note: The ball must be filled with water before use, making it heavy to tote around.
If your older kids are frequent pool-goers or you have one in the backyard, adding a Watermelon ball to their arsenal of fun is a good bet. This vinyl ball, which really does resemble its fruit namesake, gets filled with water via a backyard hose, and once filled, kids can bounce, dribble, and pass it underwater. (The strong PVC can hold in the water while you drive to the pool, but it does get heavy.)
Kiddos will have a blast creating all kinds of fun games with it while also getting in some exercise. Since this is a heavier toy—it weighs 14.5 pounds when filled and out of the pool—and designed for kids ages 8 and up, it’s not the best choice for super little ones. (For toddlers, we recommend the Step2 Summer Showers Water Table.)
Why We Like It: Two slides and a rock wall means there’s plenty of room for multiple kids.
But Take Note: It’s heavy, weighing 50 pounds when dry and deflated, and a pricier pick.
Turn your backyard into a water park with the Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River. Kids will have a blast as they jump, bounce, climb, and slide on this fan-favorite toy. Climb up the center rock wall, get soaked by the tilting bucket, and then slide down one of the two water slides. Included in the set are an electric-powered heavy-duty blower, stakes, a repair kit, and a storage bag.
You’ll need access to both an outlet and a hose for the water features to work, so make sure you have room for the bounce house near an outlet, as well as a hose that’s long enough. And do note, the house weighs 50 pounds when dry and takes some time to drain and dry, which should be done while inflated.
Why We Like It: It’s made from 100% recycled milk jugs and is dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.
But Take Note: It’s a bit more expensive than other similar options.
Young vehicle fans will love zooming this ferry boat around the pool, bath, or water table. Made in the USA from 100% recycled milk jugs, this set comes with a large floating ferry boat and two cars. Inside the boat, there are two benches for other toys to sit on and a spacious cargo area; plus, there’s a sliding ramp so kids can drive the cars on and off the boat.
Parents will appreciate that these vehicles can easily be washed in the dishwasher, and the hull of the ship also detaches for a quick wipe-down. And in addition to their sustainability, the materials are free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC, so they’re safe for kiddos to use.
Why We Like It: Several kids can enjoy it at once, and it’s a relatively affordable activity.
But Take Note: It should not be used on hard or uneven surfaces, including the driveway.
Cross a splash pad with a sprinkler, and you’ll get this entertaining inflatable water toy. To use it, simply attach your garden hose to the pad’s hose connector, and water will shoot up from Sli 6.5 feet wide, so there’s plenty of room for several kiddos to splash around. We also love the cute design, which features a whale, starfish, and other underwater characters.
Included with the splash pad are the hose connector, a repair patch, and an instruction manual. It’s best to use this on grass, turf, or other softer surfaces; rocks, a concrete sidewalk, or a paved driveway are too hard for the inflatable toy to be used safely.
Why We Like It: No pumping or assembly is required, so it’s good to go right out of the box.
But Take Note: Colors may vary from images online.
The beach, pool, park, and backyard just got way more fun with this inexpensive, well-made football. Just as fun on land as in the water, the football is 100% waterproof so it won’t get bogged down if it gets wet. It features ergonomic double tuck laces and heavy-duty stitching that’ll stand up to lots of throwing and catching, even on the beach.
Ready as soon as the package arrives, there’s no need to pump or inflate this football. There are three colorways available but no option to request a certain color, so you may not get your top pick.
Why We Like It: It expands to 6 feet of play space but nests for storage.
But Take Note: A hose needs to be attached for continuous water flow.
Flexibility is the name of the game with this unique water table. The three-level table comes with nine accessories, including buckets, boats, and more. When fully expanded, it stretches up to 6 feet long, providing lots of space for multiple kids to play at each water level. The set can be hooked up to a garden hose, allowing for a continuous stream of water to flow down the three levels. If you prefer not to use a hose, simply fill the levels with water and your kiddos will still have fun splashing and playing. When playtime is over, the water table’s parts nest together and only take up 3 feet of storage space.
Why We Like It: This twister toy can be used indoors or out, with one or two kids, with or without water.
But Take Note: There’s a 50-pound weight limit per child.
A toy can rarely be used all year round, indoors or out, with one or two kids, and this dual zone twister seat fits the bill. Kids will love spinning around on this fun ride, which gets even more exciting when you add water. Just bring the seat outside, attach your garden hose, and water sprays up, sprinkling down on the kiddos. In the center of the wheel is an activation button, so that kids can change the direction of the water spray. The brand recommends a weight limit of 50 pounds per child.
To find the best water toys for kids, we researched dozens of options to find options that are fun, durable, highly rated, readily available, and fit a variety of budgets, spaces, and lifestyles. To learn about experts’ recommendations for safe and fun water toy use, we also consulted summer camp directors and parents: Amy Pacifico, Director of STAR Camp in New Jersey; Emilio DeLia, founder of Dream Martial Arts school and camp; and Paul Criscuolo, a father of two young daughters.
When using water toys, always follow the specific toy’s recommended age guidelines. Though it’s always a good idea to follow a brand’s age recommendations, it’s particularly important to do so when there’s water involved, as it comes with more risks.
In addition to your child’s age, consider their swimming abilities. For pool toys, follow the pool’s safety rules, make sure there are lifeguards on hand, and constantly supervise your child. If your child is not yet swimming by themselves, skip the underwater pool toys until they can be used safely.
Aim for water toys that are both safe and long-lasting. While latex water balloons provide a few minutes of fun, they’re a one-time activity that leaves lots of unsustainable debris in your yard. On our list, we’ve included a reusable alternative to water balloons, the Befans Reusable Water Balls, which are pom-poms that can be dried out and played with again.
Additionally, taking proper care of your water toys, labeling them if you’ll be in a community pool, and cleaning and storing them safely will extend the longevity of your toys.
Some water toys may not last beyond one season, but with proper care, you can extend their life. DeLia advises using clean water to rinse toys off immediately after use to preserve their quality. For an extra deep clean, “You could even soak them in a solution of vinegar and water for a few minutes before rinsing them off or use mild soap,” he says, “as long as the toys are thoroughly rinsed to remove soap residue.”
To extend the life of inflatable toys, make sure they are fully dry before deflating and storing them—otherwise, you risk the chance of mold growing in the stored toy. Finding toys that you can clean easily and quickly are a great way to avoid the annoyance of mold.
When playing with water toys either indoors or outside, there are several safety factors to consider. Per guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), to avoid the risk of drowning, “never leave a filled, open-top water container unattended” and, as always, watch your child constantly and attentively whenever near water, even if they are experienced swimmers.
DeLia also suggests that caregivers avoid purchasing toys with small parts, which could be a choking hazard. Similarly, he says, you should avoid “toys that are made with materials that are not durable and will break easily,” as these could pose a choking hazard or increase the risk of other injuries.
Water games don’t have to be complicated for kids to have fun. Pacifico recommends setting up water relay races with a group of siblings or friends, where they “fill buckets by running back and forth with large sponges,” which is a simple way to involve water in outdoor play. Additionally, she recommends setting up blow-up swimming pools with small water toys, like the Green Toys Ferry Boat, for an engaging sensory game. And of course, you can’t go wrong with running through the sprinkler.
Besides keeping cool and having lots of fun, water play can provide plenty of developmental benefits. Water toys offer opportunities for “sensory play, STEM activities, and learning cause and effect,” says DeLia. For example, a water table like the Step2 Summer Showers Water Table, demonstrates cause and effect, as kiddos learn that pouring water into the top tray causes it to pour out into the main pool.
Criscuolo appreciates that water toys have “a balance of creativity, safety, and the chance for my kids to use their imaginations all at once." In addition to imaginative play, water play with others promotes social skills like sharing and communication, as well as parallel play, DeLia adds.
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 13-year-old son, a 9-year-old son, and a 5-year-old daughter. Maya’s kids love to swim, play outdoors, and generally stay wet all summer long. When not in the pool or the ocean, they love a hand-me-down water bounce house they received from a neighbor. It may be the best hand-me-down ever!
Infant Water Safety: Protect Your New Baby from Drowning. American Academy of Pediatrics.
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