School’s out for summer! The kids are home all day every day and it’s too hot to spend most of the day outside. The last thing you want is to have your kids cooped up in the house all day.
Water toys are a great way to get your kids outside while still keeping them cooled off. Don’t sweat if you don’t have a pool, there are plenty of options that’ll allow your kids to play in the water. Here’s a list of the best water toys for kids.
Why it’s great: This set comes with 350 water balloons! They’re attached to straws in a bundle that allow you to fill a bunch at a time, making it really quick work to fill them all. Your kids will love playing catch or having a water balloon fight, and there’s more than enough to have some friends over to play or have some leftover for another day. They come in various colors, and you can choose from crazy or standard colors. They also come in a bigger pack if you’d prefer to have more.
Keep in mind: These are a one time use toy, so they won’t last long. They’re also a bit of a mess to clean up.
Good for: Parents looking for a fun water activity for an afternoon or a party.
Why it’s great: This slide will provide your kids with hours of fun! It comes with 2 bodyboards for racing and faster sliding. The crash pad at the end is inflatable and offers your child a soft stopping place after their slide. The slide connects to a hose and has sprinklers all along it for a fun, slippery experience. You can also use it without the hose by just wetting it down with some soap and water. It’s 20 feet long, giving your child a long, fun ride.
Keep in mind: Sliding is easier when you can place the slip n slide on a small downhill slope.
Good for: Kids who love water slides.
Why it’s great: Gone are the days of running outside when the sprinklers come in to get some water play. This little turtle sprinkler connects to your hose and allows your kids to have fun in the spray. Water sprays out of the spinning center and it also has rubber tubes that wiggle and spray water in every direction. Your child will love running through and dancing in the water. It sprays up to 8 feet high, making it great for kids of all ages. If you don’t like the turtle, you can also choose from a flower or a kangaroo.
Keep in mind: The water from the tubes whips around, so it may scare younger toddlers.
Good for: Kids who love playing in sprinklers or out in the rain.
Why it’s great: This is an inflatable pool and splash pad all in one. It’s shallow enough to keep it safe for toddlers and has sprinklers that spray for older children. The base is covered in cute animals and the alphabet, so your little one can learn and play at the same time. You can also choose other educational designs if you want something a little more advanced. Your child will love splashing around and playing in the water on those hot summer days.
Keep in mind: This is 60” so it’s best for only 2-3 younger kids at a time.
Good for: Toddlers ages 12 months and up who love splashing in the water.
Why it’s great: These are the perfect pool toy, but also work great as long as you have a tub of water to fill them. They come in a pack of six and float in water. They’re soft, in case your kids decide to use them as swords and they’re lightweight. They’re easy for kids to use, as all they have to do is hold them underwater and pull back the handle to fill them. Then, they’ll just push it forward to spray water all over their opponent. The foam is the same you’d find in a standard pool noodle and they come in a variety of colors.
Keep in mind: These can be used without a pool, but are much easier for kids to fill while they’re in the water, whether that’s a pool, lake, ocean, or even a bath.
Good for: Older kids ages 6 and up who are ready for a water fight.
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Why it’s great: This is a complete inflatable water park with a play pool, water shooter, two water slides, and a climbing wall. It comes with an air pump and inflates in about 3 minutes. It’s large enough to use for a birthday party with plenty of space for multiple kids to play at the same time. Even better than a regular pool, your child will love swimming, splashing, spraying, climbing, and sliding all over this water park. It is made of durable material and comes with 4 repair patches in case of any accidents.
Keep in mind: This is very large, so make sure you have the space in your yard.
Good for: Parents who want a full water park experience in their own backyard.
Why it’s great: This water sprinkler set is versatile with lots of ways for your kids to play. It has a water table with buckets you can fill with toys and other items for a fun water activity. It also has two adjustable funnels that your child will love moving around and changing the flow of water. Behind these buckets, the structure has overhead sprinklers, so your child can play and run through the tunnel of spray. There are also little buckets you can attach up above and dump as your child runs through, giving them a thorough soak! With all the different features, there’s something for all ages, from toddlers to tweens.
Keep in mind: It takes about 15-20 minutes to assemble and disassemble, so it’s not the most convenient if you don’t want to leave it up all the time.
Good for: Kids who love having multiple ways to play in the water.
The Bunch O Balloons – 350 Rapid-Fill Water Balloons is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
There are many benefits to water toys for kids. Children love playing in the water and getting wet. Plus, they get your kids outside, even in the middle of summer. They keep your children cool and active, instead of spending all their time sitting inside. They can also teach your child water safety, cause, and effect, and other skills, depending on the toy.
This depends on the type of toy. There are water toys that are made for toddlers ages 12 months and up. Others are best for ages 3 and up, due to smaller parts. Always check the age recommendations on any toy that you choose and supervise your children while they’re around any water.
Young toddlers should never be left around standing water. Toys that spray and allow your child to play without the risk of drowning are best. Shallow pools and splash pads are fun, too, as long as you’re supervising your child.
Older kids are going to want a little more activity. Toys like slides and water guns will attract their attention and keep them engaged. Sprinklers and water balloons are great choices when you have both younger and older kids, as they’ll provide fun for all.
As we discussed above, you’ll want to make sure whatever water toy you choose is age-appropriate, so little ones don’t get into any trouble. With the risk of drowning, it’s always best to supervise your child any time they’re around or playing in the water.
Water toys are the perfect solution to keeping your child outdoors and active in the hot summer months. They’ll offer your child hours of fun and entertaining, and keep them cool the entire time.
Whether you need an activity for a summer birthday party or just want something for everyday use, there’s an option for everyone on this list
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