Whether you're cooling off on a summer day or hosting a backyard block party, these water toys will keep kids and adults entertained for hours. From splash pads to inflatables, we've rounded up the most splash-worthy options to transform your backyard into a water playground.
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Reviews
A simple yet effective way for kids to learn about water pressure and rocket science, this plastic kit includes everything needed to build and launch a water rocket – body, tail, launcher, and pump. At just 1 pound, it's lightweight enough for quick backyard launches while being sturdy enough to handle frequent use. The easy-to-set-up design allows even young children to enjoy hands-on science experiments outdoors with grandparents or friends.
This fun alligator-inspired water toy lets kids spray water over 25 feet away, with its chomping jaws adding a cool effect to the stream. Made with an easy-to-use EZ-Grip handle, kids can fill and play with it in the backyard or pool. The durable plastic construction can handle lots of use, as many reviewers have happily noted.
This water safety net transforms any pool into a mini water polo stadium, keeping kids entertained for hours. Made from durable nylon mesh, it's strong enough to handle splashy catches and misses. Whether they're playing alone or challenging friends, kids will develop hand-eye coordination while having fun in the water.
Made from high-grade plastic for durability, the Buckets of Fun 6-in-1 Backyard Waterpark transforms your lawn into a water playground with six interactive features. Kids can race through the automatic dump bucket, get sprayed by the top and side sprayers, or just sit back at the water and sand tables. The best part? It's simple to set up - just use a rubber mallet to connect the PVC pipes and a screwdriver to attach the funnel.
The ginormous water-powered rocket stands seven feet tall and soars over 150 feet into the air with each launch. Kids can refill the water bottle, pump up the pressure, and watch the rocket zoom skyward before floating back down for another go. While some users have reported quality issues like seams coming undone, others absolutely love the toy's proportions and fun factor.
Kids will have hours of imaginative fun with this natural rubber water play set from Plan Toys. The colorful collection of boats, figures, and trees creates a charming backyard beach scene that encourages creative play and develops important early childhood skills. Made from sustainably sourced materials without harmful chemicals, it's a safe and durable addition to any playtime collection.
The Giant T-Rex Sprinkler from PoolCandy brings dino-themed fun to your backyard with its massive 6-foot height. When it's time to play, simply inflate the soft PVC construction and connect your garden hose – no tools needed! The multicolor friend sprays water from its gaping mouth, creating a refreshing water feature that's perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings.
The Island Hopper Turtle Hop brings summer fun to the water with its rugged construction and clever design. Kids love using this floating bouncer for simple hops and slides, while grownups can relax on the spacious platform. Its durable 30-gauge PVC build and easy folding design make it a practical choice for lakeside entertaining.
The inflatable Ducky Pond Splash Mat brings endless fun to summer playtime with its water-loving duck friends and easy garden hose attachment. Little ones enjoy pressing on the playful ducks to create just the right amount of splashes, while the adjustable water jets keep the mat from getting too soggy. Perfect for backyard adventures with kids 18 months and up, this durable splash mat has become a beloved summer essential in many family backyards.
The Island Hopper has been a summer staple for families, providing hours of water fun with its sturdy construction and generous size. Kids of all ages love the natural green bouncer, which stands up to daily use in the lake without showing wear. The springless design and foam padding make it safe and comfortable for multiple users, while the included carry bag makes it easy to transport between swims.
Water Tag sets from Stream Machine transform backyard fun into competitive water play, with every blast of their TL-650 Stream Machines counting toward filling opponents' one-size-fits-all vests. The simple yet effective water meter gauge keeps track of each player's hydration level, turning every jet of water into a strategic move. Perfect for hot summer days, whether you're cooling off at home or camping with friends, these durable Chinese-made vests have proven their worth through countless splash-filled battles since their 2018 release.
This outdoor water rocket turns dull hose days into interactive science lessons. By adjusting the water pressure, kids discover what makes their homemade hovercraft stable in mid-air - perfect for curious minds just starting to grasp concepts like center of gravity. The simple garden-hose attachment makes it a breeze to set up, though it might be a bit tricky for the youngest builders to handle independently. Keep an extra one on hand, because once the neighbors see their kids launching water rockets, your lawn might turn into a splash park!
This fun backyard sprinkler shoots water high into the air and lights up the night, though its fixed brightness can be a bit tricky to control. The kids love running through the spray while the colorful dome spins above, but grownups might wish it had an easier way to turn those pesky lights off. With sturdy plastic construction that holds up to watering, it's a blast for summer fun, just make sure to drain and store it properly to avoid water damage.
The inflatable dinosaur sprinkler brings summer fun to backyards with its bright green design that kids (and grown-ups) can't resist. Standing tall at 30 inches, it spits out cool water through its dinosaur head when hooked up to a garden hose – perfect for splashing around on hot days. While some users report durability issues, many enjoy watching kids play and cool off under its spray.
Kids will have a blast spraying each other with this six-tube water spinner that whirls around on a colorful base. It's easy to set up with just a garden hose, though some parts might need to be supervised by adults to prevent small-choking hazards. The six tubes create wild water arcs that kids can play around and through, making it a hit for summer fun in the backyard.
The Poolmaster Caterpillar Sprinkler brings hours of fun to any backyard with its adorable bug design and powerful water blast. Made from durable 8.8-gauge vinyl, it's built to last through countless splashes and backyard barbecues. Whether you're cooling off on a hot day or starting your lawn game night, this sprinkler adds a playful touch to your outdoor fun.
The Little Tikes ABC Splash Pad creates a playful learning environment while keeping little ones cool during summer months. Each letter of the alphabet is paired with a corresponding image, turning water play into an interactive educational activity. The 360-degree spraying mechanism provides continuous water flow from the alphabet letters, ensuring engaging entertainment without complicated assembly or maintenance requirements.
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These clever collapsible rings transform your pool into an aquatic playground, with adjustable air chambers that let you change the swimming challenge. Decorated with cute sea creatures that kids love, they're perfect for mastering your freestyle or just having fun. The best part? You can link multiple rings together to create obstacle courses or speed races – it's like having a personal aqua trainer at your pool party.
The Step2 Summer Showers Splash Tower transforms playtime into a sensory experience that little ones will adore. From making pretend rain showers to flipping water toys through its springboard, every feature is designed to spark imagination and fun. When it's time to clean up, the simple no-leak drain makes it a breeze to wash off all the splashing.
The GoSports Splash Tower transforms any outdoor gathering into a day of sizzling summer fun. Its clever design combines durability with portability, making it a hit at backyard barbecues and community events alike. Parents love that it's a safe alternative to traditional dunk tanks, while kids (and grown-ups too! ) can't get enough of the water-soaking fun.
This backyard inflatable brings water park excitement to your lawn with its sturdy bouncy house and splash pool. Made from durable oxford fabric with safety nets, it's perfect for supervised fun with up to three kids at once. The quick-setup design makes it a practical addition for family gatherings or summer birthdays, though parents should note it doesn't come with a blower.
The Kwik Fill System transforms water gun play with its incredibly simple yet genius design. Gone are the days of fiddly caps and messy submersion - just push down to reload in a mere 6 seconds. With a robust 44oz capacity and 38ft range, your water battles stay intense without downtime. The built-in safety features and easy-attach design make it a practical choice for family fun, whether you're in the backyard or at the pool.
The Costway Goplus water trampoline brings fun to backyard pools and lakeshores with its 12-foot diameter and 330-pound weight capacity. Made from durable PVC and Oxford cloth, it provides a stable platform for jumps and lounges while its bungee cord design offers impressive elasticity. Users love how quickly it inflates and deflates – often ready in just 10 minutes – and that it stays sturdy with its included anchor system.
This water hopper brings backsummertime fun with its simple yet effective design. Kids love watching it skip across the surface, and parents appreciate how well it performs when thrown at a slight angle. The durable toy is a hit at the backyard pool or beach, though it works best in fresh water to maintain its bouncy bounce.
This durable water bouncer lets kids jump and splash while having a blast, with easy assembly and storage that makes it perfect for lakeside fun. The sturdy design handles repeated use from grown-ups and kids alike, while the included ladder makes it simple to climb on and off. Whether you're at the lake or by the dock, this floating platform provides endless summer entertainment.
This black water bouncer combines durable construction with generous space for up to 18 users, featuring an 8-foot diameter jumping surface that rises 23 inches out of the water. The spring-less design creates a safe, controlled bounce, while the foam-lined edges and 1000 Denier PVC material ensure both comfort and longevity. The versatile bouncer mounts easily in various settings, from backyard pools to lakefront rentals, and includes a repair kit for convenient maintenance.
This whimsical whale-shaped sprinkler brings summer fun to your outdoor playtime. Made from lightweight plastic, its bendable arms shoot water in all directions when you attach it to your garden hose. The colorful design will keep kids entertained for hours, though its small size means it might not spray as far as you'd expect.
A fun inflatable pool featuring an inviting center sun design that serves as a water sprayer, complete with a stable rainbow slide and easy garden hose connection. The 225-liter capacity pool is made from durable PVC and includes safety features like built-in valves and an integrated drain.
This interactive water toy turns outdoor playtime into a science lesson, teaching kids about gravity and balance through hands-on experimentation. The adjustable water pressure allows kids to explore cause and effect while having fun, and its sturdy construction ensures safe play. Whether you're filling buckets or creating water balloon popping contests, this rocket launcher keeps kids engaged and learning for hours.
This backyard water play center transforms your outdoor space into a tropical jungle oasis, complete with a dual-swimming-pool design connected by a padded slide. The included sprinkler system keeps little ones cool while they play, and the included inflatable animals make every splash more fun. From cozy lounging spots to active games like ball-tossing, this jungle-themed center provides endless entertainment for kids of all ages.
Water battles at the pool just got strategic with this floatable Battleship set. Kids love sinking enemy vessels from across the backyard while building their aim skills. The best part? You can play in the pool or even set up a mini water battle in a kiddie pool on the lawn.
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When summer rolls around, this versatile water sports set transforms your backyard into a mini-Olympic playground. Kids can hit home runs with the foam bats and balls, or challenge friends to splash football contests. The durable set includes everything from floating discs to sturdy sling shots, perfect for keeping both young and old entertained at the pool or beach.
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These miniature torpedo-shaped toys transform any pool day into an aquatic adventure. With vibrant colors and sleek designs, kids love hunting for them at the bottom of the pool while developing swimming skills. Made from durable materials, these compact toys glide through water like precision-guided missiles, making them a hit with both young swimmers and their supervising adults.
Combining two thrilling water slides, a challenging climbing wall, and a refreshing splash pool, the Aqua Tunnel Water Park transforms any back yard into a mini water park oasis. The durable inflatable structure, measuring 17.4 feet long and 9 feet tall, sets up in just a few minutes and entertains kids with its curved slide that dips into a cool tunnel before splashing into the built-in pool. Parents appreciate its easy storage in the included tote bag and the fact that it meets all safety standards, though minor assembly challenges and occasional tear-prone spots have been noted.
Create a backyard water park where kids can enjoy sliding, splashing, and playing games all in one fun-filled setup. This inflatable play center turns any garden into a splash zone, with multiple slides, a diving board, and shooting galleries where kids can cool off and have fun together. The durable design can support up to 117 pounds per person, making it perfect for family fun days in the sunshine.
The Splash Unlimited Water Table Pump brings endless fun to summer days with its durable design that can run for thousands of hours. Kids can create amazing water features in just two minutes, transforming your water table into a splash-filled playground that lasts for hours. The flexible hose shapes itself into any design, while the powerful pump handles up to 300 gallons of water per hour.
The VIPAMZ kids' sprinkler turns your backyard into a water park with its double-head design that creates two different spray patterns. At just 8.25 inches tall, this lightweight sprinkler packs a surprising punch, sending water soaring through the air for kids to dance and splash under. Made from durable plastic that's resistant to cracking and warping, it's a reliable addition to any summer playtime, as parents have happily reported.
This giant portable pool brings hours of fun to your backyard with its inflatable slide and built-in sprayer. The heavy-duty PVC construction handles multiple uses well, as many reviewers have happily noted. While some parts of the product have shown durability issues, especially with air retention, most families find it perfect for quick summer play sessions with kids.
GoSports' Splash Melon transforms your pool party into a watermelon-filled adventure with its perfectly balanced float that lets you play catch underwater just like the real thing. The inflatable ball is a hit with swimmers of all ages, turning basic pool playtime into a creative game of passing and kicking that keeps everyone entertained. Whether you're challenging friends to hit the hidden goal or simply having fun with the handy water-filled design, this pool toy brings out the kid in every grownup.
This water park sprinkler transforms your backyard into a splash-filled playground with its interactive tunnel, dumping bucket, shower head, and water table complete with funnels. The durable toy, certified safe for kids from toddlers to tweens, proved equally entertaining for a mixed-age group during summer testing. The easy-to-assemble setup delivers hours of cooling fun in the sun.
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A multicolored spinning wheel for 1-2 children that combines fun twirling with a sprinkler system, designed for both indoor and outdoor play. The seating platform comfortably accommodates two kids, teaching them to work together as they spin around. While some users have noted reliability issues with the water feature and assembly problems, most reviews praise its durability and the excitement it brings to playtime.
This inflatable rainbow arch sprinkler brings a touch of whimsy to summer fun, though some users found it tricky to keep standing upright. Filled with water or sand for stability, it creates a refreshing water arc that kids can run through – as long as they're prepared for it to tip over now and then. Measure about 4 feet tall, it makes a colorful addition to backyard play that's perfect for cooling off on hot days.
The Little Tikes Splash Beach transforms your backyard into a mini water playground with its generous play space and interactive features. Included toys like a submarine, sailboat, and octopus keep kids entertained for hours, while the foldable design makes it super easy to store away when playtime is over. Whether you're filling it with a bucket of water or connecting it to a hose, this splash pad provides endless fun for young explorers.
This inflatable backyard water play center combines a splash pool, slide, and climbing wall in one durable PVC structure that's perfect for summertime fun. With a generous 79-gallon capacity and supportive handrails, it safely accommodates up to five kids at once. The convenient 10-minute setup makes it ideal for impromptu play sessions in your garden or backyard.
This inflatable water park combines an engaging climbing wall with two slippery slides that lead into a refreshing splash pool. The durable heavy-duty nylon construction, powered by a efficient electric air pump, ensures quick setup and long-lasting fun. Sturdy stakes keep everything securely in place while you create your own backyard amusement park.
This oversized beach ball transforms any outdoor gathering into a joyful celebration, its transparent surface creating a mesmerizing water dance as you play. The vibrant polka-dot design adds a pop of color to every toss and catch, while its generous 107-centimeter diameter makes it perfect for lively games and casual fun alike.
This Sportspower inflatable slide provides endless summer fun with its durable construction and easy setup. Measuring a generous 15.5 feet long, the slide features a climbable wall with padded handles, a built-in water cannon for targeted splashes, and leads into a splash pool at the bottom. The included electric blower inflates it in just minutes, making it perfect for quick summer entertainment in the backyard.
The Bestway H2OGO Funfinity Splash Mega Water Park turns any backyard into a splash zone with its impressive size and durable construction. Kids will love the dual sliding routes, hidden climbing wall, and built-in basketball hoop, while parents appreciate the quick setup and easy storage. With its generous weight capacity and proven durability, this water park provides endless fun for kids aged 5 and up.
This backyard water slide combines durable construction with innovative features like a zigzag sprinkler system for added fun. The extra-thick PVC material provides peace of mind for parents, while the included stakes keep the 25-foot slide securely in place during play. Inflatable body boards and soap-enhanced slipperiness complete the package, making it a popular choice for summer entertaining.
Combining educational value with entertaining gameplay, the Dickie Toys RC Fire Boat transforms ordinary water playtime into an exciting rescue mission. With its durable construction and versatile 2.4 GHz remote control, children can master basic navigation while enjoying the challenge of putting out virtual fires. Whether racing against the clock in a backyard pool or developing hand-eye coordination during beach outings, this multi-functional vessel proves itself as more than just a toy, earning praise from both users and reviewers.
Buyer's Guide
Backyard water toys offer a fun way to cool off during summer while keeping costs low compared to pool or beach trips. These toys are great for small pools, inflatable pools, and casual backyard water play.
Material Quality and Durability
Look for toys made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand frequent use and accidental drops. Common materials include puncture-resistant PVC for floats and UV-resistant plastic for building sets. The best toys resist fading, cracking, and wear from sunlight and water.
Safety Features
Priority safety features include sturdy handles for grabbing, quick-release mechanisms for easy removal from water, and non-toxic materials. Avoid toys with sharp edges or small parts that could be swallowed. Check for labels indicating the water depth these toys are suitable for.
Size and Portability
Measure your pool or chosen water area to ensure toys will fit comfortably. Look for inflatable toys that reach full size when fully inflated, and consider toys that pack into compact shapes for storage. Floats that adjust to different water levels are practical for various pool depths.
Functionality and Play Value
Basic toys include simple floats, rafts, and inner tubes for lounging. Building sets and obstacle courses encourage active play and creativity. Multi-functional toys that can be used in different ways, like toys that float while also serving as handles or anchors, offer the most value.
FAQ
What are the most durable backyard water toys?
Materials like heavy-duty PVC, rubber, and BPA-free plastic provide the best durability for backyard water toys, withstanding regular use and outdoor elements. Look for toys with reinforced corners and thick walls to prevent punctures and cracks.
Top durable options include floaties with reinforced stitching, rubber rafts with multiple air chambers, and PVC tubes with UV protection. These materials resist wear from the sun, water, and play.
How do I choose the right size floaties for my child?
Start with floaties that can support your child's full weight when seated. The floaties should create a small gap between the legs and the water, ensuring stability and preventing slipping.
Measure your child's height and subtract 3-4 inches to determine the appropriate floatie size. Smaller floaties are easier to handle and less likely to tip over, while larger ones provide more room for growth.
What features should I look for in an inflatable backyard pool?
Key features include easy-inflation valves, quick-release fittings, and durable coatings. Additional safety features like pool covers, railings, and non-slip surfaces are crucial for backyard use.
Consider models with built-in skimmers for leaf removal, adjustable depths, and secure storage solutions. Look for pools with clear materials for visibility and UV protection to extend their lifespan.
How do I maintain backyard water toys?
Regular maintenance includes draining toys after each use, rinsing with fresh water, and storing them in a dry place. For inflatable toys, keep them inflated when not in use to prevent sagging and damage.
Check toys monthly for leaks, damage, and wear. If cracks or holes appear, replace the toy. For rubber items, store them in a cool, dark place to prevent hardening from UV exposure.
What's the difference between floaties and rafts?
Floaties are single pieces of inflatable material, typically worn around the waist or arms, providing basic support. Rafts are larger, multi-chambered structures that float on top of the water, offering more stability and space.
Floaties are more portable and less expensive but offer limited support. Rafts provide better balance and can support multiple children, making them ideal for group activities in a backyard pool or water feature.
How do I set up a backyard water slide?
Most backyard water slides come with minimal assembly requirements, primarily involving unfolding and securing the base. Ensure the surface is level, free of debris, and the slide is positioned away from overhanging branches or structures.
Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific setup requirements. Most slides need minimal maintenance beyond regular cleaning. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near extreme temperature changes to prevent damage.
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