We researched the best backyard water toys, considering age recommendations, material, and entertainment. Our favorite picks include Sunny Day’s bubble machine that doubles as a boombox, H2OGO’s triple lane water slide, and a wet and wild take on Hasbro’s classic Twister game. Here are the best water toys to keep kids cool and entertained all summer long. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the spouts may face the ground if the ball is not positioned correctly, which could cause lawn damage over time. To avoid this, make sure to rotate the ball and move locations if possible. The sprinkler is also available as a caterpillar ($22) and a standard play mat ($32), which may do less damage to your lawn over time. You’ll want to be sure to stock up on bubble solution, as the machine only holds 8 ounces and depletes pretty fast. When kids reach the splash pad at the end, they can “attack” each other with star-shaped sponge soakers. To avoid getting gushed with water, kids can turn their boogie boards into protective shields. For younger kids or those waiting their turn, the slide features two side sprinklers for them to run and jump through. Although customers say this is a sturdy slide, a few note that it isn’t the most durable. But at such a low price, it may be worth getting, even if it only lasts one summer season. Some customers note that despite the 3 and up age recommendation, the pumping action may be difficult for younger children to master. And, just like with traditional Twister, it doesn’t take long to get the fun started. Simply connect the mat to a hose, and it’ll fill up in a minute. Each pack comes with 48 balls in four bright colors, making them easy to spot from a distance and allowing groups to divide into teams for a true water battle. Just make sure to thoroughly dry the balls before storing them to maintain the quality and prevent mold. Setting up the net is easy—just note that an air pump is not included, so you will have to provide one. Once assembled, keep it in place by filling the base with extra water and installing the included ground stakes. You can keep the game fresh by moving the orange side targets for different height challenges. We also love that you can turn the single-player game into a multi-player by using water blasters you may already own. Built of puncture-resistant vinyl, the inflatable activity center is sure to last through several summers. A heavy-duty blower keeps the slide inflated for hours, so you don’t have to worry about stopping the fun. It also has stakes to anchor it to the ground, though some tipping may occur if it’s not set up on a completely level yard. The 350 balloons are divided into 10 packs of 35, so you don’t have to use them all at once. Unless, of course, you’re heading to a water war. According to former customers, this tiny machine manages to make mountains of foam for hours. Cleaning up is just as easy as the nontoxic solution disappears on its own. To maintain your lawn, however, it’s recommended that you wash the foam away with a hose. Because the machine is battery-operated and weighs a mere 5 pounds, it’s easy to take the foam fun on the road. Setting up the sprinkler is simple but does require your own pump. The manufacturers recommend a standard air mattress pump or shop vac attachment. Once inflated, the sprinkler can be attached to any standard hose. When you’re done, turn off the hose and twist the wide mouth cap for easy deflation. In addition to the bubble wand, each kit comes with two pouches of environmentally friendly, nontoxic WOWmazing Bubble Concentrate. It also includes a nifty tips and tricks book that help kids create more elaborate bubbles during play. Keep in mind that this toy does require a bit of skill. Several customers note that you have to slowly take the wand out of the solution to prevent the bubble from popping. But once players master the skills, the bubble wand is sure to provide hours of fun.
Material
Schacht tells The Spruce that you want toys made of material that won’t get smelly or moldy. This often means looking for materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE) instead. This material is also easier to clean, which will help keep any odor or mold at bay.
Child’s Interest
Schacht says it’s important to think about what your child likes before making the purchase. If they are the type who can’t sit still, then you may want to consider a toy that encourages movement, like a water blaster or sprinkler. For kids who prefer more creative play, a water table or bubble machine may be a better option.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this article, Leah Rocketto, a writer who has spent years covering parenting content with a focus on kids’ toys, performed hours of research on products and consulted Laurie Schacht, the president and chief toy officer of Adventure Media. Schacht has spent more than 20 years evaluating and selecting the top toys on the market. Leah also spoke to Alison Hoesli, a PR rep for Great Wolf Lodge to learn about the resort’s toy policies.
