The Best Water Toys to Keep Kids Cool This Summer

Poolmaster Splash and Spray Beach Ball Sprinkler

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The Splash and Spray Beach Ball takes sprinkler play to a whole new level. As with most sprinklers, this inflatable attaches to a standard hose. But rather than shooting water from one or two spouts, the Splash and Spray beach ball utilizes multiple spouts for maximum water play. And we do mean maximum—the sprinkler sprays water up to 15 feet in multiple directions.

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.

Sunny Days Entertainment Bubble Party Bluetooth Speaker

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Sunny Day’s machine doesn’t just blow bubbles: It plays music like a real boombox. All you have to do is connect the machine to your Bluetooth, and music will play from the built-in speakers. The boombox bubble machine also has an LED light display, with colors changing between day and night. There’s even a  handle that makes it easy to bring the party wherever you go.

You’ll want to be sure to stock up on bubble solution, as the machine only holds 8 ounces and depletes pretty fast.

H2OGO! 16' Triple Water Slide with Sponge Soakers Toys and Three Riders

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The H2OGO! water slide cools kids off while providing some friendly competition. The 16-foot slide is divided into three lanes that kids can race down on the color-coordinated boogie boards. And thanks to SplashBoost™ Sprinkler technology, which provides targeted water coverage to optimize sliding, spraying, and splashing, no one will get stuck on the way down.

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.

Prextex Fireman Backpack Water Shooter and Blaster

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Prextex’s water blaster allows kids to play pretend while keeping cool. The backpack, which resembles those worn by firefighters, connects to a water blaster that can spray water up to 30 feet. And since each backpack holds about one gallon of water, your child can enjoy hours of play without requiring a refill every few minutes.

Some customers note that despite the 3 and up age recommendation, the pumping action may be difficult for younger children to master.

Hasbro Twister Splash

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As with traditional Twister, players of Twister Splash Game follow hand and feet placements directed by the included spinner. But when the spots aren’t covered, they spray you with water. The extra slippery surface adds a whole new challenge to this mind- and body-bending game. It also adds a potential safety risk, so be sure to err on the side of caution when it comes to the age and number of players.

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.

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad

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This shallow wading pool’s alphabet pattern improves cognitive development while sprinkling your youngster with refreshing water. If your child has already mastered their ABCs, you can opt for one of the other varieties, which include the solar system, world map, or U.S. map. And there’s enough room for you to join your little one as they soak everything up.

Beetoy Reusable Water Balloons

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Beetoy’s water balls are a great, reusable alternative to traditional water balloons. These 2.5-inch balls soak up water in seconds and then release a cool splash when they hit a person. And because of their soft cotton material, they won’t hurt someone if thrown too hard.

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.

HearthSong Inflatable Volleyball Sprinkler

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HearthSong’s volleyball sprinkler keeps kids cool while allowing them to engage in a variety of play. In addition to serving as a volleyball net, the inflatable can act as a sprinkler soccer goal or a sprinkler archway for kids to run under. You can even use the net in the cooler months by disconnecting the hose.

Setting up the net is easy—just note that an air pump is not included so you will have to provide your one. Once assembled, keep it in place by filling the base with extra water and installing the included ground stakes.

Step2 Waterpark Arcade

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Step2’s water table brings the excitement of the arcade to your backyard. The table features multiple targets that kids have to knock down with their water blaster, which attaches to a standard garden hose. The main goal, however, is to fill up the spill bucket by hitting the center bullseye with your blaster.

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 multi-player by using water blasters you may already own.

Little Tikes Slam 'n Curve Slide

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Little Tikes’ water slide is the ultimate backyard toy. The slippery slide has a gentle curve at the end to add a little excitement to the ride. But that’s only one of the cool features: This inflatable also has a rock wall and basketball hoop to provide hours of entertainment for multiple kids at once.

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.

Gazillion Bubbles Tornado

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This battery-operated bubble machine keeps the fun going even when your kid gets tired of blowing. Simply attach the auto-feed valve cap to the solution bottle, insert the bottle into the spout, push the button, and watch as thousands of bubbles fly straight into the air. Because it creates so many bubbles in such a short time, you’ll want to buy your bubble solution in bulk.

Childyo Water Blaster Set

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Unlike other water blasters, Childyo’s version has four hose outlets, allowing kids to spray in multiple directions at once. The lightweight toy also has a large oval-shaped handle, making it easy for even tiny hands to operate. Each pack comes with four blasters: an octopus, a puffer, and two crabs—making it perfect for families with multiple kids or a group of friends.

Zuru Bunch of Balloons (350, 10 Pack)

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Nothing says summer quite like a water balloon fight, but getting enough to battle with can take time. Fortunately, with Zuru's innovative O-Ring technology and rapid fill capabilities, all you have to do is attach the stem to a tap or hose, and within a minute you’ll have dozens of filled and sealed water balloons. Just make sure to fill the balloons slowly so they don’t burst.

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.

FÖM MANIA Fömalanche

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Perfect for birthday parties or backyard battles, the Fomalanche makes piles and piles of light, airy foam for kids to run through, jump in and toss in the air. Setting up the machine is super simple. After putting in 6 DD batteries, add the included foam solution and water to the machine, push a button, and watch the foam flow.

According to former customers, this tiny machine manages to make mountains of foam for hours. Cleaning up is just as easy, as the non-toxic 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.

BigMouth Inc. Ginormous Dinosaur Yard Sprinkler

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Easy to use and larger than life, Big Mouth’s sprinklers are a fun addition to any backyard. Made of durable PVC vinyl, the inflatable sprinkler provides hours of fun by unleashing a steady stream of water—but not so much that it will destroy your lawn, as one customer noted. 

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.

Step2 Fiesta Cruise Sand & Water Table

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Although it’s not a water-only toy, this activity table provides plenty of cooling fun. Kids can float boats in the swimming pool or take their figurines for a swim. We appreciate that the table is easy to assemble, though some buyers warn that it’s difficult to drain.

H2OGO! Beach Bounce Water Park

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Your child will have plenty of room to slip, slide, and stay cool in this large bounce house.  Kids can hop around in the mesh-secured bouncer and then slide into the giant splash pool, which holds almost 300 gallons of water. The water park can be assembled in two minutes, though you will have to provide your own 110-120V blower to inflate it.

WOWMAZING Giant Bubble Wands Standard Kit

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This bubble wand uses a two-handle design to create long, giant bubbles that’ll make the neighbors’ jaws drop. But don’t let the large, durable contraption fool you. This big bubble maker is lightweight enough for small hands to operate.

In addition to the bubble wand, each kit comes with two pouches of environmentally-friendly, non-toxic 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.

Max Liquidator 6-Pack Water Blaster Set

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Without extra features or a cumbersome shape, Max Liquidator’s water blaster is light enough for kids to run around with for hours. Each of the colorful water toys can shoot water up to 30 feet, making it perfect for large backyards. Though the material is durable, you will want to keep these water blasters away from pets and younger children, who may be tempted to chew on the foam exterior.