9 Awesome Backyard Water Toys to Keep Your Kids Entertained

Looking to add some safe water playtime to your backyard for kids big and small? From water tables to splash pads, here are nine awesome water toys you can check out.

Despite the fact that many states are lifting social-distancing regulations, this summer will still be different from any other. You’ll probably still find yourself spending a lot more time at home and enjoying the weather in your backyard. If you have kids, that means you need to get some water activities and toys to keep them entertained.

Because everyone’s in the same boat, inflatable pools are in high demand, and it’s pretty much impossible to find one. If you missed out, though, don’t worry—there are plenty of other fun water toys.

Here are some of our picks to keep the kids happy and cool all summer long (maybe even long enough for you to take a bit of a break).

Best Water Table: Step2 Spill and Splash Seaway

Made with toddlers in mind, the Step2 Spill and Splash Seaway Sand and Water Table is a great way to keep little ones entertained, cool, and happy. These are popular and sell out pretty quickly, so be sure to jump on this one as soon as you can! It offers a lot for kids to do. You can fill it with water, sand, or both, and basically bring the beach to your backyard.

The two-tier design creates a waterfall effect, which is fascinating for little kids. It also comes with plenty of great accessories, like a small umbrella for some shade, sea-creature toys, and a starfish spinner toy they can play with in the water.

The activities will give kids some practice with hand-eye coordination. They also promote STEM learning and lots of physical and motor skill development.

On rainy days, you can bring it inside and fill it with dried pasta or rice.

Best Splash Pad: SplashEZ 3-in-1

A tiny inflatable pool for a toddler is fun, until she, inevitably, gets bored. That’s why this SplashEZ 3-in-1 is so great. It’s a sprinkler, a splash pad, and a wading pool, so you can switch it up as needed. Plus, one item that covers all three means it will take up less storage space in the winter.

This is a great wading pool for babies, too, because barely any water collects, so it stays shallow and safe. When the sprinkler is on, they can bounce up and down and run around to get wet, making it a fun physical activity. It’s compact and easy to set up.

Best Sprinkler: Melissa and Doug Splash Patrol

Sometimes, a simple sprinkler is all you need to keep kids happy. They can stay busy for hours running through the water. This Melissa and Doug Splash Patrol Sprinkler is an adorable option your kids will love. It will also look so cute on your lawn.

It’s made of durable materials that will last even when it’s left outside. Your kids will love the colorful Splash Patrol characters. Made for ages 3 to 6 years, this is ideal for little ones growing out of the toddler stage.

Best for Older Kids: Biulotter Foam Water Blaster Set

Older kids aren’t going to be interested in a water table and will probably get bored with a sprinkler fairly quickly. Instead, try giving them something a bit more interactive that encourages more independent play, like the Biulotter Foam Water Blaster Set. These are basically water guns that will get your kids running all over the yard and releasing all that energy.

Made of foam and plastic, they are very lightweight, easy to use, and super safe. They can be used in a pool, as well. They also aren’t that large, so you can easily pack them up when on the go. Your kids will have a ton of fun blasting water at each other with these.

Best Discovery Wall: Step2 Waterfall

The Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall is an excellent alternative (or addition) to a water table and will keep toddlers engaged and entertained. It’s two-sided, and meant to help little ones explore early STEM concepts and learn more about cause-and-effect play.

They can pour water into the top tray to create a waterfall, which, in turn activates the put-and-place water maze pieces. There are lots of accessories and social play is encouraged, although they can definitely play with it on their own, too.

This is another very in-demand item, so grab it while you can!

Best Luxury Toy: Pottery Barn Kids Rainbow Inflatable Sprinkler

It’s weird to say that a sprinkler is beautiful, but the huge Pottery Barn Kids Rainbow Inflatable Sprinkler really is! This large-arch sprinkler is definitely unique. It’s a slightly different take on a sprinkler, too; instead of water shooting up from below, it shoots down from the rainbow as they run under it.

This is easy to set up and even easier to store, as it’s inflatable. Your kids will have a lot of fun running underneath and around it, and it also looks great in your backyard. It’s a win-win!

Best Slide: Sun Squad Shark Aqua Ramp

When running around gets boring, let the kids slip and slide all over the lawn on this 18-inch Shark Aqua Ramp Double Water Slide. It basically turns your backyard into a mini water park. This one has double lanes, so two kids can use it at once.

First, you fill the Aqua Ramp with water to really launch your kids so they won’t hurt themselves. There are also built-in water sprayers to keep the lanes slick and wet. It’s also easy to set up and put away.

Best for The Beach: EverEarth E Lite Waterproof Beach Blanket and Kiddie Pool

Planning on venturing to the beach for a bit with your toddler or baby? If so, definitely pack the EverEarth E Lite Waterproof Beach Blanket and Kiddie Pool. This blanket essentially turns a hole in the sand into a mini kiddie pool that will keep little ones cool, happy, and safe.

It’s so easy to use, too! You just dig a hole in the sand and place the beach blanket over it. Fill it with water, and it will sink down into the hole, creating a little pool for baby to sit in and splash around.

When you aren’t using it as a kiddie pool, it also makes a comfortable waterproof blanket that’s ideal for beach days, picnics, or just hanging out.

Best Small Toy: Melissa and Doug Seaside Sidekicks Funnel Fun

If you’re looking for something for a smaller space, check out this Melissa and Doug Seaside Sidekicks Funnel Fun toy. It can be used in a backyard, at the beach, by the pool, or on a patio or balcony.

Kids can pour sand or water in the top to create a waterfall effect and watch it funnel down through the rest of the toy. It can provide a surprising amount of fun for kids.