Key Points
- The best overall water toy is the Splash Pond Water Table.
- We reviewed many water toys and chose the best 6 options currently on the market.
- We reviewed a variety of toys. Among them are toys for toddlers, older kids, and even some for adults. When choosing any toy, it is important to check out online reviews and ensure that you are getting a quality product for a good price.
- Playing with water toys can be incredibly beneficial because they get kids to go outside. Time outdoors is great for their physical and mental health. The toys also provide the opportunity for kids to play with others and improve their social skills.
For many years, water toys have been the go-to option for kids that want to have fun outdoors in the sunshine on those warm spring and hot summer days. Even adults would agree that there is nothing like getting splashed or playing in cool water during those hottest months. The best thing is that there are a huge variety of water toys to choose from. From pool noodles and pool toys to water guns and mobile games, there is a lot to enjoy.
In addition to staying cool, there are also many health benefits for your children when they play with water toys. Most importantly, they get your kids outside. It is essential that growing kids are out in sunlight as often as possible because it provides them with necessary vitamin D and it helps to improve their immune systems. On top of that, since most kids like playing with water toys, they will often play with their siblings or friends, and it is a great way to meet new kids and improve their social skills.
The best thing about water toys is that many of the toys that kids play with are the same that adults had when they were young. Squirt guns are just as fun to shoot, and inflatable toys are still fun to jump on. There are also new ways to enjoy the water with water-proof cameras and mobile games, so the sky's the limit when it comes to summer fun.
During our review, we found five great water toys that offer a lot of fun for a great price, and there is bound to be something here that your child will love.
Top Pics: The Best Water Toys for Kids Today
After reviewing many different water toys on the market, we have found that the five toys listed below are the best for fun, refreshment, and overall entertainment.
#1 Best Overall: Splash Pond Water Table
In our review, the best overall water toy currently on the market is the Splash Pond Water Table.
Ideal for kids ages 18 months to 12 years of age, the Splash Pond Water Table is a fun toy that offers a variety of activities for a great price. It is basically a mini water park that you can place in the backyard or the back porch, and it will provide your kids with hours of fun on a warm summer day.
This water table features a slew of fun activities and accessories. It features multiple pools, a water wall, maze-like spinners, and ramps that splash water everywhere. Plus, the set comes with 13 awesome accessories, including toy animals, rubber ducks, scoopers, bowls, miniature fish, and more.
Best of all, this awesome water toy helps your kids to develop important skills. The many textures help your children to practice their sensory exploration, the water physics are great for STEM learning, and the ability to play with other kids is great for their language and social skills. It is a great toy for many reasons.
- It is a mini water park right in your backyard.
- Easy to clean.
- Promotes STEM learning.
Pros and Cons of the Splash Pond Water Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A simple water toy that teaches your children many valuable skills and lessons. | It can be a bit tough to assemble at first. |
| It is available at a great price point. | A few reviewers said they were missing important parts. If that happens, contact the manufacturer. |
| The 13 included accessories provide hours of fun and endless opportunities. |
2. Best Water Toy For Photography Lovers: Kids Water-Proof Camera
Kids that enjoy the water and to take photos will love the Kids Water-Proof Camera from GKTZ that allows your kids to shoot high-quality photos while they play in the pool.
There is a lot of fun to be had in the pool and at the water park, and your kids can capture all of those memories with this high-tech water-proof camera. More than just a disposable camera, this model will allow your kids to take photos up to 100 feet underwater. The device is also incredibly easy to use for kids as young as 4 years old.
The camera offers many great perks and features. Among them is the ability to take detailed photos and record videos in 1080p. Plus, there is a playback feature, selfie mode, sound recording app, time-lapse setting, and more. It also comes with a quick type-C charging port.
This is a great water-proof camera that can be used in a variety of ways. Kids can attach it to their wrist, bike, helmet, or hold it in their hands. When the adventure is over, your children can review their photos and videos on a large 2-inch IPS screen. It is a perfect gift for kids that love photography.
- Comes in a variety of colors.
- Great for ages 4-12 years old.
- Works for 2.5 hours per charge.
- Take pictures up to 100 feet below water.
- Camera features 180-angle rotation.
Pros and Cons of the Kids Water-Proof Camera
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A high-tech camera at a great price. | Some critics say that the camera is a bit too small. |
| The camera is available in multiple colors. | Other critics have said that the image quality could be better. |
| The device offers a slew of fun features. |
3. Best Water Toy For Kids That Love To Splash: Splash Pad Sprinkler
A true water toy that will allow your kids to splash and play to their heart's content, the Splash Pad Sprinkler from Jasonwell is an investment well worth the price.
When your kids go outside to play in the water during the warm summer months, they should do it in an awesome sprinkler pad. This great little pool is ideal for kids ages 1-9, and everyone can have a great time. Kids can either sit in the pool or let the sprinklers go wild and have all kinds of wet fun.
If the kids want a more mellow experience, you can turn off the water, and then the kids can sit and play in the shallow pool. The bottom of the pool is decorated with animals and letters, which creates a great opportunity for kids to learn as they play.
Best of all, the pool/sprinkler set is very easy to set up and enjoy. Simply attach a hose to the O-ring, and the sprinklers immediately start shooting out water. If the water is too much, then you can easily adjust the flow to the highest or lowest water pressure. This is a great toy, and it comes at a fabulous price point.
- Great price point.
- Ideal for kids aged 2-10
- Easy to set up.
- Large 60" diameter.
- Educational details allow kids to learn while they play.
Pros and Cons of the Splash Pad Sprinkler
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is a fun splash pad for toddlers and older kids. | The pool is only wide enough for 2-3 children. |
| The toy is a great combination of a splash pad and a sprinkler toy. | Kids must be careful or the pool could pop and spring a leak. |
| It is highly rated and available at a great price. |
4. Best Water Toy For Basketball Fans: Splash Pool with Sprinklers and Basketball Hoop
Kids that love to run and jump and play sports will enjoy this awesome Splash Pool with Sprinklers and Basketball Hoop.
There is a lot to enjoy with this large 82-inch basketball-themed inflatable water toy that allows your kids to jump, play, and splash as they throw the ball in the hoop. Simply attach the hose, and the water starts erupting from the powered sprinklers. The best thing is that you can turn off the water and use this toy indoors as well.
In addition to the inflatable basketball court, the set also comes with two realistic inflatable basketballs, a hose adapter, and a repair kit so you can keep the fun going all day. Unlike many other inflatable toys on the market, this model is very large at 82 inches, so your kids have plenty of space to play a real game of basketball.
This set is incredibly durable, and it is made out of high-quality, thick PVC materials that can withstand jumping and constant use. You also get a 6-month warranty, so you can get a replacement if anything goes wrong. Best of all, it comes at a great price point.
- Great toy for splashing and playing basketball.
- Includes 2 inflatable basketballs and a repair kit.
- Includes a 6-month warranty.
- Can be set up outdoors and indoors.
- Large 82 inch sprinkler splash pad.
Pros and Cons of the Splash Pool with Sprinklers and Basketball Hoop
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The set features a very large inflatable pool. | Some reviewers complained that the splash pad leaked upon first use. |
| It offers a ton of fun for ages 1-3 | After the 6-month warranty, you are on your own. |
| The splash pad is high quality and comes with great accessories. |
5. Best Water Toy For Squirt Gun Fanatics: Super Water Blaster Soaker Squirt Guns
Kids that love to run around the yard while playing tag and shooting squirt guns will love these high-powered Super Water Blaster Soaker Squirt Guns.
There are millions of different squirt guns on the market, from the plastic toys at the dollar store to many double barrel options. The water blasters from Quanquer are right in the middle. They pack a powerful punch, but they are fun for younger kids who love to add more intensity to their water play.
Each of these super blasters holds 1200cc of water that they can unleash in a major blast or in smaller spurts. The water guns are heavy-duty and built with solid construction. With that said, they are still easy to shoot for smaller children with smaller fingers.
Many larger water guns take a long time to refill, and it can take away from the fun, but the Super Water Blaster Soakers have a large 3-inch opening which allows the kids to refill in one second or less. Each refill allows the kids to shoot the blaster up to 50 times. It is truly a great toy for non-stop fun.
- Powerful squirt guns are a ton of fun.
- 2 toys for a great price.
- Easy for young kids to use.
- Refill the water in one second.
- Comes with 30 day refund.
Pros and Cons of the Super Water Blaster Soaker Squirt Guns
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2 super water guns for a great price. | Some users have complained that the blasters can leak water. |
| Easy to fill and use for kids ages 3+. | Water guns are not for everyone. |
| Large capacity tank allows for extended use. |
6. Best Toy For Kids Who Like Playing With Water on the Road: Handheld Ring Toss/Basketball Water Games
Young children or kids that are constantly on the go will enjoy these small but fun versions of Ring Toss and Basketball.
These are water toys that have been around for ages, but they still continue to be fun for kids aged 1-10. For a low price, you can buy two different games that provide hours of entertainment. Get the small ball in the hoop or the rings on the stick and see who can do it faster!
The games are a decent size (about the size of your hand), and they feature comfortable buttons that are easy to use for smaller hands. Best of all, they are extremely light, and they can fit in a purse or pocket, so you can take them anywhere. The games also work great as a stress reliever when you need them most.
Although they are technically built for kids, they are also fun toys for adults and are great when you are sitting around in a waiting room or when you are just passing the time.
- Small but fun water toys at a great price.
- Fun for kids and adults.
- Great for relieving stress.
- Provides endless hours of entertainment.
- Leak-proof design
Pros and Cons of the Handheld Ring Toss/Basketball Water Games
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They are lightweight mobile games that kids can take anywhere. | They may not interest some children. |
| Fun toys at a great price point. | Playing rough can lead to breakage or leaking. |
| The ability to beat your old time makes them very replayable. |
Criteria: How To Choose The Best Water Toys For Kids
While every water toy will be a bit different and every kid will like their own thing, there are certain factors that you will want to keep an out for during your shopping experience so you can ensure that you get a quality product.
Here are the considerations to make when choosing a toy:
- Price/Reviews
- Value for the Money
- Safety Concerns
Price/Reviews
Although many water toys are fairly affordable, it is still important that you get what you pay for and that you are getting a high-quality product. With that in mind, if a product seems too good to be true, then take the time to read the reviews and see what real shoppers have said. The reviews section is the best place to get a real feel for the product, and if you see a lot of negative opinions, then reconsider your options.
Price also matters. Just because a toy is inexpensive, it doesn’t mean that you should just throw money at it. Instead, it is important to make smart purchases. On the flip side, if one of these toys is too much for your budget, then keep researching, as there is typically an alternative that your kids will love just as much.
Value for the Money
Similar to the price, you also need to ensure that you are getting a good value for your money. If a toy is a bit costly, then make sure that you are least getting enough bang for your buck. For instance, many toys will come with several accessories that the kids can also enjoy, so you are getting a better deal. Some items may cost more than you would like without coming with special bells or whistles. Again, it is essential that you do your research.
Safety Concerns
Although most water toys are safe, you need to ensure that you are buying a toy that is suitable for the age of your children. A squirt gun may be fun for a 5 or 6-year-old, but it may be too much for a toddler. Many water toys may also have moving or loose parts, and they may not be suitable for the youngest kids. Of course, parents should always watch their children when they are playing near water as they could slip or worse. Before you buy a toy, read the reviews and see if there are any warnings from other parents, and then take them into consideration.
FAQs
Here are some of the commonly asked questions that parents wonder when shopping for water toys for their kids.
Q. Are Water Tables a Worthwhile Investment?
A. Water tables are great for kids 1-4 years old. For many children, it is essentially the same as playing in the bathtub all day, and it takes a while for them to get bored. The fact is that you can buy most water tables for under $50, and they can last for years, so it is worth the initial investment. Most water tables can be outdoors or indoors, so they provide many opportunities for fun. Water tables can also help your kids to improve their motor skills, and they can learn about water movement as they play.
Q. How Can I Keep My Kids Safe When Playing With Water Toys?
A. When your kids play with water toys, it is important for parents to keep an eye on them and ensure that the toys are safe. Before your kids start playing, check the toys for holes and cracks that can cause harm. You should also clean the pool toys because even though they will be in the water, they can still spread germs and bacteria. No matter how basic the toy may be, it is also important to read the instructions and warnings before you let your children play.
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