The 12 Best Water Toys of 2024

Beat the summer heat and provide your kids with water toys for hours of fun. If you don’t live near the beach or have access to a pool, you can quickly turn your backyard into a water play paradise.

Water toys are an excellent way for kids to take a break from screen time without suffering in the summer heat. Most of these toys only require a hose, which is easy to set up in your yard. The variety of water play toys give kids of all ages, development level, and interests an activity they will enjoy.

There are many developmental benefits for children when playing with water. Water play develops fine motor skills such as pouring, squeezing, and stirring. It also helps strengthen gross motor skills like kicking, running, and splashing.

Best Water Toys for Kids

Best Water Table: Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

Water tables are always a big hit with toddlers and young children. The Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond is ideal for 18 months and up. It includes scoops, spinners, buckets, and ramps to keep your child entertained and exploring.

Best Splash Pad: SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad

A splash pad is a great way to bring water fun to your backyard. The SplashEZ splash pad features bright and whimsical illustrations that allow children to match letters to animals.

Best Slip and Slide: Team Magnus 31ft Two Lane Slip and Slide

Break out the old-school summer fun with a slip and slide. The extra-long Team Magnus slip and slide features two lanes so kids can race each other.

Best Sprinkler: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Splash Patrol

Make sprinkler play extra fun with the Sunny Patch Splash Patrol. This adorable sprinkler makes water play inviting and fun.

Best Pool Diving Toy: SwimWays Disney Finding Dory Mr. Ray’s Dive and Catch Game

Join Mr. Ray and his school of fish for an underwater diving adventure. These diving toys are great to encourage kids to explore swimming underwater. Each toy floats at a different depth adding a unique level of fun for children.

Best Backyard Fun: Float Joy Unicorn Sprinkler

Why have a regular sprinkler when you can have a giant inflatable unicorn sprinkler? Take your backyard fun to the next level with this unique water toy your kids will love.

Best Water Slide: SUNNY & FUN Slide ‘N Spray Inflatable Water Slide Park

Bring the water park to your backyard with the Sunny & Fun water slide. Kids will spend hours climbing the wall, splashing down the slide, and playing in the pool.

Best Water Balloons: Bunch O Balloons Multi-Colored Water Balloons

Set up the ultimate water balloon fight in minutes with the Bunch O Balloons quick-fill water balloons. Fill and tie off 100 water balloons in just seconds.

Best Inflatable Pool: EvaJoy 92″ x 52″ Pool

The spacious EvaJoy pool is perfect for multiple kids or the whole family. The pool is also durable enough to be used as a ball pit or sand pit.

Water Blaster: Max Liquidator 6-Pack

Invite your friends to have a water battle in your yard with these water blasters. The set of six makes it easy for kids to share the fun.

Best Pretend Play: CUTE STONE Color Changing Kitchen Sink

The Cute Stone Color Changing Sink features a working faucet and common kitchen items to provide endless hours of fun. The added color-changing effect when the accessories touch warm water will wow your kids.

Best Beach Toy: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Play Set

Kids will love this color full sand set from Melissa and Doug. They can pretend to be bakers, pour, sift, and mix water or sand.

How to Select the Best Water Toys for Kids

AGE/SKILL LEVEL – Choosing a water toy that matches your child’s age and skill level is crucial. Always follow the brand’s recommendations and guidelines for safe product use. Using an inappropriate toy for your child’s age or skill level puts them at risk for injury.

DURABILITY – Select toys that provide quality play and are long-lasting. Proper care and cleaning of toys are also crucial if you want toys to last longer. Shop for durable toys that can be reused.

CHILDS’ INTERESTS – Consider what type of play your child prefers before selecting a water toy. If your child loves unicorns, the Float Joy Unicorn Sprinkler is an obvious choice. Also, if your child doesn’t like getting water in their face, a sprinkler might not be the best choice; you may alternatively opt for a water table.

Use Water Toys Safely

Water toys provide hours of fun however, you must follow the product’s safety guidelines. Never leave a child unattended near an open-top container of water. Even if your child is an experienced swimmer, always remain attentive.