The Best Water Toys for Kids This Summer

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It’s finally the season to play with water! After being cooped up for months, families can finally get outside to play and explore to their hearts’ content. Water toys allow children a way to cool off, learn through STEAM related fun, play, and make the most of the outdoors whenever weather permits. They can turn an ordinary day into something exciting and bring forth the true feeling of summer water fun without requiring a pool or beach. We’ve got this summer’s best water toys for kids lined up for you to help your family have tons of fun with outdoor water toys.
More:The 7 Best Sprinklers for Kids for Summer Fun
Our Top Picks
The Best Water Toys for Babies:
- The Best Toy to Introduce Babies to Water Play:MAGIFIRE Tummy Time Baby Water Mat at Amazon
- The Best Water Toy for Babies Learning to Grasp:Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy at Amazon
- The Best Baby Water Toy for Learning:Yookidoo Baby Bath Toy 3 Stackable Cups and Automated Spout at Amazon
The Best Water Toys for Toddlers:
- The Best Introduction for Toddlers to a Splash Pad:BANZAI Jr First Splash Mat Backyard Sprinkling Fun at Amazon
- The Best Sprinkler Toy for Toddlers and Up:penban Unicorn Sprinkler Inflatable Water Toys for Outside at Amazon
- The Best First Water Table for Toddlers:Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table at Amazon
The Best Water Toys for Big Kids
- The Best Water Blasters for Big Kids:Max Liquidator 3-Pack Water Blaster Set at Amazon
- The Most Exciting Backyard Water Slide:TEAM MAGNUS Slip and Slide XL at Amazon
- The Best Way to Transform your Trampoline into a Waterpark:Bobor Trampoline Sprinkler for Kidsat Amazon
What to Consider When Purchasing Water Toys for Kids
Before you start letting your dreams of summer water toy fun carry you away, here are a few things to consider before purchasing water toys:
- Your Children’s Ages: Whenever water is involved, there are always safety considerations. Err on the side of what is appropriate for your youngest child to be on the safe side.
- Your Budget: Prices can range when considering water toys. Although many water toys are generally inexpensive, some of the more elaborate or long lasting toys can be surprisingly pricey.
- Are You Ready for Inflatable Toys?: There are so many fun water toys that require inflation first. When inflatable toys are on the larger side, you may want to consider purchasing an inflation device to save your sanity and your breath throughout the summer.
- The Size of your Outdoor Space: Some water toys naturally keep kids within a certain area. Others encourage taking up lots of space (Think: water guns). Depending on your children’s ages, space may be a consideration.
- Adaptability: Consider whether you are looking for a toy that can only be used in summer or whether you would like a toy that can also adapt to other seasons or being used indoors. For instance, a toddler water table set up can also be filled with sand or used as a sensory bin inside when filled with items like raw beans, raw rice, or play-doh.
How We Chose Our Favorites
We have chosen our favorite water toys for kids in 2020 using various trusted resources. We’ve based these choices in the personal experience of real parents and kids, the voices of experts, and through scouring many reviews on top websites. We’ve included some of the most helpful reviews of each water toy below.
The Best Water Toys for Babies
The Best Water Toys for Toddlers
The Best Water Toys for Big Kids