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The 7 Best Sprinklers for Kids for Summer Fun

We rounded up the top seven sprinklers for kids cool the kids off on hot summer days and keep them occupied outdoors.
7 awesome sprinklers for splashy summer backyard fun
Updated: December 1, 2022

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Does anything scream summertime like sprinklers? Whether or not you have a swimming pool at home, sprinklers are a fun way to cool the kids off on hot summer days and keep them occupied outdoors as the weather heats up.

More:The Best Water Toys for Kids This Summer

Our Top Picks

Best Major Splurge: Giant Inflatable Water Slide
Best Educational Pick: SplashEZ 3-In-1 Sprinkler Splash Pad
Best Easy Attachment: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Pretty Petals Sprinkler
Best Interactive Fun: Kidoozie Crazy Caterpillar Sprinkler
Best Inflatable Sprinkler: BigMouth Giant Giraffe Sprinkler
Best Trampoline Sprinkler: ARTBECK Trampoline Sprinkler
Best For Toddlers: Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant

What to Consider When Purchasing A Sprinkler

  • Durability: Especially if you plan on investing in something more pricey, you’ll want it to withstand the often rough ‘n tough attitude of kids in the summertime.
  • Price: The price range can be fairly wide in this department, and there may be some cases where the item at a low price point falls flat.
  • Safety: Depending on the age of your little one, you’ll want to make sure the sprinkler is an age-appropriate choice, especially if it’s more interactive than just running through water.
  • Functionality: Is this something that needs to be regularly inflated or maintained by an adult? Or is it more low-maintenance and easy for the kids to use?

How We Chose Our Favorites

We took a look at the top items available on Amazon and considered the different categories and price points available to bring you a curated list of the top sprinklers on the market for summertime fun! Break out your swimsuits and take a look at our favorite picks for water fun:

Giant Inflatable Water Slide
Giant Inflatable Water Slide

Best Major Splurge

This pick is definitely on the pricey side, and for good reason! This massive slide is 14-feet long, 10-feet wide, and 8-feet tall, so there will definitely be no shortage of space if you have more than one kid splashing around.

It takes less than two minutes to set up your water park, and comes with a built in basketball hoop and inflatable basketball, over head sprinkler, and water spraying wave. And of course, the material is ultra durable to stand up against even the rowdiest of kiddos.

Reviews

“It is very durable material. Even with the older kids (one 125lbs) the handles are still holding up well. Seriously the best investment I could have made!”

“It’s super easy to set up and really does inflate in less than 2 minutes. The kids love it.”

 

SplashEZ 3-In-1 Sprinkler Splash Pad
SplashEZ 3-In-1 Sprinkler Splash Pad
Product Price
$24.99

Best Educational Pick

Make learning a blast this summer with this 3-in-1 option, which functions as a sprinkler for kids, splash pad, and wading kiddie pool. This innovative pool will not only give your little ones some relief from the heat, but they’ll dive into learning their colors, countries, and ABCs.

And there’s plenty of room for parents to get in on the splish-splashin’, too! This educational pool is 60” in diameter, and encourages meaningful development through emotional, cognitive, and social growth.

Reviews

“Didn’t expect much for $20, but this has exceeded my expectations. I’ve used it 7 or 8 times so far and it’s been great.”

“Perfect for a warm day in the backyard. Once the outer tube is full, you can turn the water way down and it still makes a great sprinkler to run through.”

Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Pretty Petals Sprinkler
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Pretty Petals Sprinkler
Product Price
$17.48

Best Easy Attachment Sprinkler

It couldn’t be easier to get outside and start enjoying the warm weather! This whimsical option from Melissa & Doug features 12 pink flowers on a green base which each squirt water, made from a durable material that’s fun for the whole family once attached to the garden hose. Not only does this encourage active outdoor play, but it can also aid in developing coordination and water the garden, too!

Reviews

“Cute and fun! It is light weight but stayed in place with our heavy, kink hose. With the water barely turned on it went very high. Happy toddler happy mom.”

“My two year old loves this! Worked great right out of the box. Turned the water up high and the sprinkler handled great. Lots of spray shooting way up there (the kids loved it).”

Kidoozie Crazy Caterpillar Sprinkler
Kidoozie Crazy Caterpillar Sprinkler
Product Price
$29.99

Best Interactive Fun Sprinkler

Especially if you have more than one child who will be playing, you’ll want a way to keep them both entertained during water play hour. Featuring eight crazy wiggling legs that will spray water in every direction, your little ones will have a blast jumping around to catch (or miss) the stream of water.

Even better, there’s nothing complicated about setting this kids sprinkler up. Simply screw it on to any standard garden hose and enjoy this fun lawn sprinkler in minutes.

Reviews

“I was pleasantly surprised to find this sprinkler affordable, sturdy and with the same fun and goofy spray. It has no issues staying upright and the little “legs” go crazy when water runs through them.”

“This little sprinkler is a great deal! My 3 year old loves the wiggly arms and I was pleasantly surprised with how high/far it manages to send the water, considering it's pretty small. We've only had it for a few weeks but so far it seems sturdy and like it will hold up. It's easy to set up and use since you just screw it right on to the end of the hose.”

BigMouth Giant Giraffe Sprinkler
BigMouth Giant Giraffe Sprinkler
Product Price
$59.99

Best Inflatable Sprinkler

You’d almost think you were on a real safari with this 9-feet tall inflatable giraffe in your yard! This water sprinkler inflates and deflates with BigMouth’s BIG Easy Valve, and couldn’t be easier to wipe down or clean up when you need to. Despite the size, it doesn’t take long to inflate, and delivers a solid, even spray.

Not a fan of the giraffe? Check out the ape, pink elephant, magical unicorn, or classic unicorn sprinkler for more fun!

Reviews

“This was literally one of the most amazing investments I've ever made. Had a big party and wanted something that would be a great item to take pictures with, and boy was I right! People loved it. I also found it super easy to blow up with a hairdryer on a cool setting. Loved it.”

“Awesome product! Quick & easy to setup if you have an air pump. Comes with small patch. Multiple water streams shoot wide and far!”

ARTBECK Trampoline Sprinkler
ARTBECK Trampoline Sprinkler
Product Price
$29.99

Best Trampoline Sprinkler

Take the backyard fun to another level with this trampoline sprinkler! Not only is it a fun way to get out plenty of energy, but this can also reduce the temperature on the trampoline by 25 degrees.

Each package comes with an easy to install 39-foot misting line, cable ties, double-sided tape, and a spare water pipe interface. Simply attach the water pipe on the outside of the trampoline net with a cable tie, attach the hose to the water pipe, and enjoy all of the outdoor fun on a hot day!

Reviews

“Perfect solution to use the trampoline during hot Florida summers. Easy set up—took less than 20 minutes. Connected to a 50 foot garden hose. Provides steady sprinkles.”

“I don’t have a bad word to say about this water mat my son loves it! It’s easy to use and pretty self explanatory you just connect it to a water pipe and fill it up.”

Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant
Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant
Product Price
$12.99

Best Sprinkler For Toddlers

Your kids won’t be able to stop laughing at this fire hydrant sprinkler, which spins and sprays water everywhere, including up to 8-feet in the air! Splashy attaches easily to any garden hose and stands about 8” tall.

Reviews

“My kids LOVE 'Mr. Splashy!' We live in the city so it's only fitting that we break open a mini fire hydrant, like they did back in the day! Like others have said, don't be fooled by his small size, he shoots water much higher than other sprinklers I've seen.”

“I didn't have very high expectations because of my previous sprinkler toys but this one blew me away. We put it in my backyard and it was so powerful the water was able to reach my front yard! We didn't have any problems at all. It was easy to set up, easy to use and the best part.... it didn't repeatedly fall over! This kept my son entertained for hours.”

Jacqueline Weiss

About Jacqueline

Based in Los Angeles, Jacqueline is a freelance writer and social media strategist. She… Read more

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