I don’t know about your children, but no amount of water play is enough for my kids. My toddler was ready to run through sprinklers the moment the temperature hit 70 degrees, and even my baby is making her own water toys these days when I’m not looking—with the dog’s water bowl.
Water play can keep kids busy for a good chunk of time, but an even better perk? It encourages learning across all different areas, including math and science as kids experiment, physical skills as kids run around, and social and emotional skills as kids play. So break out the swimsuits and sunscreen and get those kids outdoors.
Since water play is a win-win for both parents and kids, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite water play toys and activities below—shop the list!
Water Tables & Toys
Water tables are a kid favorite (and a parent’s best friend) in the summer. This set includes 13 fun accessories for little ones to run water through as they play with the table.
Hands-on fun is endless with this table’s many possibilities—drawing, exploring, dumping, digging, scooping, you name it. While it’s a bit on the pricier side, it’s because it is a mostly wood construction coated with a water-resistant finish for extra durability.
This waterfall play set is both fun and educational for your little ones! They’ll enjoy watching the water move throughout the different mazes while learning early STEM concepts at the same time.
This two-sided water table has room for sand and water play. Kids will love pouring water down the volcano, digging for fossils, and playing with the four included dinosaur toys.
Used with water or sand, this funnel toy is perfect for beach or backyard fun.
Just add water to this marble run for STEM learning this summer. Set includes 96 building pieces, 20 floating marbles, an inflatable plastic mat for easy cleanup, a large scoop, and a dropper.
recommended for ages 4+
A lot of kids I know love to dress up and play pretend. This fireman hat and water hose set is a great idea for kids with a curious imagination!
These self-sealing water balloons can be filled in less than 60 seconds, are made from recyclable material, and are biodegradable.
Bring the beloved PAW Patrol pups to the water play party with this charming multi-purpose 3-tier water, sand, and/or sensory table.
Sprinklers, Splash Pads & More
Running through the sprinklers is so much more fun when it’s a unicorn sprinkler!
This beach ball-like watermelon sprinkler is great for some family fun! You can use it in the backyard or even take it with you when traveling to the beach or pool.
This inflatable shark mouth is durable and easy to set up and use. Plus, the little ones will love playing and running through the water.
One of the most memorable parts of my childhood was using the Slip and Slide in my backyard. Bring on the nostalgia and fun for your kids for less than $20.
Water play meets royalty with this epic castle full of sprinklers and a generous kiddie pool space for splashing around. Beach balls included!
When you and your kids become exhausted from the summer heat, this light show sprinkler will keep their minds off the hot weather.
Your little ones can have fun with their friends on this water twister! Kids can change the water spray direction with just the touch of a button.
This cute inflatable dinosaur is perfect for hours of summer fun for the kiddos!
Or, you can add a larger than life Jurassic titan to your outdoor water toy collection with this exciting brontosaurus sprinkler. Guaranteed for dyno-mite fun!
Get kids playing outside with this inflatable play center, which is the perfect summer activity to keep them entertained. It features a water slide, a rainbow sprayer, and a few other fun games!
A sidewalk chalk hopscotch board is great, but when it’s scorching hot, jumping around on one that will cool you off is even better. You get to join Mickey, Minnie, and their crew while you do it, too!
Pools & Floats
