Once summer hits, there’s one parenting trick that never fails: just add water. When the days are long, school is out, the heat is insane, and the “I’m bored” complaints start rolling in, it’s time to pull out the outdoor water toys!
In our house, water play is one of those activities that never loses its appeal, from when my kids were babies and played endlessly at a water table, to now loving splash pads, water guns, and slides. There’s just something about splashing, spraying, and running around outside that makes summer days feel extra fun.
So grab the swimsuits, lather on the sunscreen, and head to the backyard. We rounded up some of our favorite outdoor water toys for kids of all ages, including the best water tables, sprinklers, slides, and backyard favorites to make summer days good kind of messy.
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Outdoor Water Tables & Toys
Outdoor water tables and toys are an easy win for keeping kids entertained during warm weather. Water tables give littles a safe space for sensory exploration, while older kids can turn them into mini science labs or imaginative play stations. They’re low-effort, high-reward setups that can keep kids busy outside for long stretches of time.
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 of 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 love watching the water move throughout the different mazes while experimenting with sand and having a sensory experience.
5 sizes available
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.
Children can use water, sand, snow, or soil to play with this water table! During the summer, they’ll love pouring water into the dolphin funnel and watching it cascade through all the tiers.
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.
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.
The Fast-Fill water gun allows your kiddos to refill in 1 second or less and then get back to the real fun—the ultimate water battle! Just dunk, fill and close with XSHOT’s rapid seal technology.
This shark-shaped water blaster doesn’t just look fierce—it’s the perfect companion for a family backyard water battle, especially because of how quickly it can be refilled.
This epic water sprinkler has kept my kids busy this summer. Blast or stomp a rocket ship into the air, play water baseball, and, of course, let the kids play in the revolving sprinkler!
Sprinklers, Splash Pads & More
Kids can run, jump, and cool off at the same time, while the simple setup makes it just as appealing for parents. Whether it’s a classic sprinkler arch or a full splash pad with sprays and sprinkling features, these toys invite nonstop movement and laughter and are perfect for burning off energy on hot days.
Running through the sprinklers is so much more fun when it’s a unicorn sprinkler! Trust us—this item is bound to become a summertime staple in your household.
more fun themes available
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.
No need to travel that far to take your kids to the waterpark this summer. This adorable world map splash pad is safe and educational for babies and toddlers.
more fun themes available
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 $40.
4 colors available
This jungle-themed inflatable pool is great for toddlers and younger kiddos just learning to swim. The pool has a safety drain, so it won’t fill over 4.5 inches!
10+ sizes available
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! Simply connect a water hose to the dinosaur’s belly, and you’ll have a toy your little ones won’t be able to get enough of.
more fun themes available
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!
Perfect for those hot summer days when your kiddos need a quick cool off, this inflatable pool includes dual spray systems that encourage active play! Plus, it’s shaped like a boat—what could be better?
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!
10+ sizes available
With a mini slide and dinosaur hoop, this inflatable pool is perfect for toddlers just getting comfortable in the water. And the soft, padded bottom ensures comfort and safety for all!
more fun themes available
Not only will this splash pad turn your backyard into a waterpark wonderland, but it’s perfect for the aesthetic moms who don’t want any clashing colors. The simple checkerboard pattern won’t be an eye sore.
Pools & Floats
Pools and floats are a summer staple for a reason; they make it easy to cool off and relax while still keeping kids entertained. From kiddie pools in the backyard to playful floats and even inflatable pools and bounce houses, these options turn any sunny day into a mini getaway.
Designed to hold up to 132 gallons, this striped kiddie pool can easily be used by two kids at a time—it’s the perfect spot for a quick cool-off during a hot summer day!
This extra large inflatable pool includes a canopy for sun protection and fits 6-8 adults! It also comes with a rechargeable air pump to make set up as easy as possible.
For an extra special pool party experience, this inflatable pool has eight lighting modes you can adjust as the sun goes down! Your kiddos will love inviting their friends over to hang out in the pool.
Built to remain steady and firm even in a busy pool, this basketball hoop will be a fan-favorite among your kiddos and their friends this summer. It even has notches for ring toss!
Perfect for kids and adults, this inflatable tic tac toe set is easy to grab and maneuver, even in the water. It’s ideal for family gatherings and pool parties to get everyone in the water and having fun!
2 colors available
This inflatable water slide combines 9 exciting activities in one: a thrilling long waterslide, a gentle small water slide, a climbing wall, a trampoline, and more! The attached air blower makes set up quick, easy, and painless.
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