This is a terrific time to find some cool backyard water toys for the kids, because they’re all on sale, and let’s be honest, we’re all feeling the heat this summer. Back in 2020 we first shared our favorite backyard water toys when we were all stuck at home dealing with pool closures and summer camp cancellations. Now, it’s turned into a summer ritual that our kids all look forward to.
So we’ve put together 10 super cool backyard water toys, from sprinklers to toddler splash pads, and even a couple Barbie Movie themed options.
I mean would it even be Summer of 23 without the Barbie Movie taking over your household too?
PS got a kid with a summer birthday? Any of these could definitely feel like an extra-special gift this year.
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More posts to check out:
7 crazy lawn sprinklers that will get your kids outside all summer long.
4 ginormous inflatable sprinklers that will make you desperate for summer
6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
8 of the coolest summer water activities for your backyard.
10 backyard water toys we love:
Sprinklers, kiddie pools, splash pads and a few surprises
First of all, can we even start an article on backyard water toys without including something from Barbie, aka the brand that ate summer 2023? Funboy has an entire collection of Barbie floats, rafts, and pool toys that are as amazing as all of their other water toys that we’ve recommended for years. The Malibu Barbie Dream Kiddie Pool is clearly not just for kids and is a perfect addition to any backyard.
We’re also loving the Barbie Movie Speed Boat Pool Float from Funboy and while ideally you’d have a pool to put it in, we could see the kids out back just playing make-believe on the lawn, as you pop a sprinkler or water hose over them to keep things cool. Of course the adults will need a turn.
If you’re looking for a sprinkler upgrade to keep your kids cool, this inflatable shark arch sprinkler counts as anything but an ordinary backyard water toy. They can run through it, ride bikes through it, put it over the top of their slide and whoosh through it. If anything will lure them outside to play, this is it.
My neighborhood seems to be dominated by kids who want to play sports, rather than just run around in the water outside. So I found a compromise in this water-slide baseball diamond. How fun is that? It’s a pretty decent size, at 14′ square, but may still be better for younger elementary age kids or preschoolers than, say, middle schoolers. But hey — I wouldn’t be surprised if an intrepid tween could figure out how to DIY their own version that’s even bigger.
Whoa, this build-your-own backyard water park would have been my dream backyard water toy when I was a kid. We’ve seen DIY concepts for these on Pinterest but, as crafty as I may be, they seemed way too complicated to replicate. So I love that you can now buy a kit to recreate it in your backyard. It has six different stations, so your kids aren’t likely to get bored too quickly. Plus, you could set it up in the grass for them to run through or on your driveway for them to ride bikes through. It’s on the pricier side, but I think it would get a lot of use.
Yes, another winning backyard water toy from Funboy– a gigantic (7.5 feet tall!) rocket ship sprinkler. I mean, it’s so huge, that parents have no excuse not to join in on the fun.
My youngest daughter received this Wet & Wild Light Show sprinkler for her birthday a few years back and it’s been a huge hit. Here’s what I love about it: it’s small so it stores easily. It is simple for a quick backyard activity — just hook it up and you’re ready to go. But it still has elements of fun that our practical lawn sprinkler doesn’t have, like a rotating spout in the center, wild wiggly arms that squirt water in unpredictable directions, and a light-up feature for evening play.
If you’re looking for a backyard water toy for a young child that doesn’t hold as much water as a pool, this kids splash mat is a good option. There are lots of splash pads on Amazon at great prices–search for toddlers kids 4-8, or even pet-friendly options. I like this one because, it’s great for those little kids who want you to play with them, but you’re not planning to get wet at that particular moment. Instead, you can say: “Jump on the K! Find the elephant!” and other commands that make their play more engaging…without getting you soaked.
Our friends at Magic Beans are featuring these Mega Morphibian remote control cars by Hearthsong, which I think are a clever backyard water toy to keep older kids entertained and cooled off for hours. It’s great if you have access to natural waterways near your home, or simply set up a water-based obstacle course in your own backyard. Parents, be sure to add a good book to read while they play–and your phone, of course, for taking great pictures.
Want to go big? If you’ve got a trampoline, turn it into a waterpark with this trampoline sprinkler accessory. (Note that the one shown is no longer available, but we’ve linked to one that’s virtually identical.) Water will spill over the edges you as you bounce, making it way more fun than regular bouncing and a lot more refreshing. I like that this one fits any size trampoline, has an on-off valve, can be used apart from the trampoline, and has great customer ratings at Amazon. My only suggestion would be bouncing in a bathing suit, not long pants and a collared shirt like the model here. Also, keep an eye on your kids while they play, you know?
