In the hot summer months, the best way to cool off is to play with water toys. Your toddler will absolutely love being able to run around in a swimsuit getting everyone around them wet! Water toys make summer fun easy and enjoyable. Best of all, they encourage you to get outdoors with your toddler and soak up some Vitamin D.
We have broken down water toys for toddlers into 5 categories; water tables, sprinklers, pools, splash parks, and splash pads! These aren’t only perfect for toddlers but can be fun for the whole family as well.
Fun in the Sun; the 5 Best Water Toys for Toddlers
All of these water toys for toddlers can be used in an average-sized backyard and require minimal tools. Most will need a garden hose or outdoor water supply, as filling a pool or running a splash park or pad requires being hooked up to a water source.
When using any water-related toy toddlers should be closely monitored and supervised to keep them safe. Check out our water and pool safety tips for toddlers to make sure you’re well prepared!
Water table
Many families and classrooms utilize water tables because they are a great water toy for toddlers that help with sensory issues and improve hand-eye coordination. A water table is an interactive table that holds water. Most of them have scoops, buckets, and floating pieces to play with. Many also have features like waterfalls and inner pieces to fill causing water to come spouting out in different areas.
A water table is one of the best water toys for toddlers because it helps them gain independence, learn independent play, and will give them a comfortable place to splash. Water tables can be used inside but you wouldn’t catch me with one in my house! This tends to be a messy and wet activity, but that’s what summer is all about!
Our Favorite Water Table
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
The Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table is a colorful plastic table with two tiers and 15 accessories for water fun. The table itself is blue with green legs, making it look a lot like a pond or lake. The lower level is shaped like a basin and holds the main water. There’s a sealed plug in the bottom for easy drainage and cleaning.
This bottom basin is the perfect height for toddlers to play independently and has a water wheel, bucket, and rubber duck. The upper tier is a bit higher, perfect for taller children. This top portion is smaller and has a series of holes to create a rain effect. There’s also a hole for creating a water maze. The age range for this water table is 18 months to 8 years. Purchase yours here!
Sprinkler Water Toys for Toddlers!
Don’t you remember running through the sprinklers in your backyard all summer long? I’m pretty sure our mom had us do this just to clean off the popsicle mess, but I loved it! My kids also love running through the sprinklers to cool off, especially because there are toys now to make this even more fun.
Our Favorite Sprinkler Toys
Inflatable Rainbow Sprinkler Toy
This sprinkler is an inflatable rainbow with two clouds. It fills up and then water rains down from the rainbow, creating an arch that children can run under and splash in. By adjusting the water pressure you can change how the water sprays. This water toy is great for use on its own or as an addition to any backyard pool or slip’n’slide. Here is the pricing!
Cactus Sprinkler
This Cactus Sprinkler follows a similar model to the Rainbow Sprinkler. Rather than water falling down from an arch though, it sprays out from all over! It is so cute and I would not mind having it sitting out in my backyard all summer long.
Plus, it comes with the added fun of a ring toss game. Check it out here.
Splash Pads for Toddlers
Another great take on the sprinkler is the backyard splash pad, which is a circular plastic mat that attaches to a garden hose. The pressure of the water fills the mat and pushes water through the holes in the mat, creating a sprinkler effect. This water toy is an easy way to entertain in the backyard without needing a large amount of space. You could even put it in the garage or basement for off-season storage.
Splash pads are also great for using with toddlers because they’re easy to assemble and easy to use, keeping the water-fun safe for little ones.
Our Favorite Splash Pad for Toddlers
Non-Slip Splash Pad
This mat is 67 inches in diameter, which is plenty of room for multiple children and family members to enjoy at once. By adjusting the pressure from the hose you can change how the water sprays and when you’re done simply unplug and drain in between uses. Check out current pricing here!
Splash Park
If you don’t have a splash park in your community, just set one up in your backyard! One of the best water toys for toddlers is an inflatable splash park. These toys implement the fun of inflatable pool floats and add the splash factor of a splash pad for a private backyard waterpark.
Candy Zone by Intex
The Candy Zone by Intex is an inflatable pool with a waterslide in the middle and a sprinkler feature to keep the water moving. There are two rails along the edges of the pool for rolling balls and inflatable lollipops for water toy fun. This is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy refreshing cool water as well as entertain active children.
The age range is 2 years to 10 years because of the size and the skill required to slide and climb. Buy yours here!
Pools and Pool Water Toys for Toddlers!
The last and most classic backyard water toy is a kiddie pool. These will provide your little one with hours of fun splashing around! Again, be sure to keep a very close eye on your little ones. These pools are small, but there is always a risk of drowning when water is involved.
If you do have a pool that you’ll be visiting this summer, you probably want some pool toys to entertain your toddler! Below are some of our favorites along with our favorite kiddie pools.
Step2 Play and Shade Pool
The Step2 Play and Shade Pool is a solid plastic shallow pool designed for children 24 months to 6 years. The umbrella attachment creates shade for sun protection and the umbrella pole comes with attachments for playing in the water and creating a waterfall. In the pool, there is a little seat. This is perfect for toddlers who need a solid base for sitting and playing.
This toddler pool is a great choice for something age-specific that can help you stay cool and have fun while getting out of the sun. Here is current pricing.
Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark Fish Hunt Pool Game
“Baby Shark Doo Doo” is probably a song you’re pretty familiar with if you’re the parent of a toddler. Now you can sing it together in the pool, too. Your little one will love scooping up all the fish in their new shark net! Get yours here!
Jungle Squirties from Pottery Barn
There are the cutest little water-friendly toys. Your toddler can play with them during bath time or when they are in the pool! I mean just look at that little hippo, isn’t it adorable? Purchase these animals here!
Check out our Rookie Moms Facebook Group, it’s a great group of moms where you can share your experiences, ask for advice and even help out another mom!
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