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children having fun on the slip 'n slide in the back garden with their father
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Although many more public pools, splash pads, and the like will be open this summer, it’s still always a good idea to have some water toys stocked in the backyard to help keep everyone entertained and stay cool. Whether you’re looking for a bit of splash action or full-on soakage, these outdoor toys will keep the family from sweltering this summer.

Prices and availability are subject to change. 

Related: 30 Yard Games to Get Your Kids Out of the House

Wow World of Watersports Super Slide

Wow World of Watersports Super Slide
Amazon

$142 from Amazon Shop Now

Sure, it’s pricier, but anyone who’s ever used the classic slip-and-slide toy knows who uncomfortable those can be for anyone over a certain age. This 25-by-6-foot version from Wow Sports uses heavy-duty PVC plastic for extra padding and includes sleds to soften the impact. 

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Sable Inflatable Family Pool

Sable Inflatable Pool
Walmart

$47 from WalmartShop Now

Having more than a couple of people in this pool might feel a little crowded, but when temps soar and the heat is relentless, is anyone really going to care? Features include two drainage valves and a three air-chambered structure that gives this pool its sturdiness.

Looking for a more substantial option? Be sure to check out The Best Above-Ground Swimming Pools.

Funboy Giant Inflatable Bali Palm Lounger

Funboy Giant Inflatable Bali Palm Lounger
Amazon

$199 from Amazon

Shop Now

After the year we’ve all had, each of us should have gotten one of these with our stimulus checks. If you’re lucky to have a backyard pool, or you spend a lot of time at the local lake or swimming hole, we heartily recommend you do it in style with one of these Funboy floats. It’s over 9 feet long, 4.5 feet wide, and includes a shade canopy. 

Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Water Sprinkler

Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Water Sprinkler
Amazon

$17 from Amazon Shop Now

Nothing quite screams summer like watching beaming kids run through a sprinkler. This one has six wiggle tubes that spin or a rotating base — making getting soaked as unpredictable as it is fun.

Funboy Giant Cabana Dayclub

Funboy Giant Cabana Dayclub
Funboy

$339 from Funboy

Shop Now

Whether you live in a backyard pool or at the lake during the summer, this splurge-worthy inflatable will make sure you never get uncomfortable. It comes with a mesh carry bag and a central storage compartment for drinks or a speaker. 

Related: Guilty-Pleasure Purchases to Treat Yourself Right Now

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids, Splash Pad

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids, Splash Pad
Amazon

$25 from Amazon Shop Now

This BPA-free alphabet-themed splash pad is both a fountain and a shallow pool. At 5 feet wide, it’s plenty big for a couple of little ones, but there are larger options, too, if you’ve got water-loving kids who are a little older.

Trampoline Waterpark

Trampoline Waterpark
Amazon

$21 from Amazon Shop Now

If you’re one of the lucky ones with a backyard trampoline, amp up the play with this product that’ll turn your tramp into a splash zone.

Wet N’ Wild Light Show Sprinkler

Wet N' Wild Light Show Sprinkler
Target

$20 from Target Shop Now

This model also has a spinning dome with wiggle tubes, but it lights up for those impromptu evening sprinkler sessions while the adults are gathered around the fire pit.

H2GO! The Blobzter Splash Mat

H2GO! Blobzter Splash Mat
Amazon

$68 from AmazonShop Now

This “blob” is filled with water and combines a splash pad, water blob, and a slip n’ slide for 15 feet of fun.

Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool

Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool
Amazon

$11 from Amazon Shop Now

This tiny but colorful pool is perfect for small spaces like an apartment patio or balcony. It’s the perfect size for one little person and features a padded inflatable bottom.

Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Inflatable Slide

Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Inflatable Slide
Amazon

$450 from Amazon Shop Now

If you’re looking to really trick out the water fun in your backyard this summer, this massive inflatable includes a climbing wall, two slides, and a splash pool, and its own blower motor to keep things safe and continuously inflated.

Related: Fascinating Facts About Water Parks

Nerf Fortnite Super Soaker Water Blaster

Fortnite Water Blaster
Amazon

$17 from Amazon Shop Now

Getting kids off screens is tough, but it might be a little easier with this Fortnite-themed water gun with pump-action soaking prowess and an easy-to-fill tank.

Related: Gifts for Teenage Boys They’ll Actually Like

BigMouth Inflatable Unicorn Yard Sprinkler

BigMouth Inflatable Unicorn Yard Sprinkler
Amazon

$68 from Amazon Shop Now

If a spectacle of a water sprinkler is what you’re after, this mythical creature-inspired backyard inflatable fits the bill. It’s about 9 feet tall, and buyers say it has a wide spray radius.

Related: 25 Fun and Thoughtful Gifts for 9- and 10-Year-Old Girls

Stream Machine Double-Barrel Water Launcher

Stream Machine Double-Barrel Water Launcher
Amazon

$22 from Amazon Shop Now

Why soak with one stream when you can have two? But beware the power of these — they can shoot water at your opponents up to 70 feet away.

Matty’s Toy Stop Nelson the Narwhal Water Sprinkler

Amazon

$20 from Amazon Shop Now

If your kids are fans of the unicorns of the sea, Nelson the Narwhal will bring a smile to their faces.

Fun-Here Super Foam Soakers, 6-Pack

Fun-Here Super Foam Soakers, 6-Pack
Amazon

$19 from Amazon Shop Now

Those brand-name super soakers are fun, but not so much the time it can take to fill them vs. the seconds it takes to empty them. With these, you just dip and pull and you’re loaded for blasting family members into watery oblivion.

Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Water Table

Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Water Table
Amazon

$50 from Amazon Shop Now

Recommended for kids 2 to 6, this water toy lets little ones splash and stay cool while also enhancing motor skills and imagination.

Step2 Waterpark Arcade

Step2 Waterpark Arcade
Amazon

$50 from Amazon Shop Now

Attach the included water blaster to your backyard hose and watch your toddler or preschooler aim at each target. Sure, it’s fun, but it also hones fine motor skills.

NERF Super Soaker Scatter Blast

NERF Super Soaker Scatter Blast
Target

$12 from Target Shop Now

Is any summer complete without a super-soaker fight? This one features a five-stream blast, pump-to-fire action, and a flip-up sight for better aim.

Zuru Bunch O Balloons 280 Rapid-Filling Self-Sealing Water Balloons

Zuru Bunch O Balloons 280 Rapid-Filling Self-Sealing Water Balloons
Target

$28 from AmazonShop Now

Water balloons are another one of those toys where the prep-to-play ratio is incredibly disappointing. Not so with Zuru’s balloon clusters, which fill and self-seal in seconds. This set has more than 265 individual balloons.

Fun Zone Pop ‘n Splash Surprise Water Toy

Walmart

$29 from WalmartShop Now

This toy employs a pump, crank, spin wheel, stomp mechanism, and popping balls for interactive, watery fun and games.

Little Tikes Magic Flower Water Table

Little Tikes Magic Flower Water Table
Walmart

$39 from Walmart Shop Now

With its included watering can and over 10 added accessories, this water table lets multiple kids play at once while broadening their imagination.

HearthSong Inflatable Easel

HearthSong Inflatable Easel
HearthSong

$50 from HearthSongShop Now

This toy combines creative play with water and can accommodate up a couple of artists at a time. It includes paint, sponges, and paintbrushes. When art time is over, simply hose off to make a clean canvas for the next day’s masterpieces. Note that it doesn’t ship until later this month.

Find more great gifts for kids right here

Meet the Writer

Kris is a veteran writer, editor, and graphic designer. She’s worked for newspapers including the Rocky Mountain News, and as managing editor for Dallas-based Advocate Magazines and Modern In Denver magazine. Over the course of her career