Built-in pools are a luxury during warmer months, especially for kids. But if you don't have your own pool and don't feel like taking a trip to the beach, you’ll have to get creative.
With a little bit of yard space and a water hose, you can provide hours of screen-free entertainment for the kids with water toys and sprinklers. From giant unicorns and dinosaurs to splash pads for the younger kids, getting drenched will be every kid's favorite activity this summer.
We found some of the best options on the internet to bring the fun right to your backyard. Shop the best sprinklers, water games and slip and slides — and get ready for the whole family to enjoy your backyard this summer.
Sprinklers | Splash pads | Slip-and-slides | Toys and games
Sprinklers for kids
Melissa & Doug Splash Patrol Sprinkler
This smaller sprinkler toy is designed for kids from 3-6 years old and promotes active play and coordination.
Sun Squad Wet & Wild Light Show Sprinkler
There's nothing wrong with cooling off during a hot summer evening. Fortunately, this Target option has got you covered when dusk hits since its dome lights up (with three AAA batteries, included with your purchase).
Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Sprinkler
This hydro swirl spinning sprinkler encourages kids to jump around the yard, dodging water coming from all directions. Plus, several Amazon shoppers noted how much fun dogs have with this unpredictable option!
Inmua Trampoline Sprinkler
If you own a trampoline, consider creating your own water park with this sprinkler. According to the brand, it can reduce the temperature on your trampoline by 25 degrees. It also has an adjustable switch to control the water flow and comes with two different bands to accommodate a trampoline shell of any size.
Joyin Mega Melon Ball Jumbo Sprinkler
This jumbo watermelon sprinkler is cute and festive for the summer. The brand says it’s made with durable, UV fade-resistant material and is great for all ages.
Poolmaster Caterpillar Sprinkler
If you have a narrow backyard, this caterpillar water sprinkler could be a good option since it’s thin but long. Your kids can swerve around the caterpillar’s body while enjoying a refreshing splash of water.
Toy Story Forky Inflatable Sprinkler
Fans of the popular children's movie will have hours of summer fun with this simple sprinkler, modeled after a well-loved character. Simply attach a water hose and water will come out of the top of the inflatable. Water also fills up at its base to prevent it from tipping over.
Banzai T-Rex Mondo Sprinkler
If they're into dinosaurs, this colorful inflatable T-rex will get the backyard fun going.
GoFloats Giant Inflatable Giraffe Sprinkler
Bring the zoo right to your home with this 7-foot tall inflatable giraffe sprinkler. Despite its size, it doesn’t take long to inflate and delivers a wide, even spray.
HearthSong Inflatable Rainbow Arch Sprinkler
This inflatable rainbow sprinkler will add a pop of color and a dash of magic to any yard. The rainbow is anchored with plush white clouds and includes pockets to hold water or sand for stability.
Funboy Inflatable Backyard Rocketship Sprinkler
Prepare for takeoff! This adventurous sprinkler from Funboy will not only put stars in your littlest astronaut's eyes, but it also has four water sprays for 360 degrees of fun.
Splash pads for kids
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler Splash Pad
This popular Amazon splash pad doubles as an educational toy. It's emblazoned with animals and letters of the alphabet, so your little one can soak up some knowledge and fun in the sun.
Growsland Sprinkler Splash Pad
This splash pad provides enough room for up to four kids to play at the same time and features cute cartoon sea animals like dolphins, seahorses, jellyfish and more.
H20GO! Lava Lagoon Play Center
Sure to keep them entertained for many warm summer days to come, this play center includes a wade pool and splash pad in the middle with a slide and doorway on each side. It also comes with toys to play catch and ring toss with. One reviewer called it a "great value for the money," adding that their children "enjoy it for hours with lots of different play options to enjoy."
Step2 Water Bug Splash Pad
Perfect for your favorite little water bug, this shallow splash pad is made with a sturdy plastic for long-term durability and play.
Slip-and-slides for kids
Sloosh Slip and Slide with Bodyboard
Every kid should experience a classic single-style slip-and-slide. This one includes a bodyboard to make every ride a fast and fun one.
Banzai Home Run Splash Baseball Slide
Take their backyard game of baseball to the next level by allowing them to quite literally slide into the bases, minus the grass stains and scuffed knees. This slip-and-slide has sprinklers surrounding the perimeter of the "field" and one at home plate.
Sloosh Triple Water Slide
On this triple water slide, everyone gets a turn grabbing a boogie board and racing to the finish line, where they're met with the main sprinkler. Reviewers love it because it's easy to set up and made with a thicker plastic than most, so it lasts summer after summer.
Jambo 20-Foot Double Slip Splash and Slide
Double the sprinklers, double the fun! Currently Amazon's bestseller lawn water slide, this option spans 20 feet long, features a double-sided sprinkler system and comes with two body boards for impromptu racing.
Intex Surf 'N Slide Shark Water Slide
Open wide! Recommended for ages 6 and up, this inflatable water slide is about as fun as it gets, aesthetically speaking. It also features a cushy landing pad for a safe trip down.
"Not only is it adorable, it's darn durable considering the daily use it has been taking and the extreme heat conditions we are having out here," one verified Amazon shopper said.
Sprinkler toys and games
Hasbro Battleship Pool Game
If your child loves the board game Battleship, get them involved on a 3D level with this pool version. The same rules apply, except they're using actual water to sink their opponents ship.
UNO Splash Card Game
This is the classic card game everyone knows and loves (or loves to hate) — but with water-resistant cards so they can play poolside or while drying off on their towels. Plus, the cards come with a clip so they can attach to a beach bag for easy on-the-go play.
Soppycid Reusable Water Bomb Balloons
You might recognize these reusable water balloons from their recent feature on the "TODAY" show. They close with a magnetic clasp and can be refilled time and time again. The "balloons" themselves are made with silicone, so they don't hurt when having water balloon battles or tossing them in the pool.
Nerf Super Soaker SkyBlast Target Sprinkler
With a sprinkler spinning in all directions, kids will have to use precision to aim for and hit three targets on this toy. If they're successful, it will send a foam launcher soaring into the sky. Reviewers (and parents) agree that this toy is easy to set up and "a big hit with the kids."
Hasbro Twister Splash
"Such an amazing idea, turning Twister into a sprinkler mat!" one verified Amazon shopper said about this summery take on the classic childhood game. They're sure to have hours of fun twisting and turning around cooling spritzers until school starts back up.
Nerf Super Soaker Toss 'N Splash Game
The aim of this bean bag toss game is to collect the most points without hitting the tray at the bottom. If you do, you'll get sprayed! Try to avoid the tray by going for the slots with the higher points, and hitting the ground instead.