With the notable exception of bathtime, kids are never happier than when they’re soaking wet. That’s what makes water toys so eternally popular, and like everything else, they are so much cooler than they were when I was little. We had paddling pools, and kids today have splash pads, which…are…amazing.
If you’ve ever run through an open fire hydrant or been sprayed by a hose pipe, you’ll understand the magic of these splash pads, most of which come with their sprinklers to keep kids delighted for hours. With fun and colorful designs and accessories, there’s something here for everyone, from sharks to frogs to a world map.
Of course, toys like these are only fun if they work, so we’ve researched the 12 best splash pads, eliminating all the fake reviews only to include the ones that real kids and their parents have tested.
1 . Splish Splash Water Park (High Quality)
Splish Splash is a full water park for your backyard that children aged 18 months to 6 years can enjoy. It contains a splash mat, one inflatable whale slide, one inflatable dolphin, four inflatable starfish rings and a rainbow that also provides a little shade. At the bottom of the slide is a water-cushioned oyster shell pad for a soft landing. When fully set up it measures 90 x 68 x 22 inches and is made of non-toxic PVC plastic.
What we love:
- It comes with a repair kit in case it springs a leak because we all know accidents happen
- The hose doesn’t require full-on water pressure to provide full-on fun
We don’t like this as much:
- The splash pad and whale slide are only suitable for the little ones.
2. Semai Splash Water Mat (Budget)
With a global animal map base surrounded by sprinklers, this splash mat provides hours of water fun for children 6 months to 12 years old. It introduces young children to animal distribution worldwide through bright colors and catchy images. It is 68 inches in diameter and will accommodate up to four children. The 0.3 mm thick plastic is durable and robust, with an overall setup that is quite effortless. Just attach the hose and adjust the pressure to the height of the sprinklers as you prefer.
What we love:
- It’s easy to fold and transport for when you visit friends or relatives
- It is made of Phthalates and BPA-free PVC with burst-resistant seams
We don’t like this as much:
- After use, draining the water out takes quite some time
3. JOYIN Sprinkler for Kids
Children will enjoy their summer splashing about with a friendly cartoon shark on the base joining in the fun. It is 68 inches in diameter and has an O-ring for the hose connector to avoid leaks. This splash pad also works as a wading pool if you turn the water pressure to its lowest level. It is made of non-toxic plastic and is resistant to fading, which can be caused by ultraviolet rays.
What we love:
- The sturdy hose connection produces an impressive water jet
- It has bright, fun graphics of a subject I can’t mention for fear of the theme song being stuck in my…oh no, there it is.
We don’t like this as much:
- While the jet streams are great for toddlers, they could still be a bit higher.
4. Peradix Splash Pad
Children between 3 and 12 who love sprinkler action will love this splash pad. The base features a world map with landforms and cartoon dinosaurs, and at 68 inches in diameter, it is big enough for older children and pets to enjoy on hot summer days. The pool is made of environmentally friendly, non-toxic PVC with a thickness of .33 mm and can be used as a wading pool without sprinklers. It comes with a patch kit, gasket and sprayer connector.
What we love:
- To drain it quickly at the end of the day, press the side ring down.
- The cartoon drawings on the base show the continents as they were during the time of the dinosaurs
We don’t like this as much:
- You may need to put a tarp under it to prevent the surrounding area from becoming muddy.
5. Apfity Splash Pad
Designed like a big slice of watermelon, this splash pad features an extra highlight with a water spray emerging from the watermelon’s leaf. It is 68 inches in diameter and ideal for children ages 2 to 5. It’s also suitable for pets and is made from heavy-duty, non-toxic PVC that won’t crack or tear with normal use. The splash pad also comes with a set of handy instructions for attaching the hose as well as extra clamps.
What we love:
- It has a reinforced outer ring to hold more water
- Two hose clamps are included to increase the strength of the hose connection
We don’t like this as much:
- Hooking up the hose is a bit complicated, but once it’s done, it works well
6. TEEHON 70″ Splash Pad
This TEEHON Splash Pad features bright-colored sea animals on the base and a dolphin fountain in the middle, making it an excellent choice for children aged 3 years and older. The diameter is 70 inches, and it includes a ring-toss game. It is manufactured from non-toxic soft PVC plastic with reinforced sides at 4 mm. The dolphin sprays cool water from the top of its head or sides.
What we love:
- It comes with a unique leak-proof connecter for your hose
- This is a good splash mat if you are looking for a shallow one, as the pad holds 5 to 7 inches of water
We don’t like this as much:
- It’s a good design, but the dolphin is a bit cumbersome to inflate
7. Tobeape Splash Pad
With marine animals and letters of the alphabet on the base, this smart splash pad can also be a learning experience for kids. The 27.6-inch shark in the middle of the pad is hollow and is purposely designed for a game that involves throwing sandbags through the hole. The four sandbags used for this game are included with the purchase. It is 70 inches in diameter and made of non-toxic PVC plastic, with a water fountain that shoots water right out of the nose of the shark situated in the middle of the splash pad.
What we love:
- If the rim is folded, the sprinklers can be pointed into the pad or out
- The connecting port to the hose has a waterproof gasket that makes the joint strong, with no leaking
We don’t like this as much:
- You need to keep an eye on the water pressure as it tends towards the high side.
8. 70″ Sprinkler for Kids, 4-in-1 Summer Splash Pad
Designed like a pink crab, this splash pad has two ring toss games with four inflatable rings. The base features a cute mermaid and other sea creatures, and it is made of non-toxic PVC plastic with an extra thickness of .55 mm. It has sprinklers around the rim and two fountains as part of the cartoon crab. With parental guidance, it is recommended for children 3 months and older.
What we love:
- At 70 inches, the diameter is big enough for two 6-year-old children to play comfortably
- You can turn off the sprinklers and fountains and use them as a wading pool
We don’t like this as much:
- Rather than on the inside of the rim, the hose connector valve would be better located on the outside
9. ROYPOUTA Splash Pad
Like a giant rubber ducky, this splash pad is adorable. The cool-looking duck with sunglasses is also a basketball hoop. The sprinklers are around the rim, and the height of the water can be adjusted to low or high. It has many cartoon fish swimming on the 68-inch base and holes on the pad’s edge to maintain the water level. It will drain if you don’t keep the water on, but you don’t need high pressure.
What we love:
- This splash pad is ideal for toddlers
- The ring in the duck’s bill is perfect for horsing around with a small ball
We don’t like this as much:
- The water level of the uppermost spray could be higher
11. Dillitop Sprinkler Splash Pad
The Dillitop splash pad is simple but presents some excellent features. The base has a cartoon shark with sunglasses and a surfboard, as well as other fish. The sides are a bit higher than many splash pads, which can serve as a wading pool when you don’t want the sprinklers. It is 68 inches in diameter and made of environmentally friendly PVC material with high-frequency welding for strength.
What we love:
- The middle inflates slightly, which provides some cushion
- The high spray reaches more than 1 meter, which is great for children who love the rain effect.
We don’t like this as much:
- Make sure you have strong water pressure to get the best results from the high sprinkler setting
12. JUOIFIP Splash Pad
This splash pad is 82.7 x 51 inches, big enough for the whole family. It is suitable for children two years and older. The alphabet is visible in bright colors on the base, and the best part is the elephant spraying water into the splash pad. It is made of non-toxic, non-slip PVC material, and the base is textured for safety. The height of the spray can be adjusted.
What we love:
- Kids can turn the elephant’s trunk to change the direction of the spray
- It can be used as a wading pool or a splash pad
We don’t like this as much:
- The connection to the hose may not be leak-proof.
What to look for in a Splash Pad for Kids:
When buying a kids splash pad, consider these factors:
- Safety: Choose a non-slip pad with adjustable water pressure.
- Size: Ensure the splash pad fits in your outdoor space.
- Material: Look for durable, hypoallergenic material.
- Setup & Storage: Opt for easy-to-assemble, compact pads for storage.
- Design: Pick an age-appropriate design with no small parts.
- Interactive Features: Features like fountains and sprayers add fun.
- Educational Value: Pads with printed shapes or numbers can teach while entertaining.
- Price: Consider your budget and balance it with desired features.
- Reviews: Read reviews for insights on durability and user experience.
- Environmentally Friendly: If possible, choose eco-friendly materials and water-saving features.
Remember, always supervise toddlers around water, even with safety features.
FAQ
Q: Do splash pads recirculate water?
Splash pads can either recirculate water via a filtration system, common in commercial settings, or use a single-use system where fresh water is used and then drains away, often found in residential models. The specific water usage will depend on the product’s design and manufacturer’s guidelines.
Q: What are the benefits of a splash pad?
Splash pads offer a safe and engaging form of water play, encouraging outdoor physical activity while providing a way for children to cool off in hot weather. They also introduce basic educational concepts, require less maintenance than pools, and can cater to children of various ages.
Q: What water pressure should a splash pad be?
The water pressure for a splash pad should be gentle, especially for toddlers, and can vary depending on the pad’s design and features. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring the pressure is adjustable for your child’s safety and comfort.
Q: Should my toddler wear swim diaper on splash pad?
Yes, it is typically recommended that toddlers who aren’t toilet-trained wear a swim diaper while playing on a splash pad. This helps maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the splash pad by preventing accidents. However, the exact requirements can vary depending on the rules of the specific splash pad, so it’s always a good idea to check the guidelines before your visit.
Finally
We all remember that feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes from running around getting sprinkled with water on a sunny day in the back yard, and that’s exactly what these splash pads offer – but better.
Of course, if it’s your job as the grown-up to do the hard work pumping up any inflatable parts of these toys, you deserve to relax while they’re having fun, so sit back and treat yourself to an inflatable Rhode Island Novelty 36 Inch Chair.
