With summer in full swing, keeping a toddler busy and keeping them cool at the same time is not an easy task. But we have a plan for that; water toys. From simple soakers to full-on splash pads, these toys are the perfect summer solution for a happy and cool toddler.
The problem? There are so many water toys on the market to choose from, and finding the right one for a specific kid’s needs isn‘t as simple as it sounds. To help you choose, we compiled the 20 best water toys for toddlers. We reviewed each one and are only recommending toys that are most highly recommended by parents. We understand that online reviews can be manipulated, so we looked carefully and weeded out false reviews to find genuine top-rated options.
1Melissa & Doug Blossom Bright Sprinkler - Best Quality Option
This sprinkler has definitely earned its place at the top of our list. It is designed to look like a grove of flowers, and in the middle of each flower, water shoots out of a hole when it is connected to a water hose. The sprinkler itself doesn’t need any assembly, which makes it fast and easy to use.
What we love
- Can be set up anywhere where there is a water hose
- Doesn't require any batteries or power source
What We Don't Like That Much
- Requires good water pressure for optimal water height
2Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Floating Boats Made from Plants - Best Eco-Friendly Option
These floating boats can be used for different types of play by toddlers. The set comes with four different boats, and they can be filled with sand or water for water play Even though they can be filled, they do float exceptionally well which makes them fun for bathtubs and pools. Plus, each boat can be stacked on top of each other, which helps to develop a toddler’s thinking and concentration skills.
What we love
- Each bucket has a different color
- Holes are large enough to allow water or sand to sprinkle out of them
What We Don't Like That Much
- Interactive lights or sounds would make this toy a bit more exciting
3Toy Story Disney 4, 7 Friends Pack by Little People - Best Bath Time Option
These Little People figures are designed after some of the most popular characters from the movie, “Toy Story 4”. They are made from non-toxic quality material, which makes them safe for toddlers. Plus, these toys are safe to play with in the bathtub encouraging imaginative play just about anywhere.
What we love
- Each figure is designed small for toddler hands
- Comes with seven different friends
What We Don't Like That Much
- The set could come with some sort of storage container
4Sable Splash Pad, Sprinkler
This sprinkler pool mat is designed to allow toddlers to enjoy waterwork play in the safety of their yard. The outer edge of the mat fills up with water with holes that force the water to shoot out of them into the center section of the mat like a sprinkler system. Little ones can run on and off of the mat or wade in the shallow pool that the middle of the mat provides.
What we love
- Designed with non-slip textures to help avoid injury
- Large enough for 2 to 3 toddlers to play inside at a time
What We Don't Like That Much
- May wear and tear over time if placed on a rough surface
5Lydaz Pipe Bath Toys with Fun Widgets
This bath pipe is designed to provide toddlers with an educational experience even in the bathtub. It includes 11 pieces, and each part of the pipe provides a different type of water play that can be controlled by the three heart-shaped valves positioned throughout the pipe.
What we love
- Has three suckers on the back of the pipe that attach to most bathroom tiles
- Amazing water pressure
What We Don't Like That Much
- Quite large, so it may not fit inside smaller tubs
6Fishing Games with 2 Fish Pole 6
This fishing game is designed to provide toddlers with a game that can help them learn to enjoy taking a bath. It comes with two fishing poles and six brightly colored fish that float in the water. When squeezed under the water, the fish take in the water and squirts it out through its adorable face.
What we love
- Designed for bathtubs, but it can be used outside in pools, as well
- Each fish is a different color with adorable faces
What We Don't Like That Much
- The fishing pole can be difficult for toddlers to get the hang of
7Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
This shower splash pond water table is designed to get toddlers interested in healthy water play. It has different features like a waterfall and the base of the table that acts like a pond for their favorite rubber ducky and friends. The table also comes with a 13-piece accessory kit that will promote more imaginative play for toddlers, including a rubber duck, a frog water squirter, and a bucket.
What we love
- Has a non-leak drain plug to ensure the water stays in
- Water wall activates an active maze of spinners
What We Don't Like That Much
- It needs to be drained after playing, without it being moved
8USA Toyz Llama Baby Pool Float
This llama baby pool float is designed to provide toddlers with a safe way to float around in water, without having to worry. Unlike other floats, this one has leg holes, which helps to stabilize the float, reducing the likelihood of it flipping over.
What we love
- Designed to be portable
- Has safety handles for the toddlers to grasp onto
What We Don't Like That Much
- Only includes one patch in case of holes
9Green Toys Rescue Boat with Helicopter
This playset is designed to be played with in and outside of the bathtub. It contains a rescue boat and a helicopter to allow toddlers to play rescue scenarios during their bath time. It is made from 100% recycled plastic that is non-toxic.
What we love
- Comes with two characters, Captain Duck and Pilot Bear
- Dishwasher safe
What We Don't Like That Much
- The boat will sink if pressed too far into the water
10Bunch O Balloons
Water balloons are an exhilarating outdoor game, and toddlers can learn how to throw and join in on other activities with the coolness of water splashing on them from balloons. This set comes with 420 self-sealing water balloons of various colors. You just have to hook them up to a faucet or water hose, and you can fill up to 100 water balloons in 60 seconds.
What we love
- Don't have to personally tie each water balloon after it is filled
- Can fill a group of balloons at once
What We Don't Like That Much
- They need to be used soon after being filled or they may leak
11"Green Toys Tide Pool Bath Set, Assorted
This bath set comes with a bucket and various shapes that toddlers can enjoy playing with in the bathtub. When they are done playing, all of the individual toys can be neatly placed back in the provided hand bucket.
What we love
- Designed with bright colors
- Toys are designed to look like different sea creatures
What We Don't Like That Much
- The bag is made of plastic, which can easily be torn if not careful
123 Bees & Me Bath Toys
This set of bath toys includes four separate brightly-colored magnet boats that are designed to float. Each boat is designed to look like a different type of traditional boat.
What we love
- Made from non-toxic plastic
- Each boat has a number on it to help with toddlers learning to count
What We Don't Like That Much
- Could use some sort of storage container for when they are not being used
13Flashing Colourful LED Light Shower Bathtime
These small light-up toys are designed to be played with inside and outside of water, which helps to make them a quality choice for toddlers. Each pack comes with eight different characters, and each character lights up. They are made from non-toxic material and are fully-sealed to make them waterproof.
What we love
- Each character uses its owns battery
- Perfectly sized for toddler’s hands
What We Don't Like That Much
- The batteries are difficult to change when they die
14Crayola Color Bath Dropz
With these bath drops, toddlers can enjoy playing in a tub filled with water colored with their favorite colors. These tablets are fragrance-free and non-toxic, which is perfect for toddlers.
What we love
- Comes with 60 tablets
- Tear-free
What We Don't Like That Much
- The tablets do contain some color ingredients that some toddlers might be allergic to
15Alex Bath ABC Stickers in the Tub
These bath stickers can help toddlers learn their alphabet in a unique way. The set contains 26 stickers, one for each letter of the alphabet. They are made from a non-toxic foam that sticks to the wall of the bathtub when wet.
What we love
- Designed in different colors and patterns
- Comes with a handy fishnet storage bag
What We Don't Like That Much
- Can be ripped if not careful with the stickers
