When the summer sun is blazing, there’s no better way for kids to cool off than with a backyard sprinkler. These playful water toys turn any yard into an instant splash zone, encouraging active, screen-free fun and creating lasting memories. From classic spinning designs to innovative splash pads, the right sprinkler can provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages.
Choosing the perfect one depends on your space, your children’s ages, and the type of water play they enjoy most. To help you find the ideal match for your family, we’ve rounded up a variety of the top-rated and most entertaining kids’ sprinklers available. Get ready for a summer filled with laughter, running, and refreshing splashes.
Our Top Picks for Kids’ Summer Sprinklers
- Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler
- Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Flower Sprinkler
- Upgraded Splash Pad – 67 Inches
- Dramm ColorStorm Oscillating Sprinkler
- CoCoMelon Splash Pad, Outdoor Play Mat
- Little Tikes Giant Red Fire Hydrant Sprinkler
- BANZAI Sprinkle & Splash Play Mat
- Funblast Splash Pad Sprinkler for Kids
- Costway 68″ Inflatable Sprinkler Splash Pad
Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler
This dynamic sprinkler brings classic, high-energy fun to your backyard. Its six wiggle tubes create swirling geysers of water that spray high and wide as they spin. Kids can even give it a twirl to start a super water whirl, adding an interactive element to their play.
Lightweight and easy to set up, it connects directly to any standard garden hose for instant action. It’s built for hours of entertainment, allowing the whole family—pets included—to cool off together. This design also serves a dual purpose, providing fun for the kids while quietly watering the lawn.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Pretty Petals Flower Sprinkler
Add a cheerful, whimsical touch to water play with this colorful flower sprinkler. It features 12 durable flower petals that spray water in every direction, creating a vibrant splash zone for kids to run, jump, and dance through. The sturdy base keeps the flowers upright during active play.
It connects quickly to a standard garden hose, making setup simple. This sprinkler is designed to promote motor skills and coordination through active, screen-free fun. Its bright and friendly design encourages imaginative play and adds a decorative element to your garden or yard.
Upgraded Splash Pad – 67 Inches
This large 67-inch splash pad is a versatile water play center for kids and pets. It functions as a non-slip sprinkler mat that provides continuous water activity, combining the best parts of a fountain and a splash zone. Its size makes it ideal for group play.
As an inflatable mat, it’s a space-saving and often more affordable alternative to traditional kiddie pools. It’s designed for various ages, from toddlers to older children, and is even popular for dogs to enjoy. Simply inflate, connect to a hose, and enjoy a refreshing backyard water party.
Dramm ColorStorm Premium Metal Brass Nozzle Jets Sprinkler
For families who want a sprinkler that doubles as a serious lawn irrigation tool, the Dramm ColorStorm is a robust choice. It features 18 heavy-duty brass nozzle jets that provide even water distribution over a large area, covering up to 3,000 square feet.
Its adjustable range and spray control allow you to customize the water pattern and distance, making it efficient for watering specific zones. While it’s a high-performance tool for the garden, its wide, gentle oscillating spray also creates a fantastic rain-like curtain for kids to play in.
CoCoMelon Splash Pad, Outdoor Play Mat
Fans of the popular show will be thrilled with this 48-inch splash pad featuring a bright watermelon and ladybug design. The vibrant colors and familiar theme make outdoor water play extra engaging for young children. It’s a perfect kid-sized water toy for cooling off.
This mat encourages active outdoor play, letting kids splash, slide, and cool down for hours. It’s an excellent way to motivate little ones to get outside and move. The compact size is great for smaller yards or patios while still providing plenty of space for fun.
PoolCandy Little Tikes Giant Red Fire Hydrant Sprinkler
This inflatable sprinkler makes a big impression, standing three feet tall as a classic red fire hydrant. Its commanding presence sparks imaginative play, letting kids pretend to be firefighters saving the day while they cool off.
It features multiple spray zones from different locations on the hydrant, which is perfect for keeping a group of children entertained and cool. Setup is straightforward: simply inflate the unit, connect your garden hose, and it’s ready for action in minutes.
BANZAI 54In-Diameter Sprinkle & Splash Play Mat
The BANZAI play mat offers a simple, effective, and gentle water play experience. This 54-inch diameter mat fills with a shallow layer of water and features a central sprinkler that sprays gentle showers, perfect for toddlers and younger children.
It easily attaches to any garden hose and provides a soft, cushioned surface for kids to sit, crawl, or play on. The gentle sprays are inviting and not overwhelming, making it an ideal first sprinkler or splash pad for little ones who are new to water play.
Funblast Splash Pad Sprinkler for Kids
Funblast offers a popular line of splash pads designed for energetic outdoor fun. These mats typically feature colorful designs and multiple water spray jets that create an exciting play area. They are built to be durable and provide a safe, non-slip surface for running and playing.
Easy to set up by connecting to a standard hose, Funblast splash pads are a great way to create an instant water park in your backyard. They cater to various age groups and are known for providing hours of active entertainment during hot summer days.
Costway 68″ Inflatable Sprinkler Splash Pad Water Park Play Mat
For the ultimate backyard water attraction, the Costway 68-inch inflatable splash pad is a fantastic option. This large play mat often includes various interactive features like spray arches, water jets, and a central sprinkler, mimicking a mini water park.
Its substantial size allows multiple children to play together, sliding and splashing in the water. As an inflatable product, it’s easy to store when not in use. It provides a comprehensive water play experience that can keep kids cool and entertained for entire afternoons.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Kids’ Sprinkler
When the sun is blazing and the kids are bouncing off the walls, a good sprinkler can be a total game-changer. But not all sprinklers are created equal. I’ve spent more summers than I can count testing these things in my own backyard, and I’ve learned a few key things to look for before you buy. Getting it right means hours of fun; getting it wrong means a soggy mess and disappointed faces.
First, think about age and interest. For toddlers and younger kids, simple is best. Look for low-to-the-ground sprinklers with gentle sprays, like cute animal shapes or basic arches. They’re less intimidating and the water pressure won’t knock a little one over. For older, more energetic kids, you want something that encourages active play. Think sprinklers with tunnels to run through, splash pads with multiple features, or ones that shoot unpredictable streams for a fun dodgeball-style game.
Next up is setup and water use. My personal rule is: if it takes longer to set up than the kids will play with it, it’s not worth it. The best kids’ sprinklers for summer are often the ones you just unroll, attach to a hose, and turn on. No pumps, no complicated assemblies. Also, consider your water bill. Some sprinklers, especially large splash mats, use a ton of water continuously. Others, like ones with intermittent spray patterns or that recycle water into a small pool area, can be more efficient.
Durability is huge. You’re going to be dragging this thing across the lawn, leaving it in the sun, and it’s going to get jumped on. Check the material – thick, reinforced PVC or heavy-duty vinyl usually lasts longer than thin plastic. Look at the seams and hose connections; these are the first spots to split. A good sprinkler should survive more than one season.
Finally, don’t forget the fun factor and space. Does it just sit there, or does it create an experience? Some sprinklers have hoops to jump through, slides, or even attachable water balloons. And measure your yard! A giant splash pad is awesome, but not if it covers your entire grassy area. Make sure you have a flat, open spot away from decks or windows. Picking from the list of the 9 best kids’ sprinklers for summer is easier when you match these features to what your family actually needs for a cool, hilarious, and splash-tastic season.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age are kids’ sprinklers appropriate?
Most sprinklers are great for kids who are steady on their feet, usually around 18 months to 2 years old and up. For the littlest ones, always choose a sprinkler with very soft, low water pressure and supervise them closely. As kids get older, you can introduce more interactive and high-energy sprinkler designs.
Can I use a kids’ sprinkler on a patio or deck?
You can, but you need to be careful. Constant water on wood decks can cause damage or make surfaces slippery. Concrete patios are better suited. The best option is often a dedicated “splash pad” style mat, which holds a shallow layer of water and is designed for flat, hard surfaces. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.
How much water pressure do I need for a good sprinkler?
Standard residential water pressure from your garden hose is usually just fine for most models. In fact, many are designed specifically for it. If your pressure is very low, some larger sprinklers with multiple features might not work at their peak. High pressure isn’t always better, as it can make the spray too harsh for small children. If pressure is a concern, look for simple, single-spray ring or arch models.
Are there sprinklers that don’t waste a lot of water?
Yes! If you’re water-conscious, look for sprinklers that have an “off” switch or a pause feature on the hose itself, so you can stop the flow easily. Sprinklers that create a contained pool or splash pad area typically use less water than those that spray continuously over a large zone. Also, models with adjustable spray patterns let you control the output.
What’s the easiest type of sprinkler to set up and store?
In my experience, the classic expanding hose-ring sprinklers or simple arch styles are the winners for ease. You literally just stretch them out, connect the hose, and you’re done. When playtime is over, they drain quickly and coil up for compact storage. Avoid anything with a lot of separate parts or a built-in battery pump if you want the simplest process.
How do I keep the area around the sprinkler from turning into a mud pit?
This is a classic summer problem! The key is rotation and timing. Don’t leave the sprinkler running in the exact same spot for hours every single day. Move it around your yard to give the grass a break. Also, try to run it earlier in the day so the sun has time to dry the grass before evening. If you’re dealing with a particularly muddy spot, placing the sprinkler on a large, flat splash mat can help contain the water and protect the lawn underneath, making your search for the perfect one of the 9 best kids’ sprinklers for summer even more important for lawn care.