20 Best Water Toys for Toddlers That’ll Make a Splash This Summer

We’re big fans of Green Toys—and their outdoor toys are a perfect example of why. This seven-piece set, made from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs, is super-cute and practical. Each sea-themed design interacts with and pours water in a different way. Plus, the palm-sized water toys are designed for little hands and can be packed away into the seaweed-patterned storage bag when it’s time to head home.

Age rating: 6+ months

Okay, so this next pick isn’t technically a water toy. However, beach balls are a classic toddler beach toy, so we figured they’ve earned a spot on this list. Each of these four inflatable balls has a knobbly texture that’ll fascinate toddlers. Bring them on summer excursions for a kickaround, a game of catch or to splash around in the water.

Age rating: 6+ months

Next up on our list of the best water toys for toddlers is this handy pop-up pool. The portable design can be brought to the beach and assembled or taken down in a matter of seconds. No mess, no fuss. Better yet, it comes with a built-in UV-protected sun canopy to keep your little one safe when the weather heats up. Bonus: This multifunctional toy can also be used as a ball pit or a sandbox.

Age rating: 9+ months

Engage your kid’s senses with this cute cloud plaything. This sensory pool toy for toddlers is simple yet effective (not to mention fun). Little ones will love plunging it into the water to fill it up, before lifting it out to make it rain. Bonus: It works as a bath toy too!

Age rating: 2+ years

Babies and toddlers love repetition, meaning they’re fascinated by toys they can fill and stack. That’s why we’ve included these clever floating boats on our list of the best water toys for toddlers. Each of these six boats has holes at the top, perfect for scooping, sifting and sprinkling water and sand. Plus, they can even be linked together and feature numbers to nurture developmental skills as your tot plays.

Age rating: 4+ months

Looking for playthings that are cheap and cheerful? Consider this scuba swimming toy. When your kid pulls the diver’s headlamp, its fins will flap as he swims underwater. As well as encouraging hand-eye coordination, this toy will spark little kids’ imaginations as they dream about diving in the deep blue sea.

Age rating: 18+ months

No water toys roundup would be complete without a standout water table. This parent-approved pick has thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. The interactive table is full of ramps, sprinklers, buckets and maze pieces for your little one to discover. Your tot will love creating waterfalls over and over again, teaching them about cause and effect. While this pick probably won’t be joining you on your trips to the beach or pool, this water toy is sure to be a backyard favorite!

Age rating: 18+ months

Splash pads are a great choice for younger tots who love to splash, of course! Get ready for plenty of smiles from your little one as they play with the sprinkler features and sit in the shallow pool. This water toy can be enjoyed by toddlers who are 12 months or older and can even accommodate multiple kiddos at once. Another cute detail: It features animal illustrations and the letters of the alphabet, so your curious kiddo can learn as they play.

Age rating: 12+ months

If you’re searching for a backyard water toy, you can’t go wrong with this pick from Melissa & Doug. Just attach it to your hose and watch as water bursts out of the colorful flower design. This versatile plaything can be enjoyed by several children at once and is crafted from durable materials to withstand plenty of summers to come.

Age rating: 3 to 5 years old

You may be familiar with toddler pool floats, but you’ve probably never seen one as stylish as this! The classic inner tube is given a luxe update in this golf cart-style floatie. Your little one will love cruising around in this water toy as they steer the inflatable wheel—and you’ll love how it offers shade and is equipped with air safety valves for added protection. There’s also an adult-sized option for the ultimate matching moment.

Age rating: 12 to 36 months old

This fishing set is one of the best water toys for toddlers we’ve seen. It comes with a fishing rod, a net, two scoop toys and three floating squirt toys. Phew! All that for under $12? Now that’s a bargain.

Age rating: 3+ years

Some of the best pool toys for toddlers are the simplest. Take this modern bucket, for instance. The ergonomic pail is perfect for scooping, carrying and pouring water, and has an easy-to-hold handle that was designed with tiny hands in mind. This clever design even features a detachable bottom tray that can be taken out to sift sand, hold seashells or sprinkle water—how fun!

Age rating: N/A

Watermelons are a refreshing staple of summer, and this one is no exception. The inflatable fruit-shaped water toy easily connects to any hose for tons of sprinkler fun. Expect plenty of smiles and giggles as your kiddo runs through the water spray jets.

Age rating: 3+ years

This water toy for toddlers is simply fantastic. As your toddler pours water through the whimsical tower, the funnel and gears will tip and spin. Trust us, your little one will be mesmerized. This vibrant design would also work well with sand, making it a great beach companion for little learners.

Age rating: 18+ months

Bring these stack-and-pour buckets on your next vacation for guaranteed fun in the sun. Kids will love the colorful characters painted on the buckets, just as much as the three different sprinkle features. Meanwhile, parents will appreciate the fact that the buckets can be stacked inside one another for easy transportation. Water toys for toddlers that you can bring along anywhere? Sign us up.

Age rating: 9+ months

While this water toy is intended for the tub, we have no doubt your little one will have fun with it outside. The play set is inspired by the cult-favorite teether, Sophie la Girafe, and comes with a splash board and squirting boat. Your tot will light up as they use the water to uncover a colorful scene on the board. This pick is especially great for younger toddlers.

Age rating: N/A

Pull toys aren’t just for the floor. Case in point: This pull-and-go water toy from Skip Hop. Your tot will learn about cause and effect as they tug the front of the submarine and watch the monkey zoom through the water. Better yet, for just $9, it’s an affordable kiddie pool toy to boot.

Age rating: 12+ months

If your kiddo is a big fan of STEM-inspired playthings, then this water toy set is sure to be a hit. Technically they’re meant for the tub, but they could just as easily be played with at a water table or in a pool. The multi-colored pipes come in various shapes and sizes, allowing your tot to create waterfalls to their heart’s content.

Age rating: 12 months to 2 years old

Mini boats are classic water toys for kids. Your toddler will have a ball filling the hull of this tugboat up with water and pouring it out the front spout. Plus, it has a convenient handle, making it easy to carry to whatever destination you have in mind. Another standout feature: The durable design is made entirely of recycled milk jugs.

Age rating: 6 months to 3 years old

Last but not least on our list of the best water toys for kids is this glow-in-the-dark playset. Watch your little one “light” up as they discover how these cool cubes glow when placed in water. Each plaything even has a silly face that’s sure to make your tot giggle.

Age rating: 3+ years