You ask any kid whether they’d rather stay cool with a kiddie pool or a water sprinkler this summer, and, well, they’re going to tell you they want a pool. A sprinkler—even a fun sprinkler made for kids—doesn’t quite cut it for water games like We’re Mermaids, And We’ve Been Kidnapped! and Mom, Watch This! Watch this, Mom!

But I’m putting my foot down this year and going with sprinklers, because keeping the kiddie pool water clean is a beeeotch for someone who procrastinates and then stress-ignores as much as I do.

Plus, last year the kid swam exactly three times because it was either “too hot to swim” or her “legs hurt” or she was “too tired” or she “didn’t feel like getting wet.” So the pool looked like this on any given day:

So this summer, we’re going with the second-best thing for cooling down on a hot day: A super-fun backyard sprinkler setup. It’s a “plug + play + store-away” option, and I love that for myself.

What are the best sprinklers for kids to run through?

There are lots of different types of fun water sprinklers for kids, so the best one for yours depends on their age, personality, energy level, comfort around water, and whether they prefer the Beatles or the Rolling Stones. I’ve included backyard splash pads, slip ‘n slides, and sprinklers in this list. You know what your kid likes!

In case you’re new to this whole backyard waterpark thing or need a refresher, here are the overarching features of each type:

Water splash pads are basically play mats with sprinklers built in. They usually have a water- or air-filled border that keeps an inch or two of water on the mat for splashing fun. Little kids LOVE them—and so do some dogs (but do trim Fido’s nails first if they’re all sharp ‘n’ gnarly.)

Sprinklers include the hard plastic varieties that sit low to the ground, larger inflatable sprinklers anchored by stakes or a heavy base, and trampoline sprinklers that attach to the net frame with zip ties. Just plug ‘em into in the hose, set ‘em up, and turn on the water.

Slip and slides are long, narrow, and made of slippery PVC. They usually have water jets along the inflatable or water-filled bumpers to keep the entire length of the slide wet. They’re like splash pads for the big kids—including adults, who also go nuts for a slip ‘n slide. Most slip ‘n slides come with at least one inflatable body board, and some have an inflatable bumper or shallow pool at the end to (maybe) bring the slider to a (somewhat) gentle stop (depending on how hell-bent they are on breaking speed records.) 

Babies to Boomers: Sprinklers for kids of all ages

I’ve plumbed the depths of Amazon in search of the perfect sprinkler for our backyard setup, and WOW, there are a lot of choices. So if you’re also in the market, read on—I’ve done our due diligence (I do love a deep dive) and sussed out a selection of the best sprinklers for kids of various ages.

Every sprinkler option I’ve included here has a rating of at least four stars at the time of publication. If you click on a link, I may make a small commission—you can read more about that here!

And now, I present to you 24 super fun sprinklers for kids of all ages, from babies to Boomers. 

Backyard splash pads for babies & toddlers

Water splash pads provide a fun, safe place for even the tiniest littles to cool off in the summer heat. Control the height and pressure of these sprinklers at the spigot.

1. Baby splash pad (Zen Laboratory)

This darlin’ baby splash pad is BPA- and phthalate-free. It measures 68” in diameter and features 20 nozzles that send water gently upwards and inwards. A one-inch, inflatable ring around the pad holds a small amount of water for splashing fun. 

2. Sprinkle Friends play mat (Banzai)

Another fun splash pad for kids, this 58” x 42” water play mat has a water-filled border with jets that spray out gentle streams of water. Four friendly, interactive sea creatures—a turtle, a starfish, and two fish-fish—also spray water out of their mouths, an extra-fun touch for curious babies! 

3. Extra-large splash pad (Hyperzoo)

This awesome, super-long splash pad comes in three sizes: 74”, 86”, and 90” in diameter, with water jets all the way around. Its 0.5mm-thick PVC and reinforced bottom makes it pretty dog-proof, so the canines of the house can get in on the fun. 

4. 3-in-1 splash pad (SplashEZ)

This little backyard splash pad is extra-fun for kids who are starting to recognize animals or letters. While your littles splash around, help them develop early literacy skills—have them point out letters or animals (and ask them what sound each animal makes!) SplashEZ also sells this splash pad with a set of waterproof flash cards your whippersnappers can match to the pics on the pad. 

5. Non-slip sprinkler mat (VISTOP)

This non-slip splash pad comes in five sizes, ranging from 57 inches for fewer, smaller kids to 97 inches that’ll accommodate the whole neighborhood. The textured material helps prevent slipping—which is great for babies and toddlers but not as fun for older kids who live to slide across surfaces.

Wiggle tube sprinklers for kids 3 and up

In case you don’t know, wiggle tubes are exactly what they sound like—tubes that wiggle when water moves through them. Think of the wavy inflatable man at your local car dealership—that’s what wiggle tubes do. Wiggle tubes can be super long or fairly short, and they’re way more fun to run through than your run-of-the-mill static garden sprinkler, since you never know where they’re going to spray!

6. Sunny Patch Splash Patrol sprinkler (Melissa & Doug)

I can get behind anything from Melissa & Doug, with its commitment to eco-friendly packaging and planting 10 million trees by 2030. This fun kids’ sprinkler features twelve cute wiggle worms that flail about when the water sprays out of their cute little wiggle worm hats. 

7. HydroSwirl spinning sprinkler (TIDAL STORM)

The HydroSwirl’s six wiggle tubes dance and twirl, shooting streams of water high and wide in all directions. The water-powered spinning dome at the top sends water straight up in a double-helix shape, so it’s also a great tool for introducing your kids to the concept of DNA. (Or not.)

8. Rotating turtle sprinkler (Chuchik)

This turtle-shaped toddler sprinkler features six brightly colored wiggle tubes that jiggle around as the water moves through—depending on your water pressure, the spray can reach as high as eight feet.

9. Octopus sprinkler (SAMTOP)

Featuring eight wiggle tubes, this octopus-shaped sprinkler sprays water in every direction while a fountain of water shoots straight up from the rotating top of the octopus’s head. When the kids are done splashing, the wiggle tubes fold under and secure to the bottom of the sprinkler to keep things contained for easy storage.

Inflatable water sprinklers

Inflatable sprinklers aren’t as durable as their hard-plastic counterparts, but boy, do they offer an extra layer of super-soaky fun. Most of them come with a patch kit just in case the durable PVC is no match for your rough-n-tumble monsters. You can blow some of these up with your own lung air, but it’s sooooo much easier to just spring for a hand air pump or an inexpensive electric air pump and skip the numb lips and dizzy spells.

10. Snake sprinkler (Splashin’kids)

This inflatable snake sprinkler is 91” long and sprays out water from along the entire length of its body, creating lots of space for a crowd of kids to get their fair share of wet without tripping all over one another.

11. Inflatable beach ball sprinkler (Toyvian)

Measuring 31” in diameter, this durable beach ball sprinkler features a heavy, water-filled base to keep it anchored while the little ‘uns run around it and climb over it like maniacs. Jets around the circumference spray water in all directions.

12. Ginormous inflatable unicorn sprinkler (Jasonwell)

This gigantic, eye-popping unicorn sprinkler sprays water out of its horn. It’s available in two sizes—large (82” long x 65” tall) and XXXL (106” long x 80” tall.) This thing is HUGE and comes with four stakes to keep it securely attached to the ground so it doesn’t go flying around the neighborhood in a squall. 

Water slip and slides

If your kids have a need for speed, look no further than the slip ‘n slide for daring water adventures. With a running start and an inflatable body board, your younguns will splash down the slide at thrilling velocities. Install a slip ‘n slide on a flat spot in the yard, or put it on a gently sloping hill to maximize acceleration.

13. Three-lane slip ‘n slide (Jambo)

This slippery 16’-long water slide features three racing lanes and comes with three inflatable body boards for the speed demons in your brood. Since the best slip ‘n slide is a long slip ‘n slide, there’s also a 20’ option. Both models feature jets that spray water down the entire length of the slide, which culminates in a bumper pad for a soft(ish?) landing.

14. Extra-long slip and slide with two-lanes (stargo)

This extra-long backyard slip and slide comes with two body boards and is available in two lengths. The 18’ model features a colorful undersea theme, with clownfish-shaped body boards and a splash pool at the end. The 25’ model is a quieter red-and-blue version with no splash pool. Each slide comes with stakes to secure it to the ground.

15. Jumbo 50-foot water slide (BACKYARD BLAST)

Some might call this behemoth an adult slip and slide, but who are we kidding? This giant slip ‘n slide is 50’ long and 10’ wide—and it comes in an even longer, 75’ x 12’ model. Both options include ground stakes and one inflatable body board (you can purchase additional body boards separately.) Neither has built-in water jets, so you’ll have to set up external sprinklers—pick up a 3- or 4-way hose splitter to easily hook up a few sprinklers to a single spigot for the fullest coverage. You can also purchase a separate splash zone so sliders have something to look forward to at the end of the ride. 

16. Grand Slam baseball slip and slide (Banzai)

Unlike water slides that are one long run, this baseball diamond slip ‘n slide features four 14’-long sides and bases in each corner. Water sprays from holes along the rail all the way around to keep the entire sliding surface wet and slippery. The slide comes with a lightweight bat and ball for epic slip ‘n slide baseball games, plus ground stakes to keep it in place. 

Trampoline water sprinklers

Have a trampoline? What about a trampoline with sprinklers? That’s right—just add water to make an even bigger splash. Trampoline sprinklers come in a few different styles and installation types, but they all ramp up the jumping fun by at least 10 factors.

17. Trampoline sprinkler hose (JOYIN ) 

Attach this trampoline sprinkler hose all the way around the top of the trampoline’s net frame with the included zip ties. It sprays water from all directions, making for a wet ‘n’ wild jumping party. It comes in two lengths—33 feet and 49 feet—to fit large and small trampolines.

18. Rotating trampoline sprinkler (STFLY)

Three spinning arms at the top of this rotating trampoline sprinkler contain three jets each, which spray water across the entirety of a 30-foot trampoline. Attach the long sprinkler pole to the net frame of your trampoline with the included zip ties.

19. WaterWall trampoline sprinkler (ThrillZoo)

Use the included zip ties to attach this trampoline water wall tube vertically to the net frame with the jets pointing toward the center of the trampoline. Water sprays out from several jets, but they have a shorter reach so that the kids have a “dry zone” to jump in without getting sprayed.

Sprinkler toys & games

For kids who want their sprinkler time to be extra-extra, go for a bells-and-whistles approach—choose a sprinkler that’s also a toy or a game, like these cool options.

20. Sprinkler rocket launcher (Dylleucy)

This awesome rocket launch sprinkler toy is a blast. The rocket is super-soft and lightweight and comes with stickers so the kids can decorate it before sending it into space—well, the first 6 to 15 feet or so of it, anyway. The base shoots water straight upwards, propelling the rocket into the air, rotating and shooting water out of its nose. If the conditions (wind and water pressure) are right, the rocket will hover up there indefinitely.

21. Inflatable cactus ring-toss sprinkler (Boogem)

This ring-toss cactus sprinkler is an interactive game that also cools them off. It stands 47’ high when it’s inflated and sprays water in all directions from the top of the main trunk. It comes with four inflatable rings for the kids to toss over the cactus’s arms. 

22. Sprinkle ‘n’ splash tunnel sprinkler (Banzai)

This sweet sprinkler tunnel is 6’ long and 18” in diameter, perfect for little kids—and for big ones who want to belly-crawl through it! Made of durable polyester fabric, it’s lightweight and collapsible—set it up in just a couple of minutes. Attach the hose, and water sprays into the tunnel from the ceiling and outside the tunnel from jets on the top of the exterior. 

Sprinkler-pool hybrids

These fun sprinkler splash pools have it all: depth, breadth, jets—and a little extra something special up their sleeves. 

23. Splash pad pool (Apfity)

This watermelon-motif kiddie splash pool is a little deeper than a splash pad and features water jets all the way around the perimeter. Plus, a large … protrusion … sprays out water from a few feet above the surface of the pool. The kids can manipulate the … protrusion … to aim the water wherever they want it to go—likely straight into the eyeball of Little Brother, amiright?

24. Inflatable Play Center with Slide (Evajoy)

Available in six sizes and styles, this inflatable pool-splash pad-sprinkler is an interactive soaking sensation, whether you choose the Coconut Cool—featuring two pool sections, a slide, an inflatable overhead water jet, and a mess of floating balls—or the Classic Basketball, which comes with an inflatable ball and has a built-in basket at one end that sprays out water to keep ‘em cool while they shoot hoops.

Tips for conserving water during sprinkler fun

Since water is a finite resource, the more we can do to conserve it, the better for everyone. But that doesn’t mean your kids can’t have all the sprinkler fun they desire this summer! These tips will help you reduce your water usage while maximizing the water you do use—all without ruining any of the fun.

• Kill two birds with one stone (or, as some prefer, ‘feed two birds with one scone’) and set up the sprinkler where you have grass or plants that need watering. 

• If the kids are running through the sprinklers unsupervised, teach them to turn off the water the moment they move on to another activity. 

• Turn the faucet to the lowest acceptable water pressure level. Toddlers and little kids don’t necessarily need the sprinkler spray to go super high—and they probably won’t notice (or care) if you keep it on the lower side.

• Keep the sprinklers off between 11am and 3pm, when more water is likely to evaporate—and when wet leaves and grass can burn under the strong rays of the sun.

Keep sprinkler safety top of mind

Sprinklers are generally safer than kiddie pools—but smaller kids still need adult supervision while playing in the sprinklers or on a splash pad. Here are a few other ways to help keep all kids safe while they slip, slide, and run through the sprinklers.

• Apply sunscreen to the kids liberally and often if the play area is in the sun (here’s how to pick the best sunscreen for your kids.)

• Remove sharp objects, like rocks, from the spot where you’ll put the sprinkler, splash pad, or slip ‘n slide. Got a dog? Here’s how to keep dog doo under control in the back yard

• Position a slip ‘n slide so that the kids won’t run into anything hard (like a tree) or sharp (like the cactus garden) if they overshoot (which they inevitably will.)

• Make sure you have plenty of basic first-aid supplies on hand in the event someone gets a nasty lawn burn (which someone inevitably will) when they do overshoot. 

Wanna make it even more fun? Here are some water balloon games the kids can play while they run through the sprinklers.

Happy summer, everyone!