The Best Sprinklers for Kids to Cool Off in the Summer Sun

Taylor Galla, Nina Bradley and Naima Karp

Sat, July 17, 2021 at 4:30 PM UTC

9 min read

The summer months are here and that means higher temperatures and more time entertaining your kids.

One surefire way to keep kids happy? Fun water playtime in the sun. If your house has a swimming pool, great for you. As for the rest of us, we need to find other ways to cool ourselves down and stay entertained this summer. How about a way that keeps the kids happy and keeps the lawn from drying out? You guessed it — a great sprinkler for kids is just the ticket for making this summer a fun one. Plus, while your kids are running around in the sprinkler for hours, you can relax inside with a book, magazine, or nice cold glass of lemonade — all while keeping a watchful eye, of course.

The best sprinklers for kids will keep your children entertained for hours and your garden nice and healthy. Plus, your dog can get in on the action and burn off some energy as well.

From basic sprayers to large inflatables, here are our absolute favorite sprinklers for kids to have major fun in the sun this summer.

1. SupMLC Lawn Sprinkler for Kids

BEST OVERALL

This lawn sprinkler system has a long spray distance, up to 32.8ft, with three different arms and a complete 360 rotation for efficient watering and maximum summer fun. This spreads out your kids’ play area and opens up more opportunities for games, activities, and more engaging playtime. This head will connect to any standard garden hose and uses less water to cool down your lawn and your family throughout the hot summer months. This sprinkler has two different modes you can choose between — a heavier spray for efficient lawn watering and a softer spritz for your kids to play in. Choose between the two based on your needs this summer and enjoy the flexibility.

Buy: SupMLC Automatic Lawn Sprinkler $7.99

2. Fun Splashers Fire Hydrant

BEST BUDGET OPTION

This sprinkler was made for smaller children as it’s got a gentle sprayer that can shoot up to 8ft. It spins around and sprays water everywhere and attaches easily to any garden hose. It only stands about 8in tall so it’s not hard to set up or put away and comes in three different fun color combinations.

Buy: Fun Splashers Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant $12.99

3. Teamson Kids Pirate Boat Inflatable Sprinkler

BEST INFLATABLE

There will surely be tons of fun in the sun with this inflatable pirate boat sprinkler for kids. This inflatable blows up and features a sprinkler in the cannon, allowing your children to let their imaginations run wild. This product comes complete with a cannon, a mast, a rudder, a sword, two balls, and an anchor for unforgettable playtime with family and friends.

Buy:

Teamson Kids Inflatable Pirate Boat Sprinkler
$119.00

4. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sprinkler Toy

BEST FOR SMALLER CHILDREN

You know the old squirting flower trick? This sprinkler has 12 of them that each squirt water, creating a refreshing summer backyard play area. This sprinkler system may look dainty but it was constructed with durable materials for outdoor use so your kids will enjoy playing outside and appreciating the outdoors this summer. It’s a small apparatus designed for children ages three and up, so it’s gentle and fun enough for smaller children and older kids alike.

Buy: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sprinkler $12.79

5. PoolCandy Giant T-Rex Sprinkler

AN OVERSIZED OPTION

Your kids will be purely amazed at the massive size of this T-Rex sprinkler. This inflatable stands at 6 feet tall and is the perfect addition to any backyard party or play day. It’s ultra-easy to use: simply inflate, connect your garden hose, and allow the fun to begin as water sprays from the T-Rex’s mouth.

Buy:

PoolCandy Giant T-Rex Sprinkler
$59.99

6. Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Sprinkler Toy

MOST POWERFUL SPRINKLER

This sprinkler for kids creates a tidal storm of water for cooling off during the summer months. The colorful design will liven up your backyard and the six wiggle tubes will shoot water out of your standard garden hose easily, creating a fun area for your kids to run and jump through. It’s designed for kids ages four and up, so it’s still suitable for younger and older kids alike. All six wiggle tubes also connect to a central base so it’s easy to set up and put away after you’re done.

Buy: Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Sprinkler Toy $15.99

7. ThrillZoo Trampoline Waterpark Sprinkler Hose

BEST FOR TRAMPOLINES

If you already have a trampoline in your backyard you know how hot it can get in the summertime. What if you turned it into a trampoline waterpark? Your kids could jump, slip, slide and cool off all at once with the ThrillZoo Trampoline Waterpark Sprinkler Hose. Simply hook up the hose to the outside of your trampoline and rig it through your straight, curved, angled or arch poles and you’re in business. The system is made of durable, UV-protected material that’ll last for years to come. Plus, the sprinkler system lowers the temperature of the trampoline by up to 25 degrees! The hose goes on the outside of the trampoline so it’s still safe for children, and there’s a safe zone at the trampoline opening so they can get on and off safely.

Buy: ThrillZoo Trampoline Waterpark Sprinkler Hose $30.95

8. Teamson Kids Water Fun Castle Pool With Sprinkler

BEST POOL AND SPRINKLER COMBO

Your kids are sure to feel like king or queen of the castle once they lay eyes on this massive sprinkler castle. Shaped like a large castle, this inflatable pool comes equipped with water sprinklers and two beach balls for a splashing good time that no kid is ever going to forget.

Buy:

Teamson Kids Water Fun Castle Pool With Sprinkler

9. Obuby Sprinkle & Splash Play Mat

BEST SPLASHPAD

Skip the crowd at your local playground’s splash pad and recreate one in your own backyard by hooking this up to your hose, creating a spray that reaches 68’ high. It’s made from BPA- and phthalate-free materials that are 30% thicker than inflatable toys from competitors, ensuring that no cracks or tears occur. Water pressure can be adjusted so that it sprays higher or lowers, and the toy is appropriate for a wide range of ages.

Buy: Obuby Sprinkle & Splash Play Mat $13.99

10. CHUCHIK Outdoor Water Spray Sprinkler for Kids and Toddlers

BEST WITH WIGGLE TUBES

Younger kids and toddlers will love this cute turtle sprinkler which comes complete with wiggle tubes and splashes up to 8 feet high. With spinning features and six colorful tubes, this will turn your backyard into a waterpark for tots. Leaks are prevented thanks to a Rubber O ring. Even before you plug this guy into your hose, he’ll be your kid’s new best friend.

Buy: CHUCHIK Outdoor Water Spray Sprinkler for Kids and Toddlers $14.97

11. Glorden Garden Sprinklers with Gentle Water Flow

MOST VERSATILE

This works as a functional backyard sprinkler for adults and a fun, flower-shaped water toy for kids, making it essential for the whole family. The gentle water flow is child-friendly, and though it covers a small amount of space, this sprinkler shoots out up to 30 x 30 feet of water. It has a circular spray pattern that provides entertainment for kids and pets alike, but some users wish that the device was a little heavier, which would help it lay on grass flatter.

Buy: Glorden Garden Sprinklers with Gentle Water Flow $18.99

12. ENJSD Large Inflatable Rainbow Arch Sprinkler

BEST FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES OR GATHERINGS

If you’re looking for more of a statement piece to entertain a group of children, this large rainbow arch sprinkler for kids will get the job done. Made from PVC, this rainbow isn’t easy to scratch, so you don’t have to worry about leaks or deflation. Even if an accident does happen, it comes with a patch kit to deal with punctures. Unlike other inflatable sprinklers, this low-maintenance model is stable and doesn’t easily topple over. It’s easy to set up, but we still recommend using an electric air pump.

Buy: ENJSD Large Inflatable Rainbow Arch Sprinkler $28.26

13. BigMouth Inc. Ginormous Inflatable Green Dinosaur Yard Summer Sprinkler

ANOTHER OPTION FOR DINOSAUR LOVERS

Everyone knows someone obsessed with dinosaurs, and sometimes, figurines just don’t cut it. This inflatable dinosaur sprinkler for kids by BigMouth inflates quickly into an oversized T-rex, transforming your backyard into Jurassic Park. Whether a heatwave or a family reunion is going down, everyone will be entertained by this addition to any patio, deck, or backyard. It includes stakes so that you can anchor it to the ground with ease, even if it’s windy out.

Buy: BigMouth Inc. Ginormous Inflatable Green Dinosaur Yard Summer Sprinkler $59.99

14. ROYPOUTA Inflatable Backyard Rocket Water Sprinkler For Kids

BEST FOR FUTURE ASTRONAUTS

Do you have a little NASA lover in your family? Then consider this ROYPOUTA Inflatable water sprinkler for kids that blows up into a backyard rocket and shoots water out of the top. For anyone with an imagination who happens to be obsessed with space, the possibilities for this rocket ship are endless and will draw all the kids from around the neighborhood. Buyers mentioned that it was bigger than they thought it would be and that the spray was strong, even with low water pressure.

Buy: ROYPOUTA Inflatable Backyard Rocket Water Sprinkler For Kids $29.99

15. Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler

BEST SPRINKLER IN A SAFE SHAPE

If you’re worried about pointy bits and other parts of your sprinkler hurting your child, this beach ball sprinkler for kids by Little Tikes, a recipient of the Parents’ Choice Award, is a fool-proof option. It’s round, tot-friendly, and appropriate for ages three and up. This innovative toy combines wild water play with beach ball fun, letting you bring the shore to your backyard. One mom even says that it holds up to the antics of her daughter, who “tries to pop it every day.”

Buy: Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler $39.98

16. Inflatable Baby Splash Mat with Backrest & Stackable Rings

BEST FOR BABIES

If your child is younger than toddler age and you’re nervous about them hurting themselves during water play, look no further than this inflatable baby splash mat. This mat features a built-in backrest and entertaining stacking rings that help teach coordination and motor skills. Your bundle of joy will be comfortably entertained for hours thanks to this engaging design that’s best for ages six to 18 months. If you don’t have a pool, this is an effective way to introduce your child to water in a controlled space.

Buy: Inflatable Baby Splash Mat with Backrest & Stackable Rings $23.99

17. GoFloats Giant Inflatable Elephant Sprinkler

BEST ANIMAL THEMED

Did you know that elephants represent good luck and protection in many cultures? Besides, what could be more fun than a massive five-foot elephant hanging out in your backyard? The shape of the trunk and resulting stream also make this a good method of getting your child to bathe, minus the tantrum. It also features a new rapid valve that allows for way speedier inflation and deflation. Simply fill the base to secure, and inflate. This is a quintessential piece of backyard gear for cooling off during the summer.