6 Best Exciting Water Sprinklers for Kids — Your Little Ones Will Love Spending Time Outside!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 29, 2023
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How to escape the intense summer heat with a bit of fun? Find the best sprinkler for kids possible. Why use a boring old hose or outdated sprinkler when just a few dollars can get you a fun toy that will occupy your kids for hours? Made to produce various streams of water that will quickly cool down anyone, sprinklers are a necessity to beat the summer heat. And as a bonus, you get to water your garden as well.

We’ve pored through the options on the market and found the six best sprinklers for kids. They are a mix of bright colors and water options. We did find one to be a cut above the rest, in the form of the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler. This is our Editor’s Pick, and it’s no surprise why. Made from durable ABS plastic, in the shape of, you guessed it, a fire hydrant, this sprinkler is meant for business. Not only does splash out of its head, but it can also spout streams of water 8 feet into the air. This sprinkler is perfect for keeping kids entertained and cool.

The six sprinklers that we think are the best are explained in more detail below including their pros and cons. We have also put together a buying guide that explains all the features to look for in a sprinkler. You want to find a sprinkler that can survive more than just one summer, so pay close attention to all your options. There is also a section where we answer the most frequently asked questions. Summer should be all about fun. Why not incorporate a bit more water in the day with a sprinkler that will delight kids both young and old.

Quick Summary

Top 6 Sprinklers for Kids Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9859 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
Features
  • Recommended age: 3+
  • Material: ABS plastic
  • Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.2 x 4.21 inches

More features: can splash water to about 8 feet

Our Editor’s Choice for best water sprinkler for kids is the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler. It has a cute, whimsical design that kids will love. Recommended for kids ages 3 and over, this kids sprinkler can produce splashes of water up to 8 feet high. It is sure to entertain the whole neighborhood.

The setup for the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler is quite easy. Simply hook up the hose to the side of the hydrant. The water will flow into the sprinkler and as long as a stable water pressure is maintained, you will have hours of fun.

As for construction, the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler is made from durable ABS plastic. It is non-toxic, which is perfect for kids. The bright red and yellow colors are nice and contrasting, especially when set up on green grass.

Measuring about 8 inches x 6 inches, the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler is small enough to be stored easily but large enough to provide a lot of water delights.

While you want to maintain stable water pressure, many previous users have commented that it’s best when used at a medium water flow, and not a super-strong flow. This will allow the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler to stay firmly on the ground and still have a lot of water options.

So if you’re wanting your kid to have fun, be social, and develop their fine motor skills, the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler is the perfect option for a hot summer’s day.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Affordable
  • Made from durable plastic
  • Water can spout up to 8 feet high
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Best on medium water flow
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2301 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.7
2
Features
  • Recommended age: 18 months+
  • Material: 30mm PVC
  • Dimensions: 62 inches high; 86 inches wide

More features: multiple holes on each side of the purple stripe

Remember that thrill as a kid, seeing a rainbow through the mist of a sprinkler? The Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler has taken that one step further and created this amazing creation. Winning our nomination for most innovative design, this sprinkler is in the shape of a rainbow, one that you can run right under!

The Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler measures 62 inches in height, which is over 5 feet. It is also 86 inches wide, or just under 8 feet. This means kids of all ages can laughingly run through their very own rainbow. To add a bit more whimsy, there are also clouds on the bottom of each rainbow arc, for both design and stability reasons.

A sprinkler of this size does take a bit to set up. There are three air chambers within the entire inflatable. There is a separate sprinkler valve for water input which is fairly easy to connect.

With the rainbow, there is a purple band on the inside of the arch. Within this band are multiple holes where the water springs through. You can expect a steady flow of water that is less intense than other sprinklers. This makes the Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler perfect for its recommended age group of 1.5 years and older.

Despite its size and elaborate design, the Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler is still quite affordable. It is a bit more expensive than other simpler products on our list, but still well within the range you would want to spend on a kids sprinkler.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Tall and wide enough for kids of all ages
  • Water stream is soft enough for little kids
  • Design is incredibly creative
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Takes a bit of time to inflate
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8732 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
Features
  • Recommended age: 8 months and up
  • Material: soft plastic
  • Dimensions: 6 x 65 x 33.5 inches

More features: 4 stakes included; 5x faster inflation and deflation

Unicorns are all the rage right now, so it’s only fitting that our Premium Pick is in the shape of this mythical creature. The Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler truly is one of the best kids sprinklers for outdoor fun.

What really makes the Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler stand out from the rest of the sprinklers on our list is the size. With a height of over 82 inches, this will definitely attract the whole neighborhood. And, if that’s too small for you, there’s an XXXL size available with a height of 106 inches.

If you’re wondering just how you’re going to store this sprinkler, have no fear as the Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler is inflatable. And set up and take down are both easy to do. The Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler easily hooks up to any standard hose with a hook up right by the tale. Water then spouts out of the unicorn’s horn for a pretty fun experience.

Because the Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler is so large, it’s important to keep it stable. Thankfully, there are four stakes included. You can attach one to each foot and hammer them into the ground. This is essential to prevent any injuries and to keep it steady against older kids.

In fact, its size, while incredible, is something to consider. As you can imagine, bigger kids will see a kid-size unicorn and immediately try to climb on it. This should be discouraged right away. If you feel like your child won’t be able to resist the temptation, it might be best to find a smaller, less climbable sprinkler option.

    What are its best features?
  • Comes in an L and XXXL sizes
  • Fun whimsical
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
    What could be improved?
  • Kids might climb on it, leading to safety hazards
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8577 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
Features
  • Recommended age: 1+
  • Material: BPA- and phthalates-free plastic
  • Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 8 inches

More features: designed by an American company

Make cooling fun and interactive with the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids. As its name suggests, this is a three in one product. It works as a water fountain, splash pad, and a wading pool. This model is perfect for kids aged one and older.

What’s really remarkable about the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids is the design. You can actually choose from three designs on the splash pad. The A to Z design incorporates animals and letters for early learning fun. The Deep Blue gets your creativity going with a playful submarine. Finally, the Know Your Planets design lets you blast off to the different planets in our solar system.

And all designs are available at an incredibly affordable price. This is definitely one of our favorite sprinkler toys for kids.

The company, SplashEZ, is committed to safety. This sprinkler is made from materials that are BPA and phthalates-free. What’s more, it is an American company and adheres to the strictest safety features. If you do have any concerns, simply contact the customer service, and they will be happy to help.

The biggest downside with the design of the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids. It is an inflatable sprinkler, and the area to hook up with the hose can quickly become damaged. While the customer service is great and will quickly replace any faulty products, having to go through the hassle may tempt you to try a different product. However, despite its flaws, this is still an incredibly sprinkler and worth taking the chance.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Comes in 3 fun designs
  • Has 3 different features: sprinkler, play mat, splash pool
  • Very affordable
    What could be better?
  • Might break at hose connection
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5024 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.4
Features
  • Recommended age: 3+
  • Material: soft plastic
  • Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 7.7 inches

More features: connects to a standard garden hose

Simple yet pretty: that’s how we would describe Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler. This model features a quite whimsical design with bright pink flowers set against a green background. The pink flowers at the top spout out water making it a zany bit of fun. If you have younger kids playing, simply turn the water pressure down for smaller sprays, or crank it up for taller sprays for bigger kids.

Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler is made from soft but durable plastic. The hose connection is constructed nicely, and it is easy to connect. There shouldn’t be any design issues to deal with.

If you’re unsure about which sprinkler for kids to choose, you’ll be happy to note that this product is from kids toy producers Melissa and Doug. They have taken the toy scene by storm, creating well-designed toys that are durable and creative. Their company backs its products by a 100% guarantee. If you don’t like this sprinkler, simply call their customer service. And unlike other companies that burry their phone number in small print on a website, you can find theirs right on the sprinkler itself.

While the water does shoot up in the air, it doesn’t have a large surface area. If you’re trying to water your grass at the same time, you’ll have to continuously move the sprinkler around. Likewise, for kids used to running through a sprinkler, this can be a bit of an adjustment.

    What makes it special?
  • Fun, whimsical design
  • Water pressure and water height can be altered
  • Amazing customer service and brand recognition
    What cons did we find?
  • Not meant to water grass at same time
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6228 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.2
6
Best for Garden and Kids

Blisstime Lawn Sprinkler

Features
  • Recommended age: 3+
  • Material: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • Dimensions: 12.64 x 11.3 x 4.53 inches

More features: 15-45-degree adjustable spray head; 360-degree rotating action, 1-year warranty

The Blisstime Lawn Sprinkler earns top marks for efficiency but loses marks on aesthetics. Still, when we were kids our parent’s boring sprinkler worked just fine, so surely today’s kids will be just fine.

The Blisstime Lawn Sprinkler is perfect when you want to do double duty. You can quickly and easily water your entire yard while also giving your kids plenty of time to cool down on a hot summer’s day.

With a 360-degree rotation and the ability to cover over 32 feet in distance, your backyard will quickly get plenty of water.

Unlike the more colorful inflatable sprinklers on our list, the risk of breakage is quite minimal. It is easy to connect the Blisstime Lawn Sprinkler with your hose as you simply screw it in. There are no plastic covers to potentially get in the way.

If you’re looking for even more options, you’ll be happy to know this sprinkler comes with two different nozzles. You can switch over to a rotary sprinkler head depending on your watering needs.

While the Blisstime Lawn Sprinkler is a great product, it is perhaps too ahead of its time. The sprinkler is quite light, and if you have too much water pressure, or if a kid accidentally comes into contact with it, it can easily fall over. If this becomes an issue, you might want to pick up a few tent pegs and secure the sprinkler into the ground.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Amazing coverage to water grass
  • Solid construction won’t break
  • 3 water warms are lots of fun
    What could be better?
  • Lightweight and tips over easily

Things to Consider

Your child wants a new sprinkler to dance around in the summer and still cool off. You’re happy to buy them one, but you also have enough experience with kids toys to know there’s a good chance it will eventually break. To help you avoid this costly outcome, we’ve put together this buying guide. Complete with sprinkler features and a lot of answers, it will help you find a durable, long-term solution for beating the heat in style.

Features to consider when choosing a kids sprinkler

6 Best Exciting Water Sprinklers for Kids — Your Little Ones Will Love Spending Time Outside!

There is a lot to consider when choosing a sprinkler for kids. From color to water output, each feature is dependent on the needs of your child. These are the most important features to consider and will help you make your ultimate decision.

Recommended age

Different sprinklers produce different water pressures, which makes them suitable for certain age ranges. While parents should still use their best judgment, each sprinkler on our list does come with a recommended age attached to it, to help you find the best one for your child.

For babies learning the wonders of water, the Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler is recommended for kids 8 months and up while the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids is good for kids 1 year and over.

Todddlers aged two and can splash around with the Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler. Ages three and up seems to be the standard recommended age as the remaining products on our list all have this as a guideline.

Construction and materials used

All the sprinklers on our list are made with some form of plastic. The FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler is made out of a hard ABS plastic while the Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler, the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids, and the Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler are made from a thinner plastic for inflatable purposes.
Read about the best sprinkler controllers to add more safety to watering process!

Sprinklers that are inflatable do run a greater risk of being damaged as they can be punctured. While the plastic used in all three inflatables is strong, it’s a good idea to caution your kids before they play around them.

The hose connection can be made from either metal or plastic. Obviously, metal will be the stronger and more preferable material, but you, unfortunately, don’t get a say in the matter. If you do see any leaks or breaks in your sprinkler, be sure to contact customer service right away. Hopefully, they will be able to issue a replacement.

Dimensions

You can find sprinklers of all sizes. Some, like the Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler is an incredible 67 inches tall. It is in the shape of a rainbow and is tall enough for kids under 5 feet tall to run under.

While the dimensions of the sprinkler itself should be kept in mind, you will also want to consider the actual water footprint of the sprinkler. If you want to do double duty and water your yard at the same time, pay attention to the details.The Missa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler is really not much larger, but because water only comes out at the top, it doesn’t have a very large watering area.

Other things to consider with dimensions is where you will store your sprinkler. Most sprinklers won’t take up too much space, but think about them before cluttering your garage. Larger sprinklers can be deflated although if you plan on using it for days on end in the summer, you might want to store an inflatable sprinkler as is, to save a lot of time.

Design

6 Best Exciting Water Sprinklers for Kids — Your Little Ones Will Love Spending Time Outside!

Quite frankly, there is a surplus of designs when it comes to sprinklers for kids. In fact, it’s best not to really decide what design you want ahead of time as it’s hard to imagine what all the options really are. For smaller kids, the more basic sprinkler design will consist of shoots of water straight up in the air. This gives them a lot of fun but also won’t harm them.

Other design options include a combo wading pool. This way little kids can splash at their leisure. There is also the more classic, practical design where the primary objective is to water the grass, and fun is the secondary purpose.

Finally, there are designs that are so revolutionary you might not have thought them possible. On our list, we have a kid-size unicorn that spouts water out of its horn. We also have a full-size rainbow that drips water as you run through the arch.

You might go into your search for the best sprinkler for kids with a design idea in mind, but once you become aware of all the many choices to choose, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If, however, the choice becomes too overwhelming, simply take a step back and think about who will be using it and what they would most like to experience.

If it’s inflatable

Let’s face it. Children’s toys can quickly become expensive, especially if you have to buy a lot of them. There are a few sprinkler options on our list that serve a dual purpose, allowing you to save money and storage space when not in use.

The SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids has an inflatable rim around it, making it double as a splash pool. The rim is just a few inches deep, so it is not great for older kids but is perfect for toddlers that want to experience all the wonders of water.

Another inflatable sprinkler on our list is the Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler. It is easy to inflate and deflate. The hose hooks up to the unicorn, and water is spouted out from its horn, making it a very whimsical attraction.

The biggest thing to consider with inflatable sprinklers is the risk of damage. Even the gentlest kid can accidentally get a bit rough with an inflatable. If you do plan on purchasing a sprinkler with an inflatable element, they are best for babies, and toddlers. And if they do inevitably become punctured, you can patch them which will hopefully give them a bit of a longer lifespan.

If it oscillates

When a sprinkler oscillates, it moves around. Not only is this better for your grass and garden, but it is far more fun for kids.

For little kids, however, you will probably want a sprinkler that doesn’t really oscillate. Water can be scary, so the more predictable it is, the happier and more confident your child will be.

 

FAQ

How to make the sprinkler more stable?

Some kids sprinklers are more about form than function. As a result, they can tip over easily with increased water pressure. There are a few easy fixes. Depending on the shape of your sprinkler, you can use tent pegs to attach over a portion of your sprinkler and then ground it into your yard. Also, check your hose. Older hoses can have kinks that result in them not lying flat anymore. The more stable your hose is, the more stable your sprinkler will be.

What to do if the connection hose leaks?

There are really two parts to a sprinkler: the sprinkler head and the hose. You need both in ideal condition for optimal results. If your connection hose leaks, the first step is to decide if it is small enough to be patched or if it is too large and needs to just be replaced. Even patching a hose will limit the lifespan as hoses need to maintain a lot of pressure. There are certain hose patches you can buy at any home improvement store. Pay attention to the leak and know that unfortunately, a replacement purchase will become inevitable.

How to prevent the sprinkler from clogging?

Your sprinkler is exposed to the elements, and this can include lawn cuttings, twigs, and even dirt. All this can lead to a clogged sprinkler which is a real hassle. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent your sprinkler from clogging in the first place. Start by ensuring all of your connections are solid. Dirt is tricky and can enter just about anywhere. When you’ve finished with your sprinkler, remove it from the hose and rinse out any debris. Then, store it in a clean place. Before you replace your sprinkler on your hose for another round of fun, give it a quick inspection to see if any unwanted debris has found its way inside. If so, give it a quick rinse and then connect it tightly to your hose. These quick steps can add to a longer lifespan and money saved of your sprinkler.

Our verdict

Why not combine the dull chore of watering your lawn with the thrilling joy of having your kids play? Our Editor’s Choice for best sprinkler for kids is the FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler. Shooting water out of its head, this sprinkler allows for hours of water fun and at an affordable price, too.

If you are looking for a truly innovative sprinkler, you’ll want to check out the Splashin’kids Outdoor Rainbow Sprinkler. This inflatable sprinkler actually turns into a rainbow, complete with clouds. Kids of all ages and sizes can run under the rainbow which will then shower them.

Our final, Premium Pick – the Jasonwell Unicorn Sprinkler – incorporates the latest (and timeless) trend for kids: unicorns. This is a definite contender for the best sprinkler for kids. Its lifelike size will be the talk of the town and if you need something special for an adult backyard party, there is even an XXL size to consider. So the next time your kids are complaining about how bored they are in the summer, simply turn on your new sprinkler. And as an added bonus, you can cross one more chore off your list.

9,8
Total Score
FUN SPLASHERS Fire Hydrant Water Sprinkler - Editor's Choice
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