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

Take a trip down memory lane with this toddler pool float designed to look like the iconic Cozy Coupe ride-on toy. Your little one will love cruising around in this pool toy as they steer the inflatable wheel and beep the working horn—and you’ll love how it offers shade and is equipped with air safety valves for added protection.

Age rating: 12+ months

No water toys roundup would be complete without a standout water table. This parent-approved pick has thousands of glowing reviews, 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! “It's great even if you don't want to put them in a full on swimsuit but are /[still] outside playing. Yeah they may get a bit wet but it's nice to have something she can play with water in without having to worry that it's too cold or having to get her in a suit every time,” explains one member of The Bump forum.

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 wriggly worm 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

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

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

Some of the best pool toys for toddlers are the simplest. Take this innovative toy, for instance. The ergonomic tool works as a shovel, sieve, rake and water or sand funnel. It has an easy-to-hold handle designed with tiny hands in mind and can be used to build sand castles or experiment with water in the pool. How fun!

Age rating: 12+ months

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

Engage your kid’s senses with this cute rain water toy. 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

KarberDark Fishing Floating Squirts Toy and Water Scoop with Organizer Bag 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 $15? Now that’s a bargain.

Age rating: 18+ 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

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