8 Best Sprinklers for Kids 2024

Is there anything more nostalgic than a summertime sprinkler session? No matter where you grew up, it's one of those iconic summer memories, like jumping on a trampoline for kids or riding a toddler bike. If you're looking to recreate that core memory with your own family, here are some of the best sprinklers for kids.

What to look for in the best kids' sprinklers

When browsing for a new sprinkler, you'll want to look first by age group. Smaller and shorter sprinklers are typically best for younger children, whereas larger models suit bigger kids and teens. Next, make sure the sprinkler is compatible with your backyard and water systems.

Almost all sprinklers will require a hose hookup, and many, such as splash pads and inflatables, do better on soft surfaces like grass to prevent tearing.

The best sprinklers for kids 2023

• Best overall: Splashin'kids Outdoor Snake Sprinkler
• Best budget: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Splash Patrol Sprinkler
• Best rotating: TIDAL STORM Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler
• Best for babies: Chuchik Outdoor Water Spray Sprinkler
• Best splash pad: Jasonwell Splash Pad Sprinkler
• Best inflatable: JOYIN Inflatable Unicorn Yard Sprinkler
• Best luxury: PicassoTiles Waterslide Park
• Best for trampolines: Bobor Trampoline Sprinkler for Kids 

Best overall

Splashin'kids Outdoor Snake Sprinkler

The Splashin'kids Outdoor Snake Sprinkler is one that is appropriate for many ages and stages, which makes it our overall best pick. It has a high stream but gentle enough pressure for younger toddlers. Its long snake shape—91 inches—means that more than one kid can play in the water at once.

This sprinkler's thin stature means that there is less surface area for holes and punctures too. It promises to stay upright for hours of worry-free water fun.

Best budget

Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Splash Patrol Sprinkler

For toddlers ages three to six, this little Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Splash Patrol Sprinkler has great value. It has 12 Splash Patrol characters that squirt out water. The water pressure on this sprinkler for kids is perfect for the recommended ages and it's compact enough to be easily stored when not in use.

It's relatively affordable and doesn't require any special maintenance or equipment, just a regular garden hose. You can put it in the middle of a wading pool for more water play fun—just remember to give your baby or toddler water shoes if the surface is slippery when wet.

Best rotating

Tidal storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler

If you're ready to level up your kids water sprinkler, then try a rotating one like this one from Tidal. Called the Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler, it delivers on its promise to swirl the water around for an added element of unpredictability for kids ages four and up.

At only two pounds and a compact seven by eight inches, it's a great sprinkler to travel with, too. Because really, all that outdoor fun should be easy to bring to Grandma's house. We spoke to plenty of little ones about this model, and all the kids loved the surprise element of this sprinkler's rotations.

Best for babies

Chuchik Outdoor Water Spray Sprinkler

For those just starting their sprinkler journey, this turtle-shaped sprinkler is a winner. It provides a gentle, consistent stream of water that can reach up to eight feet high and 15 feet out, making it a great water sprinkler for kids and babies. Its back spins while several wiggle tubes add a fun element of surprise to keep little ones on their toes.

Summer heat is no match for this fun-to-use lawn sprinkler that turns ordinary grass into makeshift water parks for friends to gather.

Best splash pad

Jasonwell Splash Pad Sprinkler

Almost 20,000 people have rated the Jasonwell Splash Pad Sprinkler, making it a top choice for a splash pad. At 68 inches in diameter, it's large enough for several babies or toddlers to enjoy at once. It comes in several different themes, such as the alphabet, sharks and unicorns, and it has an easy setup with just a garden hose.

The water pressure is adjustable which is a good feature for little ones just getting their feet wet with sprinklers. Babies old enough to sit up for prolonged periods will beat the heat on this handsome yard accessory and squeal with delight. Of all the sprinklers, splash pads and outdoor water toys out there, we think this one presents an exceptional value.

Best inflatable

JOYIN Inflatable Unicorn Yard Sprinkler

Inflatables are popular kids water sprinklers these days because they come in cute characters and shapes for imaginative play. This 5-feet tall unicorn water sprinkler for kids is a prime example of fun for all ages. It connects to a regular garden water hose and can inflate with an air compressor easily.

Best luxury

PicassoTiles Water Slide Park

If you're ready to win the best house on the block award, then you'll want to consider this water slide park from PicassoTiles. It's jam-packed with features on top of the bounce house and slide, such as a water cannon mount, shower head spray and climbing wall.

A typical sprinkler for kids this is not—it's a full-on way to exhaust every single kid in the neighborhood. Bright colors make it fun, and an easy setup allows it to be up in running in less than two minutes. It even comes with a bag for storage after you deflate it. It's easily one of the best inflatable sprinklers on the market and a blast for the whole family to use.

Best for trampolines

Bobor Trampoline Sprinkler for Kids

There are few things better than combining two summertime special activities like trampolines and sprinklers, and the Bobor Trampoline Sprinkler for Kids gets the job done. Installation is easy and takes only a few minutes to attach the ties to your trampoline netting.

A clever hose attachment mounts on the outside of the net to keep the play area safe, and there are several water pressure settings. It's easy to set up and keeps kids entertained all summer long by turning the water into a muscle-building jumping adventure. No air pump necessary.