The Top 5 Splash Pads for Kids

Maybe you haven't heard yet, but we're here to tell you: splash pads are the new sprinklers. With warmer weather right around the corner, we've all got summer fun on our minds. And nothing beats water play when it comes to outdoor fun. Splash pads are similar to sprinklers in that your kiddo can run around in spraying water, but the idea behind them is that the water is contained to a particular area (sprinklers can get a bit out of hand). And because the area of the splash pad is typically fitted with a non-slip surface, you can feel pretty good about letting your kiddo play without fear of intense wipe-outs and all the tears. There are tons of options out there for summer splash pad fun, but not all of are created equal. With that in mind, we've gone ahead and made a list for you. Here are the top 5 splash pads.

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Play Learn Grow

Splash and Play

This splash pad for children is our favorite option, with cool shooting jets of water, a splash pad, and shallow sides.

Best Overall

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The creators behind this splash pad are definitely onto something: open-ended play helps to foster imagination, confidence, creativity, and social-emotional skill development. Add in the fresh outdoor air, sunshine, and one-on-one play with you or their friends or siblings, and you’ve got a recipe for a successful, fun, and meaningful, learning environment.

This durable pool and splash pad is made without the use of BPA, phthalates, and other toxins. The rim, although high enough to hold water, is shallow enough for simple splashing and play. The rim also shoots water.

Pros:

Two color/theme options to choose from.
60″ in diameter, making this an ideal option for multiple kids or even parental enjoyment.
Best for children 12 months and older.

Cons:

As with any splash pad, you’ll need to allow it to fully dry before putting it away. If you fail to do so, you risk the danger of mold. Otherwise, these are totally easy to clean and maintain.

Vandoras Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat

Fun for the Whole Family

This large (67" in diameter) splash pad is the ideal splash pad for multiple kiddos.

Best for Multiples

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One of the pros of a splash pad is the fact that you can set one up and play even in small outdoor spaces. This splash pad by Vandoras, although a bit larger than many (67in diameter), will still fit in small backyards or outdoor spaces. It’s soft, yet durable bottom will work well even on rougher surfaces such as a brick patio or non-grassy play space.

Like the SplashEZ, above, there’s a splash mat area with a small rim. There are built in water squirters that create a small fountain sprinkler system, allowing for endless hours of water play all summer long. The rim on this splash pad is a bit less than the SplashEZ, so if you’re looking for a more shallow water base, this is the one for you.

Pros:

Water sprays about three feet high.
Shallow water base.
At 67″ diameter, this splash pad for children is large enough to accommodate adults, too.

Cons:

Water is direct from your outdoor hose. This can mean the splash pad has rather cold water for play.

Banzai Sprinkle & Splash Play Mat

Gentle Spray and Splash

If you're little one is wary of shooting water, this gentle splash pad is your best bet.

Best for Toddlers

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The gentle spray of this extra shallow splash pad make this an ideal choice for young toddlers. And, if your little one is wary of the spraying water, you can always shut off the water source and your youngster can sit and splash freely. The shallow rim makes it easy to fill and warm freshwater, too, so for those little ones who are still adjusting to water play, this is an excellent option.

We also love the small size of this splash pad (54in in diameter), which makes it easy to move around the yard or outdoor space. Additionally, it’s made of PVC that’s durable enough to lay on rougher surfaces (and cushioned enough that it won’t easily tear).

Pros:

Gentle spray, ideal for younger toddlers.
Smaller size splash pad, which is ideal for smaller outdoor spaces.

Cons:

Not recommended for children under 18 months of age.

Intex Ocean Inflatable Play Center

A Whole Play Center

With multiple pools and a built in slide, this splash pad and play center provides hours of endless summer fun.

Best Splash Center

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Beyond just a splash mat, this inflatable play center is the ideal water play station for pre-schoolers. With two pools in one, there’s even a built-in water slide. Fun extras include a palm tree, inflatable toys, and our favorite feature: a built-in spraying rim.

There’s a control valve that adjusts water flow, as well as drainage plugs in both pools…this allows for maximum safety and fun. Although there are two pools (and you can allow one to be more shallow than the other), this splash pad is not recommended for anyone under 3 years old.

Pros:

The larger pool area will fit an adult.
This splash pad also comes with multiple inflatable toys.
Can be assembled with a standard bike pump.

Cons:

The sprinkler area of this splash pad is set off of your outdoor hose…meaning it won’t have time to sit and become warm. The pools can be filled and sun-warmed, but the sprinkler system will be as cold as your fresh water.

SwimSchool Splash Play Mat

For the Smallest Little Splasher

This mini splash pad will keep your mini tyke totally happy.

Best for Babies

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So your littlest one wants in on the action. We can’t exactly blame ’em…splash pads are loads of fun. But for less mobile kiddos, they aren’t exactly the most ideal. Enter the SwimSchool Splash Play Mat. Made with a removable canopy (it has built-in UPF50), your little one will be well protected from the harsh summer sun while they splash and play. Because this is a relatively small water mat, it’s totally portable, too. You can easily bring this along to the beach, set-up on your deck or outdoor space, or join along with the bigger kids in the backyard.

With a supportive, comfy backrest, this splash pad is appropriate for ages 6-18 months. For simple water play, you can fill the mat area with water for splashing. Otherwise, included are 3 stackable toy rings to aid in hand-eye coordination play.

Pros:

Highly portable and easy to set up.
Canopy is removable.
Small enough to use inside on rainy days–just toss it in the bathtub for some indoor splash fun.

Cons:

The backrest seat is built-in. You cannot remove this as your child grows out of the splash mat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are splash pads for children safe?

As with all water play, children will need to be strictly supervised for maximum security and safety. However, these types of mini home splash pads are perfectly safe. In fact, there are a number of reasons why splash pads for children are a wonderful addition to outdoor summer fun. First, the bottoms are typically non-slip, allowing children to splash and play without constant worry of slipping and injury. But beyond slipping worries, splash pads offer a contained, less intense version of a sprinkler. And with little to no standing water, you’ll feel better about your kiddos playing in one. Simply put, these safer and more contained versions of a sprinkle system are a blast for kiddos of all ages (ahem; no judgment over here if that includes you).

At what age is it safe to introduce water play to children?

Want to know a secret? Water play is really just whenever your child is playing in water. This can happen as soon as they have their very first bath–the soothing comforts of water are well received even with the tiniest, newest bathers. As long as water play is age appropriate (and we’re using ‘play’ loosely here…it can literally mean just bathing with your newborn), introducing water play to your little one can be safely done whenever you find it appropriate.

For outdoor summer fun, splash pads are a great way to include water play on those extra hot, sticky days. And as seen above, there are a number of styles of splash pads that are appropriate for multiple ages and comfort levels. With an eye kept on your happy little one, there is no reason why splash pads can’t be a part of safe summer fun.