Best Sprinklers For Kids

It’s hot outside! What are the best sprinklers for kids? To find out, we asked actual kids to try out sprinklers on the lawn! Which were most fun? Here are the ones we’d recommend! FYI: We have been reviewing and rating products for children, families and the home since 1994. We don’t take money or freebies from the brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported.

Best for Little Ones

If you’re kid is reluctant to run through regular sprinklers, this is a good place to start. Height of water is perfect for younger kids! The only bummer: it doesn’t spin or move.

Best for Little Ones: Melissa & Doug Splash Patrol Sprinkler

So cute! Our kid testers loved this sprinkler with worm characters in red fire fighter hats—attach a hose and it turns into a sprinkler! For ages 3 to 6 years.

What We Liked

• Fun! Gender neutral design.

• Great for kids who don’t like running through regular sprinklers.

• Cute!

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t move or spin. 

Best Splash+Sprinkler

QPAU (Upgraded 2020 Version) Sprinkler for Kids Dogs, 68″ Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat 

Loved this splash pad that combines a sprinkler and pool for splashing! Big enough for multiple kiddos. Water inflates the sides and sprays toward the middle! Kids can sit or run through it.

Best Splash+Sprinkler: QPAU Sprinkler for Kids

For younger kiddos, having a combo sprinkler and splash pad is most fun. They can run through it or just sit in a couple of inches of water and splash.

Here’s how it works: you attach a hose and the water inflates this sprinkler, spraying out of a dozen holes on the perimeter. Hint: turn up the water slowly. If there is too much water pressure, the sprinkler will aim outside the pad—which isn’t the goal.

What We Liked

• Large 68″ wide pad works well for multiple kids.

• Can sit or run through sprinkler. Our testers like that flexibility—younger kids liked sitting and splashing, while other ones could be more active.

•  Easy to set up.

• The more water pressure, the higher the sprinkler goes! Of course, you don’t want to over do it, as you could split the vinyl.

What Needs Work

• Seams can split under high water pressure. We didn’t have a problem with this in our testing, but we’d advise slowly raising water pressure—and keep it from going full blast if you have high water pressure at your home.

• Takes some effort to drain. Since water is inside the splash pad, you need to make sure it is drained completely for storage. On the plus side, this sprinkler folds up into a small space for storage.

Best Spinning Fun

Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Water Sprinkler

It spins! It swirls! This is a kid favorite that is easy on the wallet. Bonus: dogs seem to love it too. Spray height is impressive.

Best Spinning Fun: Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Water Sprinkler

This one is a kid favorite—and who wouldn’t love a sprinkler that spins and swirls? Our testers thought it was great. And it’s easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Fun! Small tubes wave the water around!

• Easy to set up.

• Bonus: pets love it too.

What Needs Work

• Durability could be better. We didn’t have a problem with this sprinkler breaking during our testing, but we see reports from other parents that it can break after multiple uses.

Best Double Use

Kadaon Garden Sprinkler

Spinning, swirling garden sprinkler was a hit with our kid testers. Big spray area and durable design are a plus. Caveat: plastic spike anchor can break if not careful.

Best Double Use: Kadaon Garden Sprinkler

Who says you have to buy a toy sprinkler for kids? Why not use a regular garden sprinkler that swirls and spins? We liked Kadaon’s Garden Sprinkler as a good dual use sprinkler—fun for kids, but also effective for watering the lawn!

What We Liked

• Fun for older kids who run through it!

• Easy to use.

• Spin + swirl motion!

• Great for parties. This sprinkler sprays 1000 square feet—good for multiple kids or parties.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Plastic spike can break. The spike that anchors this sprinkler to the ground is make of plastic—and that can break if the ground is hard.