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5 Best Sprinklers for Kids in 2024

last updated May 29, 2019

Everyone knows how sprinkler systems are an integral part of the irrigation system of any yard, lawn, garden or any other landscape where plant life needs to thrive. But did you know that these same irrigation components can actually serve as an excellent source of creativity and imagination among children? Children just love playing with water. From fountains to the shower to the swimming pool and even to a puddle of rainwater, kids derive plenty of satisfaction in the feel of liquid splashing on their faces and bodies. This gives them a sense of happiness which then provides them with a sense of well-being. These playful devices as well as a wonderful addition to any garden or lawn. This is especially true if you get any of our 5 best sprinklers for kids in 2019. You’ll be creating a magical watery world right in your own backyard.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 35 hrs of research

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Melnor XT Turbo
95.7/100 our score
Design
92
Ease of Use
98
Durability
97
Melnor XT Turbo
Why is it better?

Twin Touch controls allow you to adjust the range of the water

Eliminates damaging puddling

Covers up to 4,200 square feet

Lightweight and durable

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Melnor XT Turbo
Test Winner: Melnor XT Turbo
Amazon Link
Researched Sources
31
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
64
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
35
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
11
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Jessica Mentzer:

Summer months can be hard in a warm climate, but sprinkler toys can allow the kids to get outside and enjoy the warm summer weather. It gets them away from the TV and electronic devices and outside enjoying friends and family. The list features the best sprinklers on the current market. Two of the items have been removed and replaced with products that best suit the market. The listings have received pictures and criteria sections.

Sorting Options
Design Ease of Use Durability By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.7
Design
92 %
Ease of Use
98 %
Durability
97 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
$29.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.7
Design
98 %
Ease of Use
91 %
Durability
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
$9.95
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.3
Design
97 %
Ease of Use
94 %
Durability
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
$24.99
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
Design
89 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Durability
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
$71.32
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.7
Design
88 %
Ease of Use
85 %
Durability
78 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link

5 Best Sprinklers for Kids

1. Melnor XT Turbo

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.7
Melnor XT Turbo
Amazon Link
Design
92
Ease of Use
98
Durability
97
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.99

Twin Touch controls allow you to adjust the range of the water

Eliminates damaging puddling

Covers up to 4,200 square feet

Lightweight and durable

Occasionally may get stuck in one position

The Melnor XT Turbo Sprinkler will keep your lawn looking amazing while also providing your child with a fun outdoor activity. Designed with 20 precision nozzles, this sprinkler is capable of covering up to 4,200 square feet. The wide range of coverage allows your child to run all over the yard.

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Design

If you’re wanting to limit your child’s area of play to a smaller section of the yard, you can easily use the Twin Touch controls to adjust the range. The smooth running motor provides a gentle release of water so you won’t have to worry about your little one getting hurt.

Ease of Use

The wide variety of water patterns will enhance your child’s outdoor play. The sprinkler is lightweight thus making it easy for you to move it around the yard. It is composed of a highly durable plastic that will allow you to enjoy it for years to come.

Durability

The 20 precision nozzles and the Twin Touch controls make it easy for you to allow your child to enjoy the sprinkler in one area or over the entire yard.

2. Fire Hydrant Garden

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.7
Fire Hydrant Garden
Amazon Link
Design
98
Ease of Use
91
Durability
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$9.95

Features stable base, sturdy, and durable

Water sprays up to 8 feet away from the base

Connection supports any garden hose

Spinning action is exciting and engaging for children

Promotes outdoor physical activity

Water arches pretty far from the base causing a gap where no water spray occurs

Smaller-designed hydrant, review dimensions, ideal for smaller children

Fun Splashers has modernized the classic design of a garden sprinkler by shaping it into a fire hydrant. This eight-inch tall sprinkler attaches to any garden hose, so your child can enjoy water play practically anywhere.

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Design

Not only has the hydrant been designed to shoot water up to eight feet in the air but it also is able to shoot water in a swirling or rotating manner. When purchasing, you can choose between a blue, purple, or red hydrant to match your child’s favorite color.

Ease of Use

Whether your little one is running through or from the water, they will burn off energy and get plenty of exercise. The kid-friendly design will have your child excited to play in the sprinkler. With the water shooting up to eight feet in the air, children of all heights can enjoy getting wet.

Durability

The Fire Hydrant Garden Hose Splash Sprays are uniquely fun sprinklers that are not only guaranteed to bring lots of enjoyment to kids but can also serve as an excellent prop for pretend and make-believe plays.

3. SplashEZ 3-in-1

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.3
 SplashEZ 3-in-1
Amazon Link
Design
97
Ease of Use
94
Durability
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$24.99

Sprinkler and baby pool all in one design

Designed for babies to enjoy splashing around in a base

Features a 60 diameter circle with sprinkler rim design

Constructed from BPA and phthalates free materials

Promotes early childhood development

Material is only designed for use on grass, not hard top surfaces

Hose hook up design is easily broken with high pressure water

Take learning to a whole new level with this sprinkler toy and water play system. It is a sprinkler and splash pad in one with an educational kiddie pool in the center. It makes learning their letters fun and cool. As they splash around and enjoy the sprinkling water the little ones can learn their letters as they play. When it is hot out and the kids need some relief this is a fun option for all.

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Design

Designed for children over the age of 12 months with sprinkler with splash pad/kiddie pool design is great for them to cool off and relax. In just a few minutes of setup, this system offers a mini water park excitement and a learning lesson of letters while getting the kids outside and enjoying the sun. The spacious 60-inch diameter is even large enough for you to get in and enjoy with your little ones.

Ease of Use

Within a few minutes, the whole family can be enjoying some water time fun. All you need is this sprinkling system, a hose, and a lawn. The system is a reusable plastic design that will offer hours of endless fun plus the super soft rim with the extra supportive streams are a great addition to the system. From babies to grownups everyone will enjoy learning, splashing, and cooling off in this.

Durability

It is a fact that children learn best through play. They are able to soak up social, cognitive, and emotional developmental skills just from playtime activities. The experience that the will have with this sprinkler toy will not disappoint. It is designed to stimulate and activate their little minds and give them all the learning opportunities that their development needs.

4. Little Tikes Fun Zone Dual Twister

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
Little Tikes Fun Zone Dual Twister
Amazon Link
Design
89
Ease of Use
90
Durability
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$71.32

Spinning sprinkler system designed for up to two children at one time to enjoy

Sprinkler feature designed to spray water for center wheel and outside edge

Water feature activation button on the wheel in the center

Great for water play outdoors or spinning dry fun indoors

Encourages gross motor skill development

Side sprinkler system does not have much pressure, does not spray very high

Hose attachment is not very durable

The thrill of water fun is brought right to your backyard with this fun zone toy. It is a spinning toy that offers a sprinkler fun feature.

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Design

As the kids spin around the sprinkler feature is activated by just a press of the center button. It is designed to set two children at the same time. It is dual twister that can spin either direction which makes it fun to spin from the center circle. The fun can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.

Ease of Use

Easy and simple set up. This toy can be enjoyed indoors without the sprinkler feature being hooked up or enjoyed outside with the system in full effect. Just attached the garden hose and the fun easily start there. A wet and wild twister can be enjoyed alone or with a friend. The added bonus is the spinning can happen in either direction so spin one way and then switch to another, then press the sprinkler action button for a wet and wild surprise. It takes those hot summer days and turns them into a fun day to enjoy friends and family.

Durability

Constructed from kid safe materials the design is made from a durable plastic material. It offers the ultimate interactive sprinkler experience. The setup is easy; it is simple to activate and great to share with friends. When it comes to sprinklers this is one of the neatest new toys on the market. The design can also be used indoors which makes storing in the colder months easier.

5. Beach Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.7
Beach Ball
Amazon Link
Design
88
Ease of Use
85
Durability
78
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Features giant beach ball spraying design

Easy to inflate, assemble, and set up

Offer hours of enjoyable water play

Connects easily to all garden hoses

Encourages active play and gross motor skill development

Tubes inside beach ball are not very durable, start leaking after a few uses

Once beach ball is inflated it is very hard to deflate for storage

We are definitely going to consider the Mookie Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler as one of the most unique, most unusual kids water sprinkler systems. The Mookie is, first and foremost, a very fun and lovely looking inflatable beach ball. It is lightweight and bouncy like any other beach ball that you can find in the market. This is perfect when your kids are simply not in the mood for having some watery fountain fun from their personal children’s sprinkler or when the weather simply doesn’t call for a day of splashing and spraying. Everyone in the family can really have a wonderful time just playing with the Mookie Little Tikes Beach Ball as it is.

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Design

However, when it’s time for some water fun, simply inflate the Mookie Little Tikes, hook it up with your garden hose, and then simply sit back as wonderful sprays of water come out from its water vents. Each water vent comes with 8 holes from which water is forced through. Now, we have come across some comments about the water spray not being forceful enough. For this, we highly recommend getting a pressurized water delivery system to create a superbly looking arch of water spewing from the Mookie. The only downside is that, if it can ever be called that, it cannot be stabilized in a single place or position since it does have the tendency to roll. But that’s exactly where the fun in the Mookie is. The tendency to roll simply means the water spray will be spewing in random directions. And if kids are playing water catch, then it will be a great challenge for them.

Ease of Use

This is another great sprinkler for kids from the Toysmith manufactures. It is very unconventional in that at first glance, and primarily, it has an amazing ball design that kids will fall in love with. The colorful ball bears different colors all around which is quite beautiful to look at. It is very enjoyable for just ordinary plain fun around the house, yard, etc. until you connect it to a hose. It then transforms into a wholesome ball of watery fun for everyone! It has holes that spray water which is located along its sides. The ball is big in size and stands at 88”. Setting it up is a breeze because all you have to do is to inflate it, and connect it to a water hose. Some variations come with built-in lights that make this toy a blast both in the day and during the night time.

Durability

The dual-purpose nature of the Mookie Little Tikes Beach Ball is surprisingly amazing. It gives children the versatility to choose how to play with the Mookie.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Design

This list was made after careful evaluation of the various factors that affect consumer behavior when it comes to buying children’s toys. Most parents or guardians are concerned with the price, design, ease of setting up and the extent to which the toy will add fun to water play. These toys meet all these requirements to a T. Their cost is within the range that most parents can pay comfortably and some of them are two games in one which will give you value for money. They are quite easy to put together and won’t take up much of your time trying to understand how they work. They have a great potential for making play time exceptional, particularly the ones with multiple outlets. They are also made in amazing designs.

The designs of the toys we have recommended to you are quite creative, thus they will help stretch your child’s imagination and fascinate them at the same time. They are also colorful which will resonate well with children because they are attracted to colorful things. Another factor that we have put into consideration is safety. All the toys mentioned above are safe for your children to play with. They are also made with material that will not injure your child in case they slip and fall on it as they are running around and they do not have sharp edges.

Ease of Use

We had to keep on reminding ourselves that the sprinklers we’re supposed to choose were for kids and not really for irrigation purposes. That said, we considered the toy-like features and qualities of the different products that are available in the market. For us, it simply wouldn’t mean anything if it didn’t bring a smile to the face of kids. This is very important. Of course, we did not only rely on our subjective evaluation of the relative usefulness and fun factor of the kids' water sprinkler.

Durability

We also read both the positive and negative comments of customers about these products, especially the way their children responded to the water toys. If the negative comments were prevalent across a good number of customers, then there was simply no way we’re going to recommend the product to you. The ease of set up was also considered.
Since these are, technically, just like any other sprinkler system, it was imperative for us to include only those that work easily with existing garden watering systems. Company reputation rounded up our selection process. We believe that good companies make good and safe products. So we’d like to stick with this philosophy.

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
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#1
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#3
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Parents, Did you Know?

That using a sprinkler on a hot day is a efficient way for the kids to cool down. Sprinklers use far less water than filling up a kiddie pool and maybe more fun.

Parents, Did you Know?

Allowing the kids to play in the sprinkler during the dry hot summer months is also a great way to water the grass and surrounding plants.

Other Factors to Consider

Compatibility

Kiddie sprinklers are just one of the toys that can help kids develop optimally. Like all other types of play, water play is important in children’s development. These provide physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits that children can use later on in life, making them grow to be more successful individuals. Here are some of the more important benefits of water play for children.

Physical Development

Aids in physical development. Running around sprinkler systems, jumping for joy, and trying to catch water being spewed out of the nozzles all help to develop motor coordination, spatial intelligence, balance, and reflexes.

Creativity

Fosters creativity and imagination. Kids can pretend to do a lot of things with water. They can pretend to wash the car, play the role of a firefighter, or even live in a magical castle with beautiful fountains and streams.

Logic

Sprinklers are not just for keeping your landscape looking fresh and pristine. These gadgets can also serve as great tools for stimulating children’s creative tendencies, problem-solving abilities, and social and emotional development. With these 5 best sprinklers for kids in 2019, you can ensure these and a whole lot more.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Will the sprinkler use more water than I am currently using?

a:

No, the sprinkler uses less water than some household appliances but provides more fun for your kids.

q: Does having the sprinkler save time?

a:

Yes. The sprinkler is easy to set up or connect. It takes less than a minute to set it up and start giving your kids the fun they crave.

q: Will the sprinklers be firm enough and safe for my kids?

a:

The sprinklers are firm and will sprinkle water to the desired directions that your kids direct them to. It is easy and completely safe to use. You have absolutely nothing to worry about.

q: What are the components of the sprinkler?

a:

The sprinklers are made from environmentally friendly rubber and plastic materials. They can wiggle without causing harm. The materials are high-quality and durable.

q: Can the kids connect the sprinklers on their own?

a:

Yes. But only kids who are old enough, like 4 years old and above, can grasp the connection procedure. Note that there are sprinklers that need no connections at all. However, all the sprinklers are easy to connect.

q: How much will the sprinkler cost me?

a:

The prices of the sprinklers are displayed next to the products. You can sample the prices and choose the most convenient for you or most affordable. There is a variety of fun sprinklers for kids available. Thus you will definitely find one that suits your budget.

q: Will my kids have difficulty operating the sprinklers?

a:

Not at all. All the sprinklers are easy to operate, and they can operate them without your supervision. Therefore, you can go ahead and have fun on your own or do some household chores as they kids play in the yard.

Sources

  1. Kohls, Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler , Product Information
  2. Pinterest, Durable Rotary System, Product Information
  3. Target, Melissa & Doug® Sunny Patch Splash Patrol Sprinkler, Product Information
  4. Fire Sprinkler Initiative, How Sprinklers Work, How it Works Article
  5. Julius Ballanco P.E., CPD, Back to Basics: Sprinkler Piping Materials, Informative Article