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Although many more public pools, splash pads, and the like will be open this summer, it's still always a good idea to have some water toys stocked in the backyard to help keep everyone entertained and stay cool. Whether you're looking for a bit of splash action or full-on soakage, these outdoor toys will keep the family from sweltering this summer.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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$142 from Amazon
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Sure, it's pricier, but anyone who's ever used the classic slip-and-slide toy knows who uncomfortable those can be for anyone over a certain age. This 25-by-6-foot version from Wow Sports uses heavy-duty PVC plastic for extra padding and includes sleds to soften the impact.
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$47 from Walmart
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Having more than a couple of people in this pool might feel a little crowded, but when temps soar and the heat is relentless, is anyone really going to care? Features include two drainage valves and a three air-chambered structure that gives this pool its sturdiness.
Looking for a more substantial option? Be sure to check out The Best Above-Ground Swimming Pools.
$199 from Amazon
After the year we've all had, each of us should have gotten one of these with our stimulus checks. If you're lucky to have a backyard pool, or you spend a lot of time at the local lake or swimming hole, we heartily recommend you do it in style with one of these Funboy floats. It's over 9 feet long, 4.5 feet wide, and includes a shade canopy.
$17 from Amazon
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Nothing quite screams summer like watching beaming kids run through a sprinkler. This one has six wiggle tubes that spin or a rotating base — making getting soaked as unpredictable as it is fun.
$339 from Funboy
Whether you live in a backyard pool or at the lake during the summer, this splurge-worthy inflatable will make sure you never get uncomfortable. It comes with a mesh carry bag and a central storage compartment for drinks or a speaker.
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$25 from Amazon
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This BPA-free alphabet-themed splash pad is both a fountain and a shallow pool. At 5 feet wide, it's plenty big for a couple of little ones, but there are larger options, too, if you've got water-loving kids who are a little older.
$21 from Amazon
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If you're one of the lucky ones with a backyard trampoline, amp up the play with this product that'll turn your tramp into a splash zone.
$20 from Target
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This model also has a spinning dome with wiggle tubes, but it lights up for those impromptu evening sprinkler sessions while the adults are gathered around the fire pit.
$68 from Amazon
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This "blob" is filled with water and combines a splash pad, water blob, and a slip n' slide for 15 feet of fun.
$11 from Amazon
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This tiny but colorful pool is perfect for small spaces like an apartment patio or balcony. It's the perfect size for one little person and features a padded inflatable bottom.
$450 from Amazon
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If you're looking to really trick out the water fun in your backyard this summer, this massive inflatable includes a climbing wall, two slides, and a splash pool, and its own blower motor to keep things safe and continuously inflated.
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$17 from Amazon
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Getting kids off screens is tough, but it might be a little easier with this Fortnite-themed water gun with pump-action soaking prowess and an easy-to-fill tank.
$68 from Amazon
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If a spectacle of a water sprinkler is what you're after, this mythical creature-inspired backyard inflatable fits the bill. It's about 9 feet tall, and buyers say it has a wide spray radius.
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$22 from Amazon
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Why soak with one stream when you can have two? But beware the power of these — they can shoot water at your opponents up to 70 feet away.
$20 from Amazon
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If your kids are fans of the unicorns of the sea, Nelson the Narwhal will bring a smile to their faces.
$19 from Amazon
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Those brand-name super soakers are fun, but not so much the time it can take to fill them vs. the seconds it takes to empty them. With these, you just dip and pull and you're loaded for blasting family members into watery oblivion.
$50 from Amazon
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Recommended for kids 2 to 6, this water toy lets little ones splash and stay cool while also enhancing motor skills and imagination.
$50 from Amazon
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Attach the included water blaster to your backyard hose and watch your toddler or preschooler aim at each target. Sure, it's fun, but it also hones fine motor skills.
$12 from Target
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Is any summer complete without a super-soaker fight? This one features a five-stream blast, pump-to-fire action, and a flip-up sight for better aim.
$28 from Amazon
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Water balloons are another one of those toys where the prep-to-play ratio is incredibly disappointing. Not so with Zuru's balloon clusters, which fill and self-seal in seconds. This set has more than 265 individual balloons.
$29 from Walmart
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This toy employs a pump, crank, spin wheel, stomp mechanism, and popping balls for interactive, watery fun and games.
$39 from Walmart
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With its included watering can and over 10 added accessories, this water table lets multiple kids play at once while broadening their imagination.
$50 from HearthSong
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This toy combines creative play with water and can accommodate up a couple of artists at a time. It includes paint, sponges, and paintbrushes. When art time is over, simply hose off to make a clean canvas for the next day's masterpieces. Note that it doesn't ship until later this month.
Find more great gifts for kids right here.