9 Best Splash Pads For Toddlers, Babies, + Kids [Backyard At Home Fun]

Backyard splash pads for kids – and even adults or dogs – are a great way to cool off and have some fun! Discover the best splash pad for toddlers, babies, and big kids for turning your backyard into a fun at home water park!

Overall Best Backyard Splash Pad For Home: VISTOP Non-Slip Splash Pad For Kids + Dog

Perfect for babies, toddlers, adults and even dogs. This durable, non slip splash pad comes in three colors and four sizes from 59 to 87 inches.

The Vistop non-slip splash pad is made of eco-friendly, durable PVC material without BPA and phthalates and is extremely durable.

Best Splash Pad For One Year Old: Step2 Water Bug Splash Pad™

Step2 Water Bug Splash Pad™ is one of the only hard plastic splash pads on the market. Parents of 1 year olds can appreciate the “gripper dots” on the bottom to prevent slips.

The water spout is sturdier than most we've seen and universal. Set up is also easy, and when you're done you can just wipe it clean and easily store it.

Best Water Playground Splash Pad: Bestway H2OGO! Super Speedway Kids Large Inflatable Water Park

This truly is a mini inflatable backyard water park with a variety of activities and features your kids and their friends can enjoy all at the same time.

The manufacturer recommendations aren't totally clear on this product, so we suggest keeping a close eye on kids at all times. In one place they say it's good for kids 5 to 10 years old, in another place it says toddlers, and in another it says 14 years and up. We think the splash pad mat and crawling tunnel will keep toddlers engaged, while big kids and adults can enjoy the climbing wall and slide.

Best Swimming Pool Splash Pad: Intex Inflatable Rainbow Play Pool and Ocean Play Pool

Looking for a splash pad AND swimming pool combo? Look no further than Intex's inflatable pool splash pads! They come in a ton of sizes and styles to choose from.

Personally, I love this double set for additional pool, or you can purchase one separately.

We personally have one and love that these are really like water playgrounds for toddlers with slides and other play accessories Ours is under a mango tree with lots of sticks/puncture risks and we've had zero issues.

Best Small Backyard Splash Pad: CoCoMelon Splash Pad + BANZAI Froggy Pond Splash Mat (TIED)

The CoCoMelon Splash Pad is the smallest we could find measuring at 48″ in diameter, with BANZAI Froggy Pond Splash Mat a close runner up at 58″ in diamater.

The biggest differences between the two are the price. With CoCoMelon you're paying a premium for the character.

Best Large Splash Pad: WOW Sports Giant Super Splash Pad Inflatable Splash Pad with Sprinkler

The largest traditional splash pad we could find comes from WOW Sports with two options: 10 or 12 feet in diameter.

Additionally, it's deep enough for wading and has a sprinkler feature with adjustable pressure.

Best Indoor Splash Pad For Babies: MAGIRFIRE Inflatable Water Pad Mat

The Magirfire inflatable water pad mat is designed for indoor use to give babies an engaging way to play and work on muscle development during tummy time. This splash pad is different than others on the list as no water is actually accessible to the baby.

The water movement and and variety of creatures makes tummy time fun and encourages visual and cognitive growth for 3 – 12 month olds. There's jellyfish, crabs, dolphins, fish, and other creatures that move with the water as baby “splashes” teaching cause and effect while working on motor skills.

Best Budget Splash Pad: BATURU Octopus Splash Pad For Toddlers

The BATURU Octopus Splash Pad For Toddlers is easily the cheapest splash pad on the market.

How To Choose The Best Splash Pad

Choosing the best splash pad for toddlers and kids is pretty easy without a whole lot to consider. Still keep these in mind before purchasing:

Size

Most splash pads measure between 4 to 12 feet in diameter. Consider where you plan to place your splash pad and how many people will likely use it at once when selecting a size.

Features

Sprinklers are a signature feature of all splash pads; as is adjustable water pressure (just adjust your hose if no setting on the splash pad directly).

But you can find others that offer some fun bonus features like ring tosses, water slides, balls and a ball run, water blasters, deeper pools for swimming, and basketball hoops are the most common.

Set up + storage

Most inflatable splash pads are best set up with an electric pump (some extra large ones come with a blower), which you'll need to purchase separately in most cases. The electric pump also has a deflate setting for quicker storage. Most splash pads do not come with a storage bag, but do fold up and can be easily stored in a large bag or box.

FAQs About Splash Pads

What do I need for a backyard splash pad?

Unless you're purchasing a backyard water park splash pad, which come with a blower, you'll likely need to purchase a separate electric pump to inflate your splash pad. Additionally, some people like to have a mat for underneath the splash pad if using on a hard deck, or to reduce likelihood of puncturing on the grass.

We suggest having a repair kit on hand in case a hole does happen, you can easily patch it and continue the fun!

What should toddlers wear to a splash pad?

For backyard splash pads, toddlers can simply wear their regular bathing suit. You may want a hat or a long sleeve rashguard/swimsuit for added sun protection if using during peak hours in an unshaded area. Additionally, you'll need a swim diaper if your toddler isn't potty trained.

For public splash pad parks, you'll want the same, but you may want to bring toddler water shoes in case you're little one likes to run and needs some grip to prevent a fall on a wet deck.

Can you get sick from a splash pad?

As with anything in life, you can get sick. Splash pads don't pose a particularly higher risk for getting sick than running in sprinklers or using a public pool.

Does splash pad use a lot of water?

Splash pad water use varies by size, desired fill level, and length of use.

Some splash pads with deep bases, more like a swimming pool, will require more water then a simple splash mat that's only used for 20 minutes.

To conserve water we suggest turning off the sprinkler feature every so often while playing and not filling the base of your splash mat prior to use, as that will fill up quickly once the sprinklers are going.

How do you make a splash pad in your backyard?

You can DIY a backyard splash pad with PVC pipes to your desired shape, size, and budget:

We'd suggest this method over using a plain sprinkler head, as you can really stretch the surface area of a single hose. With that said, many toddlers will be happy with a sprinkler head like this and using their backyard lawn as a splash pad too.

How do you attach a hose to a splash pad?

Most splash pads come with an easy twist on connector for your hose.

If yours doesn't, you'll need to visit a hardware store and find a hose connector that fits both your splash pad intake and house.

How do I find splash pads near me?

A quick Google search will generally turn up private (for pay) splash pads near you. However, a little known secret is to check your city website or residential pool. Over the years, many cities have added on a splash pad to the residential public pools.

Do splash pads reuse water? 

Splash pads can reuse water, however most backyard splash pads do not. They are powered by a hose with no refill receptacle.

To conserve water, you can lower your hose's water pressure.

How much does a small splash pad cost?

Splash pad prices vary from $7 to $1,000+ with most small splash pads costing between $7-60 depending on durability, amount of sprinkler heads, seam stitches, bonus accessories and popular characters.

Final Thoughts

If you're unsure of how much use you'll get from a splash pad or are simply looking for the cheapest toddler splash pad, you can't go wrong with BATURU Octopus Splash Pad For Toddlers. Now if you want something a little bigger that toddlers and adults can enjoy we love the VISTOP Non-Slip Splash Pad For Kids.

If you already know your toddler loves water, we suggest the Intex Inflatable Rainbow + Ocean Pools. The inflatable swimming pools have splash pad features, plus small scale games, and are suitable for a couple of kids at a great price point without compromising durability.

And of course, for the ultimate in backyard fun you can't go wrong with H2OGO! Super Speedway Kids Water Park which has areas for babies, toddlers, and adults. It's the perfect backyard set up for families with multiple kids or who love spending time outdoors.