Best Overall Fun: Splash EZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids

When we tried out splash pads, one factor influences the fun: water pressure. Turn it too high and the water squirts outside the pad—which isn’t the point. Try lowering the water pressure to keep the water inside!

Also: high water pressure can bust some of these pools—that’s because they are made of vinyl. So be careful when you turn up the hose.

Finally, always place these splash pads on soft surfaces (grass, etc). If you place them on concrete, they may rip or tear.

For the best overall fun, we pick Splash EZ’s 3-in-1 sprinkler—easy to set up and a winner, based on the squeals of delight we heard from kids!

What We Liked

• Rim keeps small amount of water inside the pad. 

• Large 60″ size can fit more than one kid.

• BPA and phthalates free.

• Squirts are adjustable, based on water pressure.

What Needs Work

• Hard to drain. That’s true for many splash pads, unfortunately! That’s because water inflates these pools—and it can be hard to get it all out when done!

Best Budget-Friendly: 58 Inch Banzai Sprinkle Friends Play Mat, Watermat

You don’t have to spend big bucks to get a fun splash pad—Banzai’s splash pad does the trick, at a price that is easy on the wallet. Here’s more!

What We Liked

• Fun!

• Great for parties—holds a couple of kids at a time.

• Easy to set up.

• Easy to clean.

• Attach a garden hose and poof! Sprinkler fun.

What Needs Work

• Somewhat smaller than other pads we tested. This pad is 58″ wide—fun for a couple of kids. If you’d prefer something bigger, see our next pick.

• Can rip easily if water pressure is too high! Turn the water on slowly at the start.

Best Play Splash Pad for Babies: SwimSchool Splash Play Mat

Most splash pads are designed for older toddlers and kids—18 months is a typical minimum age (although a few start at 12 months).

What if you have a six month old you’d like to get in on the water fun? For that, we’d suggest SwimSchool’s Splash Play Mat. Fun, but designed for babies from six to 18 months.

What We Liked

• Inflatable backrest is great for younger babies that can sit up, but still need a bit of support.

• Fills with small amount of water so baby can splash around.

• 28″ wide, so it can fit in smaller areas.

• Can be used inside without water.

• Includes patch kit! That’s a nice extra feature.

• Other versions have canopies.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t squirt. You fill this pool with a bit of water . . . but it doesn’t squirt like other splash pads. That’s ok, in our opinion—it is still fun for babies.

• Small size. Perfect for one kid . . . but not the best choice if you want to cool off more kids at once.

Best Larger Size Pad: Splash Pad for Toddlers

Got a party coming up? Need to cool off several kids at once? We’d suggest this 68″ wide splash pad. Yep, that’s bigger than other pads on the market, so it can hold more kiddos.

What We Liked

• Holds about 3″ of water.

• Affordable.

• Large 68″ wide size.

What Needs Work

• Probably won’t last more than one summer. But that is true for most splash pads—they’re made of vinyl that can tear or rip, depending on how rambunctious your kids are!

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing baby gear, including splash pads. since 1994. When we test products, we purchase them with our own money and evaluate them for ease of use, quality . . . and when it comes to splash pads, fun!

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Baby Bargains is 100% reader-supported!