Summer Fun: Best Kid Sprinkler Review and Buying Guide
Keeping your little ones cool and entertained when the prevailing weather is hot is quite challenging. However, kids love to play with water and such weather conditions are perfect. If you can’t afford a swimming pool or something expensive in your backyard, you can opt to keep your kids entertained by getting the best kid sprinkler system.
Kid sprinklers is the best option for turning your backyard into a waterpark. Sprinkler toys are inexpensive and easy to use. For it to function, all you need to do is connect it to your outdoor garden hose that supplies water with some pressure. With such setup, kids can play various games that not only gives them a sense of happiness but also keeps them busy during summer.
There are thousands of kid sprinkler systems that can provide endless hours of fun. However, each model comes with specific characteristics that make it suitable for play. That said, if you are searching for the best sprinkler system, there are several things to take into consideration. To ease your search, below are some of the best models available on the market with a buyer’s guide that guides you into finding the best product.
Best Kid Sprinkler System
| Product Name | Key Features | Our Rating |
| Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler | Fast wiggle tubes create amazing patterns | 9.9 |
| Dramm ColorStorm Turret 9-Pattern Sprinkler | Durable make
Can be used as garden sprinkler |
9.6 |
| Fun Splashers Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant | Pocket friendly
Can spray up to 8-feet high |
9.5 |
| Banzai 54-Inch Diameter Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat | Can be used by toddlers from 18 months | 9.3 |
| Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler | Adorable floral design
Made from flexible soft plastic |
9.0 |
| Imperial Toy Teenage Mutant Ninja Spin and Spray Sprinkler | Easy to assemble
Multipurpose use |
8.7 |
| Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler | Multipurpose use
Best for both young and old kids |
8.6 |
| Kleeger Kids Water Sprinkler | Two in one play
Has one-year money back warranty |
8.5 |
| Little Tikes Super Spiral Sprinkler | Can be played by kids of all ages
Stable due to plastic foot |
8.5 |
| Melissa & Doug Sunny Grub Sprinkler | Durable make
Easy to set up |
8.3 |
1. Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler
Once connected, the hose squirts water out in various ways. First is through the top section, where it spins around spreading water in a cool spiral design. It also comes with six wiggle straws of different colors. Water pressure from the connected hose moves the straws, making them spray water in all directions.
The Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler can be used for both low and high-pressure water. For high pressure, it shoots water to a satisfactory height that tall kids can enjoy the sessions as well. You will also like its compact design that takes up less space on your lawn.
As for its make, it is made from durable plastic that holds together without necessarily being heavy. This not only assures durability through the summer season but also makes it easy to change its position in your backyard. You can also take it with you when visiting family and friends for continued fun.
Pros
- Affordable
- Different spray patterns
- Durable make
- Bright colored
Cons
- Works well with high-pressure water
2. Dramm ColorStorm Turret 9-Pattern Sprinkler
Kids will certainly enjoy water play with this product, thanks to the nine different spray patterns that gives both short and long sprays. Some also work exceptionally in oddly shaped areas. This product is perfect for entertaining children as you can modify it depending on their number.
Kids will also enjoy this model due to its ease of use. All they need is to connect with the hose, select the spray pattern and turn on water flow. Kids can also change the spray pattern by themselves without adult interference.
Once the play session is over, putting away this sprinkler is easy due to the molded hook next to the hose connection. With this, you can hang the device anywhere to keep it safe and out of the way. As if not enough, it also comes with lifetime guarantee providing an assurance of its durable make.
Pros
- Nine spray patterns
- Well-built
- Easy to use
- Six available color choice
Cons
- Some patterns do not cover large areas
3. Fun Splashers Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant
Setting up the sprinkler is also quite easy. Like other good kid sprinkler systems, you just need to connect it to a standard garden hose, turn the water on and it is ready for use. However, you should consider securing it with tent pegs or stakes due to its lightweight and small nature. This ensures that it remains upright once water is turned on.
The top part of the sprinkler has a spinning piece with small holes. As the piece spins, it changes the spray direction adding to the play’s excitement. Fun Splashers Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant can shoot as high as 8-feet depending on subjected water pressure. You can as well turn down the dial is you prefer short sprays, but will affect the speed of the spinner. Its durable plastic make holds up well through the entire summer period.
Pros
- Low price
- Available in three colors
- Good spray range
- Cute design
Cons
- Lightweight thus not stable
4. Banzai 54-Inch Diameter Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat
It is available in various eye-catching designs such as the starfish, octopus, turtles and seahorse swimming on the play mat. The bright colored finish attracts all your baby’s attention as they enjoy the splash. Water stream speed can be adjusted to different rates depending on the intended play. However, running water at a slower rate may not fill the outer ring, and sprinkler holes won’t spray with enough pressure.
Assembling the Banzai 54-Inch Diameter Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat is very easy. After removing it from the box, lay it flat, connect with a standard garden hose and get ready for fun play. The sprinkler mat is made from plastic, which may get slippery when wet. Therefore, it is wise to place it on grass or soft surface to prevent falls and injuries.
Pros
- Affordable
- Exquisite design
- Easy to store
- Compact nature
Cons
- Quite slippery
- Thin plastic make
5. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler
Its plastic make is not rubberized ensuring that kids won’t get hurt if they fall or trip during play. It also easily connects with standard garden hoses and takes seconds to be ready for play.
As for its design, there are several flowers that stick up, all which squirt water in the different directions they are pointing to.
Due to the numerous flowers squirting water, you will need enough water pressure to ensure that the sprinkler sprays to decent heights. The flowers are not mobile, meaning that water lands in the same place throughout, which may create puddles. Because of this, you should consider changing its position in your backyard to prevent such puddles.
Besides being a source of fun, you can use the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler to water your garden plants and vegetables. It is a perfect model for kids aged three and above.
Pros
- Soft and bendable plastic
- Affordable price
- Cute design
- Attaches to standard garden hose
Cons
- Requires high water pressure
- Forms puddles
6. Imperial Toy Teenage Mutant Ninja Spin and Spray Sprinkler
Like other best products on our list, using this model is very easy. You simply attach it to the garden hose and turn on water supply. Once connected, the inflatable piece will start moving its arms to several directions with water jetting out from four points, resembling the crazy ninja moves.
Due to its multidirectional water shooting, this kid sprinkler can also be used for watering plants and vegetables in the garden as well.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Multipurpose use
- Uses a standard garden hose
Cons
- High pressure required
7. Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler
As the name suggests, the Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler isn’t any ordinary sprinkler system. It is a sturdy and colorful ball of a good size for kids of all ages. The ball can be attached to any standard garden hose. Since the ball is big in size, more than one kid can enjoy the play.
The ball requires water to inflate. However, kids can still use it without water by jumping and rolling on it. In such cases, you can inflate it with an air compressor. Depending on the garden hose water pressure, the ball can spray water to different places.
The Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler is built to last. It can be played on grass or trampoline as it handles all the tough abuse.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Multipurpose use
- Best for both young and old kids
- Can be played by more than one kid
Cons
- Requires high pressures
8. Kleeger Kids Water Sprinkler
This is a 2 in 1 toy since it can be used with water or air. For instance, if your kid is tired of water splashes, you can remove the water to deflate it and re-inflate with air. It makes a whale figure that floats on water and can entertain your kid for long periods in the swimming pool. The whale remains inflated for days and weeks if you want it kept that way.
Nonetheless, if you prefer the water version of the Kleeger Kids Water Sprinkler, the weighted sprinkler base provides excellent balance and stability, making it totally safe for kids.
Pros
- Soft and stable play
- Best for toddlers
- Two in one play
- Has a one-year money-back warranty
Cons
- Small spray outlets
9. Little Tikes Super Spiral Sprinkler
Like other small kid sprinkler systems, this model requires high pressure to balance the top ball properly. However, once you get used to it, you can balance it with low pressures perfectly.
Taking of top balls, the Little Tikes Super Spiral Sprinkler comes with four plastic balls. Its spiral part has a powerful jet stream that shoots water and the ball high. Such engaging play will keep your kids occupied for several hours. They can play a game of trying to catch the balls alongside playing with water.
Pros
- Can be played by kids of all ages
- Attractive design
- Portable
- Stable due to plastic foot
Cons
- Requires high water pressures
10. Melissa & Doug Sunny Grub Sprinkler
The sprinkler inflates once water is turned on and your kids should be up for several hours of play. The sprinkler deflates on its own once the garden hose is disconnected or water is turned off. You can leave it on the lawn of store in a shed for long-lasting use.
The Melissa & Doug Sunny Grub Sprinkler makes numerous projections that mimic relatively heavy rainfall. This is the main source of happiness to your kids as the cool water keeps them entertained for hours.
Pros
- Durable make
- Easy to set up
- Easy to store
- Attractive color finishes
Cons
- Not large enough
What to Look for in the Best Kid Sprinkler
There are several ways that sprinkler systems can benefit your children. To begin, they are a good source of entertainment as they circle around the spray. This is why you should invest in a good system. Finding a good system requires that you consider several factors. Some of the factors include;
Your Kids Age
Different sprinklers are made for kids of different ages. The good thing is that the models have age recommendations listed in their package. Purchasing a system perfect for your kids’ age eliminates the risks of getting hurt during play. For instance, the Banzai Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat is suited for kids aged above 18 months and above. The reason is that such toddlers are not overly mobile to run around the sprinkler.
Whilst some models fit small kids with minimal mobility, others are suite for kids aged more than four years who can run around them. Such sprinklers require kid with steady feet to avoid injuries.
Sprinkler System Material
To ensure your kids are safe, you should go for a durable made sprinkler system. Plastic made sprinklers are common as they can hold up under high water pressure. Most products mentioned in our list are made from rubberised plastic that can bend or fold if kids fall on it.
Plastic materials keep the sprinklers free from breaking as well as preventing injuries. Some models have metals in some parts such as the base. In such models, ensure that they are dried enough after use to prevent them from rusting.
Weight
Checking on the weight of the sprinkler system is important for various reasons. Whereas lightweight models are easy to move around the yard, they may not hold up the water pressure. This is why some such as Fun Splashers Kid Sprinkler System fills up water before spraying to ensure that the whole construction remains upright.
If the sprinkler keeps collapsing, you should consider securing it to the ground with stakes or pegs. You can as well consider going for heavy models as they stay put wherever placed. Weight also matters when it comes to moving the sprinkler system. If your kids enjoy playing for long periods, you should move it around your yard to prevent flow in one area.
Size
Taking into consideration the size of the sprinkler is important, especially if you have limited space in your backyard. Smaller yards won’t make up a good play area. Therefore, the smaller the sprinkler system, the easier it is to set up and use in the small garden.
Warranty
Warranty on the sprinkler systems should be decent, but the items need to be good. This is because kids can be rough at times, and the system needs to be built with durability. Most manufacturers indicate the warranty periods on their products with others offering a lifetime guarantee.
Extra Features
Other extra minor features determine the sprinkler’s working efficacy besides attracting your kid’s attention and keeping them entertained. The color of the sprinkler is the first feature. Sprinklers come in various adorable colors with a catchy appeal. The design of the sprinkler is the other factor to consider. Normal lawn sprinklers are fun, but the design of these products should be made to suit children with their bright flowers, colorful animation and happy faces.
You should also check on the spray pattern. Sprinklers with simple spray pattern will become boring after a few sessions of play. However, an item with various spray patterns, including the wiggle straws of the Tidal Storm and spinning middle will keep your kids entertained for long periods.
Bottom Line
Kids, without doubt, like playing with water. Be it in a bathing tub or splashing on the lawn from sprinklers, they will certainly not get enough of it. However, water play with a sprinkler isn’t just an ordinary play. Water play promotes optimum mental, physical and social development in several ways.
With such importance, you should find the best product that will provide your kids with the best possible streaming experience. This should take into consideration the safety of the kids in the backyard. Try out either of the sprinklers mentioned above for endless enjoyable summer moments.
If you have any experience with the models mentioned above, share with us in the comments section below.
