Curated, Kinda

It’s always nice to cool off in the backyard with some water toys instead of packing it up and heading to a pool. You can make your yard into a small-scale water park without the hassle with a few fun items. Here are some of our favorites. (A few of the links below are affiliate links, which support this blog if you make a purchase—thanks for your support!)

Inflatable Water Slide

Ok, so this inflatable water slide isn’t super practical for everyday use, but we pull this out for neighborhood hangs or weekends when we know we’re going to be around and it’s going to be super hot.

Ours has a shark instead of a crocodile, but it’s the same idea. And coming from Costco, you know you’re getting a great product at a nice price. We’ve tried other outdoor inflatable water activities (slip and slide, giant sprinkler), but this one has stuck around the longest. I can even lounge in the “pool” section as long as the squirting cannon stays aimed at the slide!

Reusable Water Balloons

Staying with the water-themed toys, one of our best purchases has been these reusable water balloons. I am not a fan of the idea of picking up a ton of tiny pieces of plastic after an epic water balloon battle, so these are right up my alley.

I’ve also had luck with these kinds of reusable water balloons at Costco. Note that they do use magnets to close, so they wouldn’t be the best for young children. I have seen versions without magnets, but don’t own them so can’t vouch for how well they work.

Kid Goggles

We have tried them all, and really feel like these Speedo Sunny G kids goggles are the best goggles out there. They don’t pull out your hair, can make them as loose or tight as needed, and they look cool on.

Could these get any better? No. Not according to my kid, and the tons of kids I see wearing them in the pool.

Water Blasters

So simple, but I prefer these water blasters to the other water squirting methods. They’re easier to fill and just feel more fun.

Foldable Pool

Ok, hear me out. I know this foldable pool seems more targeted towards dogs, but it’s great for kids and folds up pretty well.

I find this way easier to manage than an inflatable pool that really doesn’t deflate totally, and inevitably develops a leak. We’ve had this for three summers with no issues. You’re not doing the backstroke in here, but big enough for cooling off and providing a refill station for water blasters and water balloons.

Splash Pad

A classic backyard addition, a splash pad is great for just getting a little bit wet.

You can run through it, sit in it, or step on the sides to sneaky splash the people on the other side. The fun never ends! Also has a super easy cleanup. In a similar vein, this sprinkler has a similar function, without the larger bottom part to smother your grass.

What are your favorite ways to cool off in the backyard during the summer heat? Let me know in the comments!