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The Best Inflatable Splash Pad

Last updated on March 8, 2024

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When the weather turns hot, parents start looking for a way for kids to cool off. Pools are great, but unless you have one at home, you have to pack everyone up and head to a local public pool. Sure, you can buy kiddie pools for the backyard, but those can be complicated to set up.

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In recent years, splash pads have become a fun alternative to swimming pools. These setups have a nonslip surface, along with nozzles and other features that stream water out for children to run through. Across the country, parks have set up splash pads for kids to run and play, but having one in your own backyard could come in handy on the hottest days of the year.

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An inflatable splash pad provides the perfect solution for busy parents. Simply hook up a garden hose, turn it on, and you’ll have hours of fun for your little ones. One of the best things about splash pads is that they take up very little space in your backyard. You can fold them up for easy storage between uses, then inflate them when you’re ready to use them again.

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Compared to a kiddie pool, an inflatable splash pad brings a variety of benefits. They’re easy to inflate, and you don’t have to worry about filling them up before using them. Just hook up the hose and kids are ready to play immediately.

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One of the biggest benefits of a splash pad is its portability. Not only are splash pads easy to store, but you can pack them up and take them on the road with you. All you’ll need is access to a water hose and you can create a fun play area anytime you need one.

Our Picks For The Top Inflatable Splash Pads

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Jasonwell BPA-Free Non-Slip Inflatable Splash Pad

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Jasonwell

BPA-Free Non-Slip Inflatable Splash Pad

Grab this inflatable splash pad and keep your little ones nice and cool on a hot summer day. It measures 68-inches in diameter and features a giant shark in the center. The pad is surrounded by sprinklers and parents can set the height of the spray to low or high at the faucet.

Overall Take

Stay CoolThis inflatable splash pad can also be used for dogs who enjoy a bit of water play.

 Runner Up

QPAU PVC Summer Fun Inflatable Splash Pad

QPAU

PVC Summer Fun Inflatable Splash Pad

Constructed using a BPA-free PVC material, this inflatable splash pad is designed to last. It's perfect for toddlers and puppies and provides hours for waterplay during the summer. The pad's spay can be adjusted to reach heights between 28 and 96 inches.

Overall Take

Your Own Mini WaterparkUse this inflatable splash pad to reinforce alphabet practice, as the flooring contains all the letters from a to z.

 We Also Like

Zen Laboratory Sea Turtle Inflatable Splash Pad

Zen Laboratory

Sea Turtle Inflatable Splash Pad

Combining all the best elements of a kiddie pool, slip-and-slide and water toys, this splash pad is geared toward children between the ages of 2 and 10. It's simple to set up, thanks to an easy-to-access hose connection and control over how high the water streams go. It's small enough to easily fit in your backyard but large enough to fit four chil...

Overall Take

Easy StorageWhen you aren't using this inflatable splash pad, you can store it in the included storage bag to keep your yard clear.

 Also Great

BANZAI Toddler Inflatable Splash Pad

BANZAI

Toddler Inflatable Splash Pad

Not only does this inflatable splash pad resist tears, but it also holds its original shape through many uses. It has a fun, colorful design featuring fish, starfish, turtles, an octopus and a seahorse. The gentle sprinklers and 54-inch diameter surface area make it perfect for any child age 18 months and up.

Overall Take

Durable MaterialMade from heavy-duty PVC material, this inflatable splash pad resists tearing even during the most rigorous play sessions.

What to Look For

  • Safety is the top priority when choosing a splash pad. You’ll notice the ones set up for public use typically have a nonskid surface to keep kids from slipping. Make sure the surface of the splash pad will provide the traction kids need once the water is going and they start running around.
  • Durability is always an issue with children’s toys. Many splash pads are made from heavy-duty material like PVC to prevent them from tearing. And it’s not just roughhousing from kids you have to worry about with a splash pad. Since they’re used outside, they can be damaged by rocks, branches and other environmental hazards. Having durable material ensures you’ll get plenty of use out of it.
  • You will need access to a garden hose to get the water going. Make sure your water pressure is strong enough and that your hose will reach the area you plan to set your splash pad up. With most splash pads, you’ll control the height of the water by adjusting the water pressure up and down on your hose.
  • Larger splash pads can be great if you have a lot of kids, but keep in mind they’ll take up more space in your yard. Make sure you have an area large enough to accommodate your splash pad comfortably.
  • Check the recommended age range on a splash pad before buying. This is especially important if you have a toddler, as some splash pads aren’t recommended for children under 2 or 3 years old.
  • Some splash pads have a small ridge that allows the pad to form a shallow pool. This is great for toddlers who can’t stand up to play like older kids can.
  • Although many splash pads are rated for kids up to the age of 10 or 12, some will be more appealing to much younger kids. If you have older kids, you’ll want to look for a larger splash pad without the childlike designs.

More to Explore

Splash pads emerged as an alternative to an urban tradition. For decades, city-dwelling kids would open fire hydrants and play in the spray on the hottest summer days. It became a fun way to beat the heat, but fire departments were understandably not happy with the practice. After fighting it for a while, though, some fire departments decided to join in on the fun, creating a cap that could be fitted over hydrants to create a sprinkler. In recent years, cities have decided instead to set up splash pads to discourage opening up hydrants — though that hasn’t stopped the practice completely. Fire departments have begun installing locks on fire hydrants, primarily to curb water theft, but it also keeps fire hydrants from being used to create impromptu splash pads on the street.

More to explore