12 Top-Rated Splash Pads for Backyard Water Fun

When the summer heat cranks up, there’s nothing better than cooling off under a gentle shower of crisp, cold hose water. While splash pads are usually associated with babies and wobbly toddlers, I know plenty of adults (and more than a few dogs) who love a good splash pad session! For a kid like mine who despise touching grass with bare feet, a splash pad is a great alternative to running through the sprinkler, and it’s a whole lot less work than a kiddie pool.

Splash pads come in lots of sizes and colors, and they’re quick to set up, easy to store, and enjoyed by all ages. Ready to add a splash pad to your repertoire of things to do in the backyard? Here are 12 splash pads of varying sizes, colors, and themes to choose from, all with Amazon ratings of at least 4 out of stars. If you click on a link and purchase one of these splash pads, I may earn a small commission—but rest assured I’d never steer you wrong!

1. 68-inch Baby splash pad (Zen Laboratory)

4.4 stars, 10,500+ ratings

This darlin’ 68-inch splash pad from Zen Laboratory is a summertime favorite for little ones (and furry friends). It features 20 nozzles that send water gently upwards and inward, plus an inflatable ring around the pad that holds a small amount of water for splashing fun. It’s made with a slip-resistant surface and BPA- and phthalate-free materials, and it’s big enough for a few small kids to play at once. The cute “under the sea” design keeps things festive.

Reviewers like the easy setup and storage. The large size gets lots of praise, especially from families with more than one child (or a dog that refuses to miss out). Some reviewers noted durability issues when it comes to dogs who like to chew or scratch. Overall, for the price and simplicity, it's a hit for keeping kids cool and active on hot days.

2. 58” Sprinkle Friends play mat (Banzai)

4.5 stars, 1,900+ ratings

The BANZAI 58-Inch Sprinkle Friends Play Mat is a super cute water mat designed especially for toddlers and little kids who love splashing around! This splash mat features friendly, interactive sea creatures that squirt water out of their mouths, giving kiddos just enough spray to cool off while keeping things gentle and manageable for younger ages. It measures 58" x 42", so it’s perfect for solo play or sharing with a sibling or two, and the PVC construction makes it durable enough for repeat use all summer long.

Reviewers like how the water pressure is gentle enough for babies and toddlers. They love the water-squirting sea animals and the many streams of water, which seems to be an instant hit with little ones. Many reviewers say it's the perfect size for younger kids who are too small for bigger splash pads or inflatable pools. A few noted that the mat needs to be on a perfectly flat surface to keep the water distributed evenly, and some mentioned that over time the seams can weaken. Still, for the price and the smiles it brings, it’s a great choice for simple backyard water fun.

3. 60-inch 3-in-1 splash pad (SplashEZ)

4.4 stars, 28,000+ ratings

The SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad is a perfect mix of summer fun and early learning. This 60-inch splash pad doubles as a shallow wading pool and sprinkler while featuring a colorful alphabet-themed base that helps toddlers pick up their ABCs as they play. You can invent all kinds of learning games, like Twister: “Put your right foot on the donkey, your left foot on the Z, and your left hand on the R.” The gentle fountain-like spray keeps kids cool while giving them just enough shallow water to comfortably splash around in. The pad is BPA- and phthalate-free, and the visuals are bright and engaging.

Reviewers rave about how much their kids love this splash pad, especially the combination of water play and animal/letter identification. Some users mentioned the edge of the pad can curl if not placed on a completely flat surface, and the spray height may depend on your water pressure. Still, for toddlers and preschoolers, it’s a great way to make outdoor playtime both fun and enriching.

4. 72” non-slip splash pad (Raxurt)

4.6 stars, 65+ ratings

This large square splash pad from Raxurt is a summertime win for the whole family. Measuring 72 inches (6 feet) per side and 97 inches (8 feet) corner-to-corner, it offers more play space than your typical round pad. It's built with thick, 0.55mm PVC that's tough enough to handle a beating from little feet (and paws), and the non-slip surface helps keep everyone upright. You can control the spray height with your garden hose and even adjust the direction of the spray, which makes it easy to set the perfect splash zone. The water inlet is located on the bottom of the pad and includes metal hose clamps to help cut down on leaks.

Reviewers include parents and pet owners who love that this splash pad is sturdy, easy to set up, and big enough for multiple kids, plus a dog or two. Users say it folds up nice and small small for easy, out-of-the-way storage, and it’s surprisingly durable. A few mentioned that the hose connection can take a bit of fiddling, but once it’s properly hooked up, it’s a great splash pad for backyard fun.

5. Octopus splash pad (Blasland)

4.2 stars, 1,960+ ratings

This playful octopus-themed splash pad from Blasland is a backyard favorite for little kids who love to get wet and wild! At 67 inches wide, it’s roomy enough for 3 or 4 kids to splash around together, and the inflatable octopus at the center adds a fun twist. Once it’s fully inflated, it stands up and sprays water out of the top for a mini fountain effect. The base of the pad features colorful animals and letters to keep young minds engaged while they cool off.

Reviewers say this splash pad is a hit with toddlers and preschoolers, especially on account of the adorable octopus design and gentle spray. Kids love showing off how smart they are with the letters and animals. A few reviewers noted minor issues with hose connection leaks, and one noted that the inflatable octopus doesn't always stand perfectly straight—you really gotta fill it up to the hilt with air!

6. 80” round XL splash pad (KOXOBET)

4.4 stars, 225+ ratings

This extra-large splash pad from KOXOBET is built for big-time backyard fun with the whole crew—kids, dogs, and even parents (I love how the family in the picture above is dressed for a picnic!). At a massive 80 inches across, it offers plenty of room for group games, relay races, or just slipping, sliding, and flopping around in the spray. The non-slip, textured surface keeps playtime safer for both little feet and furry paws, while the super-thick PVC construction helps it hold up to an entire summer of splashing. With adjustable sprinkler direction and pressure, you can create the perfect water experience, whether you want a gentle mist or full-blown spray zone. It sets up in minutes and folds down small for travel or storage.

Reviewers say this splash pad is a hit for its size, durability, and versatility. Kids love the ample space for running wild, and pet owners appreciate how well it holds up to claws. Some mention that the sprinkler spray isn’t super high unless the water pressure is cranked up, and a few found the hose connection a little fiddly (seems to be a theme with splash pads!).

7. Ginormous 102” splash pad (EPN)

4.3 stars, 100+ ratings

This humongous splash pad goes big—literally. At a whopping 102.3 inches (over 8 feet!) across, this oversized sprinkler mat gives kids a ton of space to splash, run, slip ‘n’ slide, and cool off. It’s designed for kids ages 3 to 12 and can easily accommodate a group of friends or the whole family. The mat features cute, colorful sea animals and is made from BPA-free, non-toxic PVC that’s about 20% thicker than typical splash mats—it’s built for countless long afternoons of fun in the sun!

Reviewers (and their kids!) love the size of this splash pad—it’s one of the biggest around, and it’s perfect for parties and playdates. Many say the material feels nice and sturdy, and most say it holds up well even with lots of roughhousing. A few reviews mention that it works best on level ground to prevent water from pooling unevenly, and that the hose connector might need some tightening to prevent leaks.

8. 60” tractor-shaped 3-in-1 splash pad (John Deere)

4.9 stars, 24+ ratings

For the tractor-obsessed toddlers, the one-and-only John Deere-created 3-in-1 splash pad is a massive hit! This 60-inch water play mat features an adorable John Deere tractor design that’ll thrill little fans of farms and machinery. It combines the fun of a sprinkler, splash pad, and mini wading pool into one compact setup, making it great for toddlers and bigger kids. It’s lightweight, easy to fold up, and ideal for outdoor play that keeps the screens away.

With a near-perfect rating, reviewers rave about how easy this splash pad is to set up and how much fun their little ones have with it. The John Deere theme is a big hit with tractor-loving toddlers, and the size is just right for solo or sibling play. Some mention that it’s best suited for younger kids due to its smaller size, and it may not be quite as splashy as larger pads. But at this price, it’s a fantastic gift and a fun way to turn any backyard into a tractorload of fun!

9. 68” smiley face splash pad (Bouncee)

4.6 stars, 64+ ratings

For parents and children who have a more chill aesthetic and don’t care much for bright, loud designs, this easy-on-the-eyes smiley face splash pad is a charming 68-inch (5.5 feet) backyard water play zone perfect for babies, toddlers, little kids, and big kids. It features an adorable smiley face design in soft, neutral colors that’s both kid-approved and mom-aesthetic-friendly. The spray height is adjustable, so you can customize the water level for tiny kids or bigger kids. It’s made from 0.25mm BPA- and phthalate-free eco PVC, which keeps things safe for delicate skin while holding up to all-summer-long splashing.

Reviewers love how well it entertains toddlers without overstimulating colors and designs, and many mention that it’s just the right size for small backyards and ideal for first-time splash pad users. The material feels sturdy for the price, though a few reviewers noted that it’s thinner than some heavier-duty models and might not stand up to older kids, pets with claws, or rougher play. But for younger kids and casual water fun, it’s a cheerful, hassle-free option for cooling fun on hot, sunny days.

9. Infant splash pad with back rest (Bundaloo)

4.2 stars, 444+ ratings

This cute little fish-themed splash mat is made just for babies, and it’s a sweet and simple way to introduce your baby to outdoor water play. The 30-inch mat doesn’t have a sprinkler feature, but it does include a built-in inflatable backrest so babies can sit comfortably while they splash. It only needs about an inch of water, making it perfect for low-key play. Bonus: it comes with three stackable inflatable rings to help babies build motor skills and hand-eye coordination while keeping cool on a hot day. It’s lightweight and foldable, making it easy to bring along for backyard hangs, beach trips, or visits to grandma’s.

Reviewers appreciate how baby-friendly this splash mat is, especially for kids just starting to explore water play. The marine-themed design and bright colors are a hit with little ones, and the included ring toys add a fun sensory element. Some reviewers noted that the small size and low water level mean it’s best for younger babies rather than toddlers on the move.

10. 68” mermaid splash pad (Ancesfun)

4.2 stars, 74+ ratings

This 68" pretty mermaid splash pad from Ancesfun brings magical underwater mermaid vibes to your backyard with its bright tail design, playful water spray, and eye-catching colors. It’s designed for kids ages 3 and up, with an extra-large layout that has room for up to 5 toddlers to play at once. The inflatable rim forms a shallow pool for extra splashing fun. Water sprays from both the perimeter ring and the tail, and you can even adjust the tail’s direction for bonus fun and games!

Reviewers love the design, saying it’s a huge hit with mermaid-obsessed kids. The PVC material is soft and durable, although some reviewers noted the pad may not spray as powerfully as others if you don’t have solid water pressure.

11. 40” Bluey splash pad (Swimways)

4.7 stars, 88+ ratings

Bluey fans unite! This Bluey splash mat is gonna knock little fans’ socks off — and it’s a colorful, super-friendly way to introduce the littlest ones to backyard water fun! Measuring 40" x 40", this compact splash pad features Bluey and friends in a bright, cheerful design. It sprays gentle streams from the nozzles around the edges, creating a shallow splashy zone that’s perfect for toddlers. The soft, rounded edges help contain a shallow pool of water in the center, giving kids just enough to splash in without being overwhelmed.

Reviewers say this mat is ideal for younger kiddos who are new to water play or who might be a little timid around bigger splash pads. The Bluey theme is a major hit, of course, and the setup is quick and easy. A few reviewers mentioned that the 40-inch size feels small for older kids or multiple children, so it's best suited for solo water play.

12. Froggy splash ‘n’ stomp pad (Banzai)

4.3 stars, 359+ ratings

Let the pond party begin! The Banzai froggy pond splash mat brings silly, splashy fun straight to your backyard with its bright green frog theme and interactive features. It measures 58" x 42" and includes a playful frog fountain in the center and a rim that sprays water all around. One of the coolest parts? A built-in stomp pad that lets kids launch a surprise jet of water into the air!

Reviewers say this splash mat is a favorite for younger kids, especially those around toddler and preschool age. The stomp feature adds an extra layer of fun and games, and the frog design is an instant hit with animal-loving toddlers. Some reviewers note that the mat is a bit smaller than expected, and the water pressure may need adjusting to get the full fountain effect.

Have a wet, splashy summer!

A good splash pad can turn any ordinary afternoon into an epic backyard adventure—no tickets, travel, or long lines required! Whether you’re looking for something small and simple for toddlers or a larger, more elaborate setup for older kids, the right choice will keep everyone cool and smiling all summer long. So grab the sunscreen, hook up the hose, and get ready to make some splash-worthy memories right at home.