Water play equipment

A shallow inflatable pool is the classic first water toy for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It fills from a garden hose, fits on a patio or a small patch of lawn, and folds down small for winter. Look at the wall height and floor size compared to the kids' ages, and check whether the floor is padded or has a separate air chamber. A drain plug makes emptying much easier. For the youngest, a water table or splash pad can be a gentler start that needs almost no water.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Inflatable kiddie pool

  A compact inflatable pool offers a safe and refreshing shallow water area for babies and toddlers to splash and play under supervision.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Children's outdoor water table

  An interactive water table offers engaging sensory play and encourages imaginative exploration for preschoolers and young elementary-aged children.

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  Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

  Inflatable splash pad play mat

  This item provides a safe and engaging water play area for toddlers and young children to cool off during warm weather.

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These combine a small pool with a short slide, and some add a sprayer, so one setup keeps kids busy much longer than a plain pool. They suit kids from about two to six who have outgrown just sitting and splashing. Before buying, measure the yard, since the footprint is bigger than it looks in photos. Check whether it needs a constant-air blower or simply gets inflated once, and how long it takes to dry before packing away.

Big inflatables turn an ordinary backyard or cottage pool into a play area: oversized floats, lounging islands and novelty shapes that several kids can climb on at once. They're a good family gift when the household already has a pool and the kids are strong swimmers. Measure the pool first so the inflatable isn't crowding the whole surface. Check the inflation valve type, since large pieces go much faster with an electric pump, and think about where it will sit deflated.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Giant inflatable pool float

  These oversized, uniquely shaped floats provide a fun and comfortable way to relax and drift in a swimming pool or calm body of water.

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Some slides and slip-and-slide mats are built long and sturdy enough for teens and adults, which makes them a hit at family barbecues and summer birthdays. They suit households with older kids, or anyone who wants the whole group involved. Check the weight limit per rider, the length, and whether the lane has a splash pool at the end. You'll also need a stretch of gently sloped, rock-free grass and good hose pressure to keep it slick.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Backyard slip and slide water mat

  A classic slip and slide provides exhilarating, fast-paced fun for kids and pre-teens, perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.

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An inflatable water slide is the big-ticket option: a bouncy climbing wall, a slide and a splash landing, all held up by a blower. It suits school-age kids and families who host lots of friends. Before choosing one, check the setup size including clearance, how far the blower cord needs to reach an outdoor outlet, and the rider age and weight guidance. Drying it fully before storage matters, so plan for a sunny afternoon and some garage space.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Backyard inflatable water slide

  This large inflatable slide provides hours of active entertainment and a thrilling water park experience right in your own backyard for energetic children.

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Large floats are made for drifting rather than climbing, whether that's a wide lounger, a ring for two or a float with cup holders. They work well for teens, parents and anyone who spends summer weekends at a pool or lake. Check the recommended number of riders, whether the material feels thick, and whether it has handles or a tow rope. A float that rolls up small is easier to bring to the cottage.

A giant inflatable pool is a step up from a kiddie pool, deep and wide enough for older kids to actually move around, and sometimes big enough for adults to cool off too. It suits families without an in-ground pool who have a flat, level spot. Check the water capacity, since filling takes a while and the water is heavy, plus how it drains and whether a ground cloth is included. Dive toys give kids something to do once it's full.

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  Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

  Underwater dive toy set

  This collection of sinkable toys encourages children to practice swimming and diving skills while engaging in fun retrieval games in a pool.

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This covers the wider range of slides for outdoor use, from hard plastic slides that attach to a pool or play set to simple lawn slides fed by a hose. They suit families who want something that stays set up all summer. Check the height and the space it needs at the landing end, what it attaches to, and whether it can stay outside or needs to come in after use. Make sure it matches the water source you actually have.