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  4. 10 Best Splash Pads in 2022 (Intex, Sable, and More)
  • 10 Best Splash Pads in 2022 (Intex, Sable, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Splash Pads in 2022 (Intex, Sable, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Splash Pads in 2022 (Intex, Sable, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Splash Pads in 2022 (Intex, Sable, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Splash Pads in 2022 (Intex, Sable, and More) 5

10 Best Splash Pads in 2022 (Intex, Sable, and More)

Does your kiddo love water play? Not only is it a fun activity, but water play can also help children develop hand-eye coordination as they hear the splashes and feel the wetness. Splash pads offer a fun way to cool down during hot summer days and work great for younger children as well as mixed-age groups. They aren't as deep as kiddie pools and hold just a couple of inches of water, so your little one can lay down and splash in it. 


To help you with your search, we've tracked down the 10 splash pads that are highly recommended by reviewers. SplashEZ's 3-in-1 Splash Pad is our favorite as it's decorated with an educational design to help your kid learn ABCs. For more options, read on! We've also included a buying guide at the end to help you quickly figure out which product works best for your needs. 

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Splash Pads

Splash pads come in a lot of sizes and shapes. So when choosing a product, you should take into consideration factors such as the dimension and material to make sure that it truly works for you. 

1

Make Sure the Material is Safe and Durable

Make Sure the Material is Safe and Durable

Splash pads are often made of PVC, a synthetic plastic polymer that offers a soft, flexible surface for your kiddo. However, PVC is a thin material that might get punctured easily if placed on a hard surface with sharp debris. 


To prevent your splash pad from developing holes, go for a double-layered mat. It's usually thicker and is more resistant to tears than its single-layered counterpart. 


If you want an ultra-soft experience for your little one, look for a splash pad that is cushioned for extra comfort. Also, splash pads are slippery when they get wet. So you might want to choose a product with a textured surface to prevent slips.


There is also a possibility of your splash pad springing a leak as a result of strong water pressure. Therefore, make sure that the product you choose comes with repair patches that can help you fix any leaks. 


Another thing to keep in mind is that plastics like PVC might contain BPA, a chemical that has been proven to cause reproductive and neurological problems. Most products nowadays are BPA-free, but it's still a good idea to check the product's description for this information. 

2

Consider the Size of the Splash Pad

Consider the Size of the Splash Pad

It's important to consider the size of the splash pad and make sure that it fits your needs. The diameter of most ranges from 28 to 68 inches


If you're looking for a splash pad for a baby, a mini one that measures about 28 inches in diameter might be a great option. It will fit in a small backyard or even in your garage. However, for a larger group of kids, go for a pad that's over 60 inches in diameter. 

3

Pick a Design That Will Excite Your Kid

Pick a Design That Will Excite Your Kid

Splash pads come in many colors, designs, and shapes. Some come in an ocean theme and are decorated with adorable sea characters such as fish and turtles. Some others feature alphabet letters to help your kid learn ABCs. So pick a design that you know your kiddo will be attracted to!


Also, most splash pads are designed with built-in sprinklers for some extra fun. For mixed age groups, we recommend choosing sprinklers that allow you to adjust the height of the spray by changing the setting of your hose. 


But for younger children, a small sprinkler that provides gentle streams of water and has a restricted spray range is a good choice. So look at the product's description and check the sprinkler range. 


Some splash pads might also include extra play items such as stackable toys and animal floats to give your little one more things to do. Some actually look like water parks and come with a water slide and a cool canopy to provide sun protection. 


Those water parks might take up a lot of space in your backyard and can be quite costly. However, they can for sure keep your kid entertained for hours. 

4

Choose a Splash Pad That's Easy to Set Up

Choose a Splash Pad That's Easy to Set Up

Some splash pads need to be inflated with air before attaching the hose. There are also many splash pads that don't need to be blown up ahead of time and can be inflated using water. They're the easiest options since all you need to do is connect a hose and wait until the splash pad is filled with water! 


Most splash pads work with standard hoses. But if you don't own a standard hose, look for a product that comes with an adapter that converts your inflatable pool's port to the size of your hose. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Splash Pads Ranking

Here are the best Splash Pads, ranked according to 10 Best Splash Pads (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

SplashEZ

Splash Pad

SplashEZ Splash Pad 1

$29.99

Mid

Educational and Fun Activity for Your Little One

2

Zen Laboratory

Splash Pad

Zen Laboratory Splash Pad 1

$24.95

Mid

A Pet-Friendly Wading Pool With Sprinkler Fun

3

SwimSchool

Baby Splash Mat

SwimSchool Baby Splash Mat 1

$20.71

Low Mid

An Ideal Choice for Sitting Babies

4

Sable

Inflatable Play Center

Sable Inflatable Play Center 1

$99.99

High Mid

A Water Park for Kids at Home

5

Magicfun

Sprinkler and Splash Pad

Magicfun Sprinkler and Splash Pad 1

$19.99

Low Mid

Tons of Space to Fit Multiple Kids

6

Action Air

Splash Pool 9417N

Action Air Splash Pool  1

$399.99

High

Great Choice for a Party

7

Intex

Gator Inflatable Play Center

Intex Gator Inflatable Play Center 1

$47.99

High Mid

A Play Center to Keep Kids Engaged for a Long Time

8

Banzai Jr.

Sprinkle Friends Play Mat

Banzai Jr. Sprinkle Friends Play Mat 1

$12.68

Low

Durable Material for Long-Term Use

9

Splashin'kids

2 in 1 Sprinkler and Pool Play CenterSmall

Splashin'kids 2 in 1 Sprinkler and Pool Play Center 1

$27.97

Mid

Double Sprinklers to Double the Fun

10

Gebra

Splash Pad

Gebra Splash Pad  1

$39.99

Mid

An Educational, Large-Sized Splash Pad

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

SplashEZSplash Pad

Splash Pad 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$29.99
Mid
Reference price
$29.99
Mid

Educational and Fun Activity for Your Little One

This splash pad is designed with adorable cartoon animals and alphabet letters to make learning fun for your kid. While playing in the spray, you can teach your kid animal names and help them recognize all the ABCs. There are sprinklers along the rim to add some extra fun.


A few reviewers noted that the bottom was soft and recommended laying a mat or tarp underneath to protect it. Also, some buyers said it pops easily. Most reviewers liked that the water pressure alone fills it, so no inflation is needed. They also loved that they could easily adjust the height of the water streams by changing the water pressure.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Zen LaboratorySplash Pad

Splash Pad 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.95
Mid
Reference price
$24.95
Mid

A Pet-Friendly Wading Pool With Sprinkler Fun

This inflatable splash pool is perfect for kids who aren't big enough to swim. There are also three settings for the height of the sprinklers for more variety. The bottom is durable enough to double as a large dog bath and wading pool.


According to a few reviewers, it took some tweaking to get the sprinklers spraying in the same direction as the advertised photo. The manufacturer advised ensuring the O-ring connecting the hose to the pool was tightly secured to ensure proper sprinkling.


Parents noted that their kids had tons of fun with the pool, and it was bigger and more durable than expected. The pool holds a few inches of water in the middle, which means it can float water toys as well.  

No.3

SwimSchoolBaby Splash Mat

Baby Splash Mat 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$20.71
Low Mid
Reference price
$20.71
Low Mid

An Ideal Choice for Sitting Babies

This splash mat is designed for a baby from six to 18 months. There is a removable canopy to protect from harsh UV rays. This pad also comes with a backrest that allows your baby to sit down comfortably, and some stackable toys for them to play with. 


One setback for some buyers was that the bottom wasn't padded. So they put a mat underneath or placed the splash pad on a soft surface to make it more comfy for their babies. 


Nonetheless, many buyers loved how easy it was to set up and clean this splash mat. They mentioned that it's convenient to store and bring places as well. Other reviewers also praised the sturdy construction and further added that the built-in seat was a nice feature for babies who had just learned to sit up.

No.4

SableInflatable Play Center

Inflatable Play Center 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$99.99
High Mid
Reference price
$99.99
High Mid

A Water Park for Kids at Home

This mini water park has everything: adjustable sprinklers, a slide, and a mini wading zone at the back. The bottom padding is made with a sponge cushion material to ensure comfort whether you're using it outdoors with water or indoors as a ball pit.


A few reviewers had an issue with the palm tree arch drooping after a while. However, many had no problems and considered the pool a lifesaver because it kept their kids entertained and busy.


Users commented that the pool was very easy to inflate with a small pump and that the slide was super sturdy. They said this pool was no ordinary kiddie pool due to all of the cool features! 

No.5

MagicfunSprinkler and Splash Pad

Sprinkler and Splash Pad 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$19.99
Low Mid

Tons of Space to Fit Multiple Kids

This spacious splash pad measures 68 inches in diameter and can fit up to three kids at the same time. Since the ring on the outside of the pad can be inflated with water, so you don't have to blow it up before use. It's also designed with an output hole to help drain off the water quickly. 


Some buyers complained that the streams of water only went a couple of feet high. A few others were disappointed with the durability of the product, saying it ripped after a couple of uses. 


Nonetheless, many reviewers loved the size of the product and said that it works for kids of different age ranges. They were also pleased that the splash pad filled up quickly, so their kids didn't have to wait long until they could play. 

No.6

Action AirSplash Pool 9417N

Splash Pool  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$399.99
High
Reference price
$399.99
High

Great Choice for a Party

Kiddos will have fun using the water slide and playing with the water gun in this water park. It comes with a blower that will keep the slides inflated during playtime. This inflatable pool is bound to keep kids engaged for hours.


A few users mentioned that the slide has Velcro, which can cause scratches. However, many buyers mentioned that it was easy to set up and the material was durable. They further added that it deflated and inflated quickly. People also said that the blower ran quietly. 

No.7

IntexGator Inflatable Play Center

Gator Inflatable Play Center 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$47.99
High Mid
Reference price
$47.99
High Mid

A Play Center to Keep Kids Engaged for a Long Time

This play center comes with many accessories, including a fishing bucket, a water slide, a gator water sprayer, and a small duck float your child can play a ring toss game with. There is also a small mushroom-shaped umbrella that provides some shade on a hot day. 


Some buyers said that this product deflated quickly. A few others found it tough to inflate and recommended purchasing an electric air pump to save both time and effort. 


Many reviewers said that this product offered tons of fun activities for kids and kept them entertained for a while. They also mentioned that it's able to accommodate two to three kids

No.8

Banzai Jr.Sprinkle Friends Play Mat

Sprinkle Friends Play Mat 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.68
Low
Reference price
$12.68
Low

Durable Material for Long-Term Use

This splash pad is decorated with adorable sea creatures that act as sprinklers and can shoot up high spouts of water depending on the water pressure. There are also sprinklers surrounding the rim of the pad to provide gentle streams of water. 


Some reviewers complained that some of the streams sprayed out of the pool instead of in towards the center. A few others found it difficult to drain all of the water out as well. 


Nonetheless, according to many buyers, this splash pad was durable and didn't get ripped easily. They also didn't have any trouble assembling the product. 

No.9

Splashin'kids2 in 1 Sprinkler and Pool Play CenterSmall

2 in 1 Sprinkler and Pool Play Center 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$27.97
Mid
Reference price
$27.97
Mid

Double Sprinklers to Double the Fun

This inflatable splash pad can be filled with water and used as a wading pool for your little one to soak in. On top of that, it's designed with two spraying systems to double the fun. While the sprinklers around the pool's edge only spray your kid gently, the sprinkler action from the frog's mouth is more intense. 


Some reviewers noted that the splash pad was smaller than expected, but a large size is also available. Most buyers found it easy and quick to set up. They mentioned their kids had a lot of fun playing with the sprinklers. Reviewers recommended using a low water flow rate since the sprinklers were very strong. 

No.10

GebraSplash Pad

Splash Pad  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.99
Mid
Reference price
$39.99
Mid

An Educational, Large-Sized Splash Pad

This product from Gebra is made from 0.35-millimeter thick PVC material and measures over six feet in diameter. Thanks to this big size, up to four children can play at the same time. And around the circle, you'll find adorable animal graphics along with alphabet letters. So while playing, your kid can learn about animals and their ABCs! 


A few buyers complained about the seams bursting open easily, and others noticed that the colors faded due to sun exposure. 


However, the majority of reviewers loved the size of the splash pad and said that their kids had tons of fun with it. They found it easy to set up and easy to store away after use. They suggested placing it on a soft surface like grass and putting a tarp underneath to prevent it from developing holes.

More Fun Activities to Keep Your Kids Happy

If the kids (and adults) in your home can't get enough of water play, we have some other fun recommendations that can keep you entertained for hours. Check out our articles for more detail! 

Top 5 Splash Pads

No. 1: SplashEZSplash Pad

No. 2: Zen LaboratorySplash Pad

No. 3: SwimSchoolBaby Splash Mat

No. 4: SableInflatable Play Center

No. 5: MagicfunSprinkler and Splash Pad

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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