Summer is here, and with each new heatwave comes a mad rush to get to the shops and buy your kids an inflatable pool or you'll never hear the end of it - sound familiar?
While paddling pools are great, unless you have an endless amount of toys or your kid is just happy to, you know, paddle around, they can quickly lose their charm for the little ones. Even though they keep them cool, they require some imagination to have lots of fun with.
Plus, they take AGES to fill, aren't always suitable for toddlers and older kids all at once, and can get filled with grass and bugs easily - not ideal.
That's where splash pads come in. If your child loves to run through those fountains in the city centre or the sprinkler in the back garden, they'll LOVE their very own splash pad. Also known as sprinkler pads, they're similar to a pool but WAY more fun. They're also more suited to toddlers, as they aren't deep but are fairly large.
Luckily, they're affordable, easy to run and provide endless fun for the children and even for your dog, so take a look at the best-rated splash pads below.
Please note: these products are suitable for children aged three and up.
SHOP: The best splash pads to buy this summer
Description
With a sweet alphabet design, this splash pad is quick to set up and fun for the family.
Customer review: "Was unsure whether to buy due to some negative reviews but thought I would give it a try. So glad I did, my grandson loved it. Very well made, easy to attach to the hose and the water sprinklers were great fun with the added bonus of the small lip around the edge it collects the water so is a shallow paddle pool as well. Very happy."
Material: Thickened PVC
Description
This option from pecute is made from stronger material (it can even be used by your dogs!) and is available in four sizes.
Customer review: "My dogs really like the splash pad. The spray I doesn’t go as high as the pictures, but that is more to do with water pressure I think. I had to connect my hose to the bathroom sink as I don’t have an outdoor tap. The dogs still like it, so I can’t complain."
Material: Thickened PVC
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Look out, sharks about! This sprinkler mat from John Lewis looks great and delivers on fun.
Customer review: N/A
Material: PVC
Description
For older kids or a summer party, the square shape of this sprinkler pad offers up more space to play.
Customer review: "Good item, read reviews before buying as seemed 50/50, we found that it doesn’t spray that high but the kids had great fun standing on the edge and then it really does sprinkle high, keep us busy for hours."
Material: PVC material
Description
Introduce your children to a colourful ocean world with this splash pad.
Customer review: "Great product for summer. Really fun for the kids and easy to set up. Highly recommend."
Material: PVC
www.argos.co.uk
Description
It's time to get tropical with this funky pineapple splash pool.
Customer review: "Bought this for grandkids visiting us, ages 6 and 9. They had a great time, big enough to take them and various toys to play with. Packed away quickly too."
Material: PVC
Description
The cute crocodile head will no doubt provide plenty of fun games and adventures for your little ones.
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Customer review:** "My toddler loves it. Ideal for small children if you don’t want to use a swimming pool."
Material: PVC material
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Make like Ariel and head under the sea with this underwater-themed splash pad.
Customer review: "Bought for granddaughter was a bit disappointing as the water didn’t shoot up very much but could be not enough pressure in my hose but she liked it anyway."
Material: PVC