All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Water play is more than just splashing around on a sunny afternoon — it’s a full-on sensory, social, and physical workout disguised as fun. Kids build coordination when they climb slides, learn cause and effect with pouring and splashing, and sharpen language skills when they invent seaside stories in the garden. And let’s be honest: adults get to reclaim a bit of childhood, too. Whether you’re looking for a paddling pool to cool down the little ones or a proper inflatable slide to make the garden feel like a mini waterpark, water toys turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable adventure.
Not all water toys are created equal. Different families need different setups depending on garden size, child ages, storage space, and budget. Below I break down the most popular categories so you can quickly match the toy to your family’s needs.
Paddling pools are the classic summer staple. They’re perfect for toddlers and preschoolers because they’re low to the ground and easy to supervise. You’ll find everything from shallow splash pools that fold away neatly to more robust inflatable pools that can be used for lounging with a book (for the parental escape) or for hosting a few neighbourhood friends. Look for options made from thicker vinyl if you want something that will last more than one season.
If you’ve got a tight space or want something quick to set up, sprinklers and splash mats are brilliant. They attach to your garden hose and create instant, cooling entertainment. Sprinklers are especially good for active kids who love running and chasing streams of water, while splash mats give a softer landing and are great for babies learning to sit and play.
Water tables are fantastic for learning through play. They usually sit at waist height for toddlers and encourage pouring, scooping, and imaginative play. Sensory tubs are similar but can be used indoors or shaded outdoors — ideal when you want a calmer water experience that focuses on exploration rather than full-on wetness.
Want to feel like you’ve slipped into a backyard amusement park? Inflatable water slides or small backyard water parks deliver big thrills. These tend to be larger and are best suited to older preschoolers and up. Keep in mind they need more garden room and usually a flat surface for safety. A popular example often found at international and UK retailers is a double slide with a long run — imagine a slide that’s about 16 feet long, perfect for racing friends.
For active, energetic play, water guns and playsets are unbeatable. They encourage cooperative play, chase games, and strategic thinking (team up or face defeat!). Opt for models that are easy to refill and that have secure nozzles so you don’t end up with a hose fuss every five minutes.
Shopping for water play toys in the UK offers plenty of choice. You’ll find big high-street names, specialist outdoor shops, and international brands represented by various retailers. Below are popular places where UK families often search for quality water play gear.
Ebebek is a retailer that stocks a range of family and baby products and is known for carrying larger outdoor items from international brands. If you’re chasing a serious inflatable slide or a branded playset, Ebebek is worth checking — they often list bigger, feature-rich models that offer long slides and double lanes for races.
Argos is a go-to for quick, reliable gear and seasonal deals. From small paddling pools to mid-size slides and sprinklers, Argos usually has a broad selection and the convenience of local collection options which can be handy if you’re dealing with bulky items.
Smyths Toys is brilliant if you want a strong toy focus — they stock well-known brands and often have playsets and inflatable slides aimed specifically at children. If you want something that balances durability with fun features, Smyths is worth a browse.
If you’re thinking of combining water play with a garden makeover, B&Q and Homebase are helpful. They stock robust inflatable pools, garden-friendly accessories, and equipment that works well with hoses and decking. For families who like to DIY installations or anchor slides and sets securely, these stores have the accessories you’ll need.
John Lewis is a reliable place to find higher-quality, design-led options — think sturdy water tables and better-built inflatables. They offer customer reviews and sometimes longer warranties, which can be reassuring if you plan to use an item for multiple seasons.
Amazon UK is convenient for variety and quick delivery, and specialist online shops can offer unique brands and hard-to-find items. Just take a minute to compare materials, reviews, and seller reliability before buying.
Brands like Little Tikes design products specifically for children and are widely stocked across UK retailers. If brand trust and safety testing are top priorities, looking for named brands across several stores can be a smart approach.
The Wilton Bradley-h2ogo Double Slide is an attention-grabber for summer parties and lively back gardens. Originally described as 4.88 meters long in metric measurements, that’s roughly a 16-foot slide — long enough for proper racing and a decent splash zone at the bottom. The “double slide” setup is great when you want two kids sliding at once, reducing wait times and increasing the fun factor.
When considering this kind of substantial inflatable, think about your garden space (you’ll want at least a few feet around the slide for safety), a suitable flat surface, and a good electric pump to speed up setup. Also check where it’s stocked: some international or family-focused retailers such as Ebebek might list larger models more often than typical high-street stores, so it’s worth comparing options and availability.
Before you hit buy, pause and ask a few simple questions: How old are the kids? Where will it live? How much storage space do you have? These answers guide size and durability choices. For toddlers, choose low, stable pools and tables. For older kids, a sturdier inflatable slide or a mid-sized pool with a reinforced base will be a better investment.
Safety features to look for include non-slip surfaces on steps, secure anchor points (especially for bigger inflatables), and repair kits that come with thicker vinyl toys. Also, keep an eye on maximum weight recommendations and separate play zones for toddlers and older kids to avoid accidental bumps.
Setting up water equipment feels simple, but a few quick checks will save you time and hassle. Clear a flat area free of sharp objects — a flat lawn or a soft decking area is ideal. Measure your space in feet to ensure a proper fit: for example, that 16-foot slide needs additional clearance on both ends, so allow for at least 8 to 10 extra feet for a comfortable run-off and supervising space.
Use ground sheets under inflatables to protect them from rough surfaces, and anchor larger items to the ground with pegs or sandbags to prevent shifting. If using a hose, a few additional fittings and a gentle pressure regulator can reduce wear and strain on nozzles and seams.
Want your water toys to last? Dry everything thoroughly before packing it away to prevent mildew and damage. For inflatable items, fully deflate, clean with a mild soap solution, dry completely, and fold neatly in a dry bag or box. Store in a cool, dry place — garages or sheds work well if pests are controlled.
Repair kits are your friend: patch small punctures quickly with the manufacturer’s adhesive to avoid bigger splits. For paddling pools, a quick wipe and a fold that avoids creases will keep the vinyl in better shape season after season.
If you’re on a budget, start with a small paddling pool, a sprinkler, or a water table — these offer hours of entertainment without a big outlay. Look for end-of-season sales in late summer where retailers like Argos, Smyths Toys, and larger home stores often discount seasonal stock sharply. Online marketplaces and deal comparison sites are also useful for spotting bargains, but always compare shipping costs and return conditions before committing.
Second-hand is another great option: families often sell barely-used inflatables or pools at a fraction of the original price once the season ends. A careful clean and inspection can make a second-hand purchase a bargain.
Thinking green? Pick products made from recyclable materials, or choose durable items that will be used over many seasons rather than single-use inflatables that tear quickly. Consider water-saving play like splash mats that use less water than full pools, or recycle rinse-water from buckets and gentle hose-offs to water plants afterward. Small steps like these keep the fun going while being gentler on the environment.
If you need a little inspiration to turn water play into an epic afternoon, try themed races on an inflatable double slide — add small pool noodles as “ocean lanes” for a pirate race. Sensory tubs can be filled with warm water and cups for a “science lab” exploration. For older kids, timed obstacle courses that include sprinklers and water gun targets turn the garden into a competitive playground. Little twists like music, simple prizes, and storytelling make ordinary toys feel spectacular.
Don’t forget to read product reviews, compare materials, and check weight and age limits. Ask yourself where you’ll store the item, how you’ll maintain it, and what other gear you might need (like a pump or anchor kit). A little homework now saves frustration later — and means your summer days will be full of joyful splashes instead of trips back to the store.
Water play equipment transforms ordinary outdoor spaces into joyful arenas for creativity, exercise, and social play. From small paddling pools to sizeable double slides that stretch to about 16 feet, there are options to suit every garden and every budget. Explore retailers like Ebebek, Argos, Smyths Toys, B&Q, John Lewis, and online marketplaces to compare styles and prices. Keep safety, space, and storage in mind, and you’ll be primed for perfect splashy summers that create memories to last. Ready to dive in?
| Water Play Equipment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Wilton Bradley-h2ogo Double Slide 4.88m | £ 24,99 |
