Boating with kids is a fantastic way for families to bond and spend time together, but Children can quickly grow bored if not continuously entertained.
That’s where having an arsenal of fun water toys at your disposal becomes essential. This blog post will introduce you to 20 fun water toys designed to keep kids entertained and engaged during your next boating adventure.
You’ll also find helpful tips on using these toys safely and making the most out of them.
Benefits of Water Toys for Kids While on a Boating Trip
Water toys provide several key advantages that can make the boating experience more enjoyable and educational for kids:
- Engaging Entertainment: Having a variety of water toys keeps children engaged and reduces boredom during the trip, ensuring a pleasant experience for both kids and adults.
- Physical and Motor Skills Development: Water toys can encourage physical activity and contribute to developing motor skills, balance, and coordination, all while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Physical and Motor Skills Development: Water toys can encourage physical activity and contribute to developing motor skills, balance, and coordination, all while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Social Skills and Family Bonding: Interacting with water toys during the boat trip can enable families and friends to bond, fostering cooperation, communication, and stronger relationships.
- Educational Opportunities: Carefully selected water toys can teach children about essential concepts, such as buoyancy, propulsion, and water safety, turning playtime into an enjoyable learning experience.
By incorporating water toys into your boat trip, you can foster a fun and interactive environment for children and support their physical, social, and cognitive development.
What Are the Best Kids Water Toys for Your Next Boating Trip
Here are the top 20 water toys guaranteed to turn every boating excursion into a fun-filled adventure for kids:
- Best Overall: Floating Water Slide
- Bouncy Aquatic Excitement: Water Trampolines
- Floating Fun Platform: Floating Water Mats
- Exhilarating Water Rides: Towable Tubes
- Most Educational: Aqua Maze Marble Run
- Most Adventurous: Inflatable Treasure Hunt Adventure Pool
- Most Versatile: Water Shooters
- Best Budget-Friendly: Beach Ball Sprinkler
- Best for Groups: Water Balloon Launcher
- Best for Creative Play: Inflatable Paint Studio
- Best for Sports Lovers: Inflatable Basketball Hoop
- Best for Young Swimmers: Swim Thru Rings
- Floating Party Platform: Floating Bluetooth Speaker
- Versatile Water Fun: Pool Noodles
- Best for Active Play: Inflatable Paddle Boards
- Best for Adventure Lovers: Inflatable Kayak
- Best for Competitive Play: Inflatable Tug Boat
- Best for Aquatic Exploration: Snorkel Set
- Best for Sun Protection: Floating Water Tent
- Thrilling Aquatic Adventure: Water Scooters
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Our Top Picks
#1 – Best Overall: Floating Water Slide
Why We Choose It:
The FLOWING WATER SLIDE is more than just a water toy; it’s a water park in and of itself.
It’s the perfect combination of fun, excitement, and physical activity for your boating trip. That’s why it’s our #1 choice.
It encourages your inner adventurer, fosters a sense of discovery and group spirit, and promotes health and fitness, all in one incredible inflatable experience.
Using Benefits:
- Kids get to exercise while playing with climbing and sliding features.
- Just a few pumps, and it’s ready to use.
- Made from puncture-resistant materials.
- Floating on water is easily reachable from the boat.
Using Tips:
- Always watch your kids as they slide and play.
- Ensure it is well-inflated before use.
- Make sure your kids wear life jackets while playing.
- Let kids take turns to play to prevent tipping.
#2 – Bouncy Aquatic Excitement: Water Trampolines
Why We Choose It:
Water trampolines provide a unique bouncing experience right on the water. These floating platforms are robustly made to withstand repeated bouncing and are secured for safety. A water trampoline can make boating trips even more exhilarating and fun for kids.
Their appeal lies in combining the thrill of bouncing with the refreshing allure of water. Kids can leap, bounce, and even perform flips. They’re easy to assemble and perfect for active fun by the boat.
Using Benefits:
- Increases physical activity
- Enhances balance skills
- Promotes coordination
- Offers buoyant fun
Using Tips:
- Ensure safety by proper installation.
- Set rules for bouncing to avoid accidents.
- Inspect the trampoline regularly for any damage.
- Encourage kids to engage in flippin’ fun!
#3 – Floating Fun Platform: Floating Water Mats
Why We Choose It:
Floating water mats offer a comfortable oasis for kids to lounge and play on while boating. Made of highly durable foam material, they provide buoyancy and stability for a variety of water activities. Floating mats create a playful extension of the boat, making them a must-have water toy.
Kids can use water mats to sunbathe, play games, or simply relax. They’re easy to roll up and store, making them ideal for your next boating adventure. These mats are capable of holding multiple kids simultaneously, providing fun group play.
Using Benefits:
- Encourage relaxation
- Support group activities
- Easy to transport
- Provide versatile usage
Using Tips:
- Secure the mat to the boat.
- Supervise children while enjoying the mat.
- Clean and dry the mat properly.
- Store the mat in a cool, dry place.
#4 – Exhilarating Water Rides: Towable Tubes
Why We Choose It:
Towable tubes are inflatable rings kids can ride on while being towed by a boat. Made to endure the waves and splashes, these toys offer a thrilling and fun ride for kids. They bring a whole new level of excitement to boating.
Connected to the boat with a rope, kids can enjoy speeding on the water. Towable tubes are easy to use and largely safe with supervision. They glide across the water, giving kids a fun-filled ride full of laughter and enjoyment.
Using Benefits:
- Offers thrilling rides
- Enhances coordination skills
- Encourages outdoor activities
- Creates unforgettable experiences
Using Tips:
- Ensure safe tethering to the boat.
- Always equip kids with life vests.
- Supervise kids during the ride.
- Ensure the tube is properly inflated.
#5 – Most Educational: Aqua Maze Marble Run
The Aqua Maze Marble Run transforms simple water play into an innovative, educational experience that keeps kids mentally stimulated as they boat.
Why We Choose It:
Aqua Maze Marble Run is the perfect mix of fun and education for kids.
It’s a great way to get them interested in water physics and help them learn how to use it to solve problems. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to spark their curiosity and creativity.
It also helps them understand fluid dynamics and helps them think strategically, so it’s a great mix of fun and learning.
Using Benefits:
- Kids can design their aquatic marble runs.
- Allows children to see the impact of their actions.
- Building the maze helps improve hand-eye coordination.
- Operates solely on water power, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Using Tips:
- Set up the Aqua Maze on a stable surface on the boat.Ensure it is well-inflated before use.
- Encourage younger kids to start with basic designs.Let kids take turns to play to prevent tipping.
- Prevent kids from putting marbles, connectors, or tubes in their mouths.
- Help very young children assemble their marble run.
#6 – Most Adventurous: Inflatable Treasure Hunt Adventure Pool
Get the Inflatable Treasure Hunt Adventure Pool for your kids’ exciting water adventure while you’re boating.
Why We Choose It:
The Inflatable Treasure Hunt Adventure Pool stimulates children’s imagination and encourages them to role-play while searching for hidden treasures.
Children are encouraged to develop creative, problem-solving, and teamwork skills through inflatables as they traverse the interactive challenges and work together to uncover the treasure.
This inflatable environment creates a stimulating and engaging environment that provides hours of fun for children and teaches them essential life skills.
Using Benefits:
- Kids can create their own treasure hunt stories.
- Lightweight and easy to inflate/deflate for easy storage.
- Treasure Pieces include 40 soft treasure tokens for more enjoyable play.
- Suitable for multiple children to play together..
Using Tips:
- An electric air pump inflates the pool quickly.
- Keep an eye on younger children while they explore.
- Add additional treasures to increase the challenge.
- Deflate the adventure pool for convenient storage.
#7 – Most Versatile: Water Shooters
Make a splash and entertain kids with the exciting Water Shooters.
Why We Choose It:
The Water Shooters offer water play that encourages teamwork and teaches kids how to aim while developing hand-eye coordination in the water.
This activity keeps you entertained at the pool and helps you sharpen your focus, improve accuracy, and build teamwork amid a fun-filled competition.
The excitement of hitting the target and the joy of having fun together encourages a healthy competitive nature while improving motor skills.
Using Benefits:
- Kids work together in teams for splash-worthy competition.
- Develops motor skills while playing.
- Simple pump-action mechanism for various age groups.
- Can be refilled directly from the lake/sea during your boating trip.
Using Tips:
- Set safety guidelines to avoid injuries or shooting water in the eyes.
- Ensure kids wear life jackets for extra safety.
- Show kids how to aim and shoot water properly.
- Rinse shooters with fresh water and dry them afterward.
#8 – Best Budget-Friendly: Beach Ball Sprinkler
The Beach Ball Sprinkler proves that maximizing fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Why We Choose It:
This affordable and engaging water toy provides children with endless fun and physical and sensory stimulation.
Its simple yet engaging design allows children to experience the joy of water splashing while chasing a moving ball, encouraging active play and coordination.
As kids run, jump and catch the water-sprinkled ball, they develop fine motor skills while staying hydrated and spending quality time together in the great outdoors.
Using Benefits:
- Kids can jump, run and toss while playing.
- Multiple children can play together.
- The spinning and sprinkling of water boosts children’s curiosity.
- Inflate, connect to a water source, and the fun begins.
Using Tips:
- High pressure might damage the sprinkler.
- Ensure stability to prevent unnecessary accidents.
- To avoid any injury.
- After use, dry the ball properly to prevent mold development.
#9 – Best for Groups: Water Balloon Launcher
Launching water balloons has never been more exciting with the Water Balloon Launcher.
Why We Choose It:
The Water Balloon Launcher is perfect for entertaining a group of children. It encourages teamwork, coordination, and laughter.
This exciting water game involves strategy, collaboration, and precision disguised as playful fun. The shared excitement and joy of launching water balloons creates a bonding experience that promotes social interaction.
Children develop physical strength, precision, and cooperative play abilities in an environment full of fun and enthusiasm.
Using Benefits:
- Great group activity for kids.
- Enhances aiming skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Kids can enjoy both making and launching balloons.
- Load the balloons and let them fly!
Using Tips:
- Teach kids not to aim at faces or animals.
- Ensure plenty of room for launching.
- Always have backups ready for extended fun.
- Prevent choking hazards by picking up balloon debris.
#10 – Best for Creative Play: Inflatable Paint Studio
Introduce vibrant artwork to your boating experience with the Inflatable Paint Studio.
Why We Choose It:
Inflatable Paint Studio is a water toy that combines the fun of water play with creative expression, enabling children to create aquatic works of art.
This unique toy allows children to experiment with color, discover their artistic talents, and immerse themselves in the fascinating combination of water and paint, stimulating cognitive and emotional development.
It encourages children to think differently, expand their imaginations, and express themselves through a captivating underwater world.
Using Benefits:
- Kids can freely express their artistic side.
- Sufficient space allows several kids to paint at once.
- The inflatable structure allows for easy washing.
- The non-toxic water-based paint ensures safe play.
Using Tips:
- Protect kids clothing from paint drops.
- Monitor children while they paint.
- Keep towels and water nearby to clean up after painting.
- When not in use, deflate for easy storage.
#11 – Best for Sports Lovers: Inflatable Basketball Hoop
Encourage healthy competition and sporty fun with the Inflatable Basketball Hoop.
Why We Choose It:
Inflatable Basketball is a water sport that combines the thrill of the court with the thrill of the water.
This aquatic variation of the classic game encourages children’s physical development, fine motor skills and teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
Every movement, whether aiming, throwing, or dodging, allows agility, precision, and interpersonal skills to be honed, resulting in an enjoyable and beneficial physical activity.
Using Benefits:
- Kids get an active workout while playing.
- Kids can engage in friendly competition and team play.
- The hoop’s inflatable design prevents injuries.
- Inflates quickly and easily for instant fun.
Using Tips:
- The hoop should be just a short distance from the boat or swimmers.
- Keep an eye on kids while they’re playing.
- Make sure kids wear life jackets to prevent accidents.
- Ensure the hoop is fully inflated before children play.
#12 – Best for Young Swimmers: Swim Thru Rings
Build an underwater adventure course with Swim Thru Rings.
Why We Choose It:
These rings make for an exciting swimming experience and a great learning experience. They help build confidence and enhance swimming skills and physical growth.
The rings sink to different depths, prompting kids to dive and pull them out, improving their breath control, buoyancy, and underwater swimming skills.
This exciting swimming activity also develops patience, persistence, and goal setting, making each dive a time to celebrate and grow in the aquatic world.
Using Benefits:
- Encourages new swimmers to go underwater.
- Kids practice diving and swimming through the rings.
- Rings can be positioned at different depths for new challenges.
- Kids get a full-body workout.
Using Tips:
- Never leave kids unattended while swimming through the rings.
- Begin with the rounds close to the surface.
- Show kids how to use calls safely.
- After each use, rinse with fresh water and dry.
13# – Floating Party Platform: Floating Bluetooth Speaker
Why We Choose It:
A Floating Bluetooth Speaker is an impressive and versatile gadget that amps up the fun while boating. With its water-resistant properties and excellent sound quality, it can play your kids’ favorite tunes without the fear of getting wet. These speakers float alongside the boat, providing non-stop entertainment.
Their wireless connectivity and strong battery life ensure several hours of uninterrupted music. Equipped with vibrant LED lights, these speakers also add an exciting visual element to the boating experience. They’re durable, portable, and designed to withstand boating adventures.
Using Benefits:
- Amplifies on-board entertainment
- Provides wireless music experience
- Features durable, waterproof design
- Adds visual excitement with LED lights
Using Tips:
- Charge the speaker fully before use.
- Keep the device within the Bluetooth range.
- Rinse with fresh water after use.
- Store the speaker in a dry place.
#14 – Versatile Water Fun: Pool Noodles
Why We Choose It:
Pool noodles are a classic water toy. They provide buoyancy and endless fun. Ideal for boating trips, noodles are lightweight and portable.
Easily adaptable for different games, pool noodles keep kids entertained for hours. Their soft foam structure ensures safe playtime. With numerous vibrant colors and designs, pool noodles will be an instant hit among kids of all ages.
Don’t miss out on this simple yet entertaining water toy that can elevate the excitement of any boating adventure.
Using Benefits:
- Encourage water confidence
- Enhance swimming skills
- Simple storage options
- Promote imaginative play.
Using Tips:
- Use pool noodles as floatation aids for beginners.
- Create fun pool noodle games such as races or jousting.
- Customize pool noodles to create unique shapes and characters.
- Incorporate pool noodles in team-building exercises for kids.
#15 – Best for Active Play: Inflatable Paddle Boards
Introduce young adventurers to the joy of paddle boarding with Inflatable Paddle Boards.
Why We Choose It:
Paddle boards are a great way for older kids to stay active, build balance and strength and have fun in the water.
Paddle boards are easy to transport, set up and can be adapted for different skill levels.
This fantastic water sport encourages social interaction, provides a low-impact full-body workout, and is a great starting point for exploring other paddle-related activities such as surfing or kayaking.
Using Benefits:
- Paddleboarding is a great full-body workout.
- Enhances core strength and stability.
- They can be packed into a compact size once deflated.
- Comes with a paddle, pump, and carry bag.
Using Tips:
- Children should wear a life jacket and always be supervised.
- For beginners, choose calm waters for them to learn.
- Be sure to inflate the paddle board to its suggested PSI for the safest use.
- Rinse the paddle board and gear with fresh water after use.
#16 – Best for Adventure Lovers: Inflatable Kayak
Inject a heavy dose of adventure into your boating trip with the Inflatable Kayak.
Why We Choose It:
Whether you’re cruising gently down the beach or zipping through the waves, the inflatable kayak is an excellent way for kids to have fun, explore, and learn new skills.
Plus, it’s a great way for them to build strength, improve coordination, remember to stay safe, and appreciate nature.
Using Benefits:
- Provides a sense of achievement as children maneuver the kayak.
- Rowing is a cardiovascular exercise that strengthens muscles.
- Portability makes it perfect for travels.
- Built to withstand waves and maintain stability.
Using Tips:
- Always equip children with life vests, helmets, and paddles.
- Monitor your child’s actions while kayaking.
- Ensure the child understands essential rowing and safety techniques.
- Dry thoroughly after use and store it properly to keep it in good condition.
#17 – Best for Competitive Play: Inflatable Tug Boat
Incorporate some friendly competition into your boating trip with the Inflatable Tug Boat.
Why We Choose It:
Pulling and pushing in the inflatable Tug Boat enhances group dynamics, works on teamwork, and builds physical strength simultaneously.
You’ll learn important communication skills, problem-solving skills, and how to work together as a team.
It’s an exciting and fun activity that builds team spirit, resilience, and self-discipline while encouraging friendly competition and fitness.
Using Benefits:
- Encourages cooperation and coordination among players.
- The pulling and pushing help build upper body strength.
- Provides endless hours of energetic play for kids.
- Durable and tested material ensures a secure play session.
Using Tips:
- Be sure to use on calm waters and under adult supervision.
- Ensure kids understand the game rules to play fair and safe.
- Examine the tug boat for any signs of wear and tear.
- After every use, rinse with fresh water and let it dry before storage.
#18 – Best for Aquatic Exploration: Snorkel Set
Illuminate the marine world for your kids with a Snorkel Set.
Why We Choose It:
With a Snorkel Set, kids can dive below the surface, learning more about marine life, improving their swimming skills, and growing their curiosity. It’s a great way to interest kids in marine biology and conservation.
Snorkeling also gives them many chances to learn how to control their breathing, move around underwater, and have a good sense of direction.
Plus, it’s an excellent way for kids to interact with nature differently, building respect and understanding of the underwater world.
Using Benefits:
- Enables kids to learn about underwater life firsthand.
- Snorkeling is a fun way to boost diving and swimming techniques.
- Adds an exciting element to regular swimming sessions.
- High-quality gear ensures safety and longevity.
Using Tips:
- Ensure your child knows how to use the equipment safely.
- Ill-fitting gear can lead to discomfort and potential accidents.
- Monitor your child while snorkeling.
- Rinse equipment thoroughly to remove saltwater and sand.
#19 – Best for Sun Protection: Floating Water Tent
Provide a fun shady spot for kids with the Floating Water Tent.
Why We Choose It:
Floating Water Tent allows kids to enjoy water play without being under direct sunlight. It’s an outstanding balance of fun and protection, particularly during the intense afternoon heat.
Not only does it shield from harmful UV rays, but it also provides a cooling shade, enabling longer, safer outdoor adventures.
It serves as a secure platform for rest and recovery during tiring water activities, promotes optimal hydration via shaded comfort, instills awareness about sun safety, and enhances the overall enjoyment of water play.
Using Benefits:
- Offers much-needed respite from the harsh sun.
- Use as a play area, resting spot, or snack hub.
- Made with durable materials that resist water and sun.
- Simple to inflate and deflate for prompt use and storage.
Using Tips:
- Make sure the tent is securely fastened to avoid drifting.
- Although equipped with shade, continuous supervision is required.
- Look for any possible damage or issues before and after each use.
- Keep it clean by rinsing and allowing it to dry properly before packing it.
#20 – Thrilling Aquatic Adventure: Water Scooters
Why We Choose It:
Water scooters are a thrilling way to enhance kids’ water adventure while boating. Equipped with power propulsion, these motorized vehicles glide smoothly through water. They are designed with user-friendly controls making it easy and safe for children to use.
The thrill of riding a water scooter can motivate kids to engage in outdoor activities. It not only stimulates their adventurous spirit but also offers an exciting way to enjoy the water. Compact and portable, water scooters are easy to pack for your next boating trip.
Using Benefits:
- Promotes outdoor play
- Boosts motor skills
- Encourages water adventures
- Portable and compact
Using Tips:
- Ensure kids wear life vests while scooting.
- Teach children to maneuver in calm water.
- Conduct regular inspection for maintenance.
- Supervise children during their water scooter rides.
Criteria for Buying Fun Water Toys to Keep Kids Boating
Finding the perfect water toys to keep your kids entertained while boating can be daunting. Here are four essential criteria to consider when purchasing water toys:
- Age Appropriate Design: Choose water toys designed for your child’s age group. This ensures that the toys are safe and cater to the child’s development stage and interests.
- Durability: Opt for water toys made with high-quality materials that can withstand the marine environment and playful handling. This ensures that the toys will last longer and provide continuous enjoyment for your kids.
- Engaging and Stimulating: Pick water toys that capture your child’s attention and encourage active play. These include toys that promote creativity, problem-solving, and physical activity.
- Easy to Transport and Store: Select water toys that are easy to carry and store during boating trips. Compact, inflatable, or foldable toys are great options as they save space and can be easily packed away when unused.
Tips on How to Safely Use Water Toys
Ensuring children’s safety while they enjoy water toys is a top priority, especially during boating. Pay careful attention to the following guidelines:
- Active Supervision: Active supervision is essential even when children are confident swimmers. Always keep an eye on children while they are playing with water toys.
- Educate about Correct Usage: Children must learn how to play with water toys correctly. Incorrect use can increase the risk of accidents significantly.
- Safety Gear: A well-fitting life jacket is non-negotiable for children when boating or participating in water-based activities. Combining toys like inflatables with additional safety gear such as arm floaties is recommended for certain toys.
- Frequent Toy Checks: Water toys must be checked often for signs of wear and tear. It can prevent unfortunate mishaps such as unexpected deflation, choking hazards, or other safety issues.
By taking these precautions, children can enjoy their water toys in a safe and controlled environment, reducing risk and increasing fun on the water.
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I am a freelance writer passionate about watersports and the great outdoors. I have many years of experience in the marine industry, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise with others so that they can get the most out of their boating experiences. I like fishing, kayaking, and exploring new destinations by boat whenever I have time. Contact Us: Linkedin
