Summer’s here and it’s time to get out play. Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo stopped by CBS in San Diego to show off some of the summer’s best wet and wild toys. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the season, check out our Spring and Summer gift guide.


GINORMOUS UNICORN YARD SPRINKLER (BIG MOUTH TOYS)

  • Take your summer game to the next level with our Ginormous 6-foot tall Unicorn Yard Sprinkler. It’s the missing piece to that epic birthday, pool party, BBQ, or family reunion you’ve been planning (or dreading).
  • We made it super-simple to use, too. Just inflate it, and connect a standard garden hose. Turn on the water and voila! …water sprays out of the unicorn’s horn!
  • The inflatable design also means that it’s lightweight, easy to move, and deflates for compact storage in the off-season.
  • Over 6 feet tall!
  • Sprays water out of its horn.
  • Easy to wipe down, inflate/deflate, and store.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target

STAR WARS BB-8 OVERSIZED INFLATABLEPOOL FLOAT (SWIMWAYS)

  • Float along with your favorite astro droid on the Star Wars BB-8 Oversized Inflatable Pool Float from SwimWays!
  • This fun pool floaty includes cool BB-8 character graphics and sturdy PVC construction.
  • Measures approximately 45 x 10.5 x 60 inches when inflated – a great size for everyone!
  • This officially licensed Star Wars pool toy is fun for everyday play, pool parties, and makes a great gift for Star Wars fans.
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: shopdisney.com, SwimWays.com

STAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON RIDE-ON (SWIMWAYS)

  • Take command of the waves on the Star Wars Millennium Falcon Ride-On pool float from SwimWays!
  • You and your friends will have a blast blazing through the water like the intrepid crew of the Millennium Falcon on this durable pool floaty.
  • When inflated, this inflatable pool toy measures approximately 46 in x 6.5 in x 61 in – a great size everyone can enjoy.
  • Great for pool parties, vacations, and everyday pool fun!
  • Makes a unique gift for Star Wars fans of every age and for collectors, too. 
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, swimways.com

WATERMELON SMASH (YULU)

  • The new Watermelon Smash game from YULU Toys is a hilarious twist on the water roulette challenge. Will you end up dry or soaking wet? Use your head to find out!
  • Fill the watermelon with water or use the provided watermelon seeds for indoor play. Players take turns spinning the spinner to determine their fate. Follow the indicated instructions on the spinner and press the watermelon against your head.
  • Watch out, you never know when the watermelon will crack and you will lose! The last player left in the game wins!
  • Each Watermelon Smash game comes with a watermelon, seeds for indoor use, spinner, and game rules.
  • Age: 6+  
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Target exclusive in the U.S.

NEXTWAVE – JUMBO BEACH BASKET (AMLOID)

  • Get ready to have tons of fun in the sun with the all-new, totally redesigned NextWave Jumbo Beach Basket from Amloid! This bright and colorful activity set is packed with play value with all the accessories kids need to spend hours at the beach or in the sand box with new sand forms and a collection of multifunctional sand tools.
  • New features include a sturdy nylon shoulder strap along with a comfort grip handle for easy on-the-go portability. And the collapsible folding case makes clean up a breeze by shaking out water and sand when its time to go. Plus, the cover detaches from the basket to double as a super-sized animal sand form!
  • The 15-piece set comes complete with assorted sea creatures and nautical forms, bucket with handle, castle molds, rake, roller, sand spinner, sifter and shovels in a variety of sizes.
  • Available in three styles: Flamingo (pink), Whale (purple), and Shark (teal).
  • Age: 2+
  • MSRP: $14.99
  • Available: Sam’s Club

BUNCH O BALLOONS MARVEL AVENGERS (ZURU)

  • Fill and tie 100 water balloons in less than 60 seconds with these sensational self-tying water balloons!
  • The global Kick Starter sensation and Outdoor Toy of the Year winner, Bunch O Balloons now comes in Marvel Avengers characters, including Iron Man, Captain America and Hulk!
  • Simply connect, fill and make hundreds of water balloons, and let the superhero water balloon warfare begin. And best of all, the balloons are biodegradable!
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: $9.99
  • Available: Kmart, Target, Walmart

BUNCH O BALLOONS SLINGSHOT  (ZURU)

  • From Launchers to Filler/Soakers, Bunch O Balloons has an entire line of accessories to round out the fun! The pinnacle is the epic new Bunch O Balloons Slingshot – blast Bunch O Balloons over spectacular distances!
  • Simply fill and load a Bunch O Balloon onto the slingshot and launch it over 100 feet! It takes water balloon battles to a whole new level.
  • Comes with 100+ water balloons.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Amazon, Kmart, Target, Walmart

KAOS SPLASH TANK (IMPERIAL TOY)

  • The Splash Tank, new from KAOS, is a portable and easy to assemble water dunk game, with the goal of soaking your friends.
  • Standing over 4.5 feet tall, the Splash Tank is easy to assemble so you can get to playing in a matter of minutes. Simply assemble the tower, add water to the bucket, then take turns trying to hit the target with the Aqua Splasher balls (three included.)
  • Hit the target and enjoy the satisfaction of watching the water come splashing down on your friend! Who will get soaked and who will stay dry? You decide with the KAOS Splash Tank.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Available: Target only

H2OGO! SLIME & SPLASH WATER SLIDE (BESTWAY)

  • The H2OGO!  Slime Slide by Bestway goes beyond your traditional water slide experience.
  • Enjoy a 23-foot water slide with an extra-large drench pool for big splash landings! Connect to a garden hose and GO! Includes built-in water sprinklers to keep the slide slick from start to finish.
  • The H2OGO! Slime Slide also comes with four bags of slime-making powder. Simply mix the bag contents thoroughly with water to create an ooey gooey fun experience!
  • Slime is entirely kid safe and non-toxic.
  • Age: 5-12
  • MSRP: $24.99
  • Available: Target

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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