Top 10 Toys to Upgrade Your Next Water Balloon Battle

Nothing beats the summer heat and fosters family bonding like an epic water balloon fight. It’s also a fantastic way for kids to explore their boundaries and develop self-control in a playful, safe environment [source: Kamenetz].

While traditional water balloons are great for cooling off and having fun, modern water toys and accessories can turn your water fight into an unforgettable event. From innovative gadgets to exciting games, these tools ensure your summer adventure is a hit for everyone involved. Explore our top picks to make your next water battle legendary.

10: Slingshot

Drench your family and friends from afar with a slingshot or catapult. Build your own using surgical tubing and spare wood, or grab a ready-made one from a toy store. These tools are perfect for defending your zone in a thrilling game of water-based capture the flag. For younger kids, repurpose the slingshot for fun challenges like distance-flinging contests or towel-catching games. You can even draw a target with chalk on your driveway to add an aiming challenge.

9: Easy Filler

The tedious task of filling and tying water balloons can dampen the fun, but Bunch O Balloons changes the game. Invented by a Texas father of eight, this ingenious device attaches to your hose and fills 37 balloons in just 20 seconds [source: Stump]. The balloons self-seal, so a quick shake sends them tumbling off, ready for action.

8: Wiffle Bat

For a less intense alternative to balloon throwing, a Wiffle bat opens up a world of fun water balloon games. Merge classic summer activities by playing a water-soaked version of baseball, replacing the ball with a water balloon. Watch the excitement as players hit the balloons and create splashes. Use a tee-ball tee for younger participants, and let runners dash around the bases after breaking a balloon. Other players can try to tag them out using water balloons or water guns. Alternatively, compete to see who can make the biggest splash or hit a balloon while dodging water from sprinklers or water guns.

7: Sponge Balls

Why stick to water balloons when sponge balls can deliver just as much soaking fun? These absorbent balls retain water and ensure everyone gets drenched. You can buy them or make your own for a reusable summer water fight. Cut sponges into strips, tie them into star shapes, and soak them in water for instant reusable ammo. They’re perfect for supplementing your water balloon arsenal and leave no messy balloon remnants behind. Just gather the sponges and keep the fun going.

6: Paint Set

Turn your water balloon fight into a vibrant spectacle with washable paints. Add a drop of paint to each balloon for a burst of color during the fun. Divide into teams, assign each a color, and compete to see who has the best aim in a lively color war. You can also use the paint to create body art or apply war paint on cheeks, knowing it will wash off once the water balloons start flying.

5: Water Guns

Prefer getting soaked without the sting of a water balloon? Water guns offer endless splashy fun without the hassle of filling and tying balloons. Choose from large blasters for extended battles or compact pistols for sneaky surprises. For a non-gun alternative, opt for water pump pistols or cannons that deliver the same excitement without the traditional gun design.

4: Slip'N Slide

Transform your water balloon fight with a Slip'N Slide covered in colorful balloons. Imagine the excitement as guests arrive to see a vibrant trail of balloons lining the slide. This idea, inspired by University of Kentucky students aiming for a Guinness World Record for the largest water balloon fight [source: Guinness World Records], can serve as both a balloon storage area and a fun activity.

Challenge guests to slide down and pop as many balloons as possible. Add food coloring to the balloons to track hits. Use a store-bought Slip'N Slide or create your own with plastic sheets and baby shampoo for extra speed [source: BobVila.com].

3: Sprinkler

Water balloon fights are thrilling, but skilled dodgers might stay dry. While this strategy keeps you ahead, it can leave you overheated on a scorching day. Add a sprinkler to cool off while strategizing or evading balloons. Sprinklers also let younger kids join the fun without the fear of being hit. Create a DIY sprinkler with a perforated plastic bottle or invest in a rotating store-bought model.

2: Water Cannon

Running out of water mid-battle is a nightmare. Unlike balloons and water guns, water cannons connect to your hose for unlimited ammo. These backyard versions, often mounted on tripods, mimic water park cannons. Opt for single or double-barreled models for added flair or choose pump-style designs for a non-gun aesthetic. Perfect for games like capture the flag, they ensure you’re always ready to defend—unless someone sabotages the hose!

1: Self-sealing Balloons

Tying countless water balloons can strain your fingers and exclude kids from the prep. Self-sealing balloons like Zorbz simplify the process: fill them, pull the neck, and they seal automatically [source: Kulshrestha]. This innovation saves time, empowers kids to join in independently, and is eco-friendly, as the biodegradable balloons won’t harm the environment if left behind.