10 Best Water Guns & Super Soakers for Kids (2021)
When it’s spring or summertime, there’s no reason your kids need to be glued to their screens 24/7. There’s a lot of fun they can have under the sun, but convincing your kids to put down their devices and head outside is the tricky part.
One way to engage the entire family is with a water gun battle. Equip with your kids with a bunch of super soakers, and they’ll play for hours. If you’re really brave, you might even join in on the fun yourself.
Unfortunately, squirt guns, like any toys, aren’t always the most durable. After a couple of uses, the plastic might begin to break or crack, and the water barely shoots out. If you’re trying to occupy your kids for the summertime, a low-quality squirt gun is one way to pump the brakes on your goal.
Luckily, we’ve been able to highlight ten of the best water guns & super soakers for kids out there—these new choices for 2021 shouldn’t disappoint.
Contents
- Top 10 Water Gun Reviews
- NERF Fortnite TS-R Super Soaker
- Joyjoz Water Guns (2 Pack)
- Biulotter Foam Water Blasters
- NextX Water Gun Super Soaker
- Lee-King Water Gun
- Auney High Capacity Water Gun
- Stream Machine Double Barrel Water Launcher
- Present Avenue Mini Colorful Squirt Gun
- Balnore High Capacity Water Gun
- Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka
- Features to Consider in a Squirt Gun
- Size
- Tank Capacity
- Accuracy
- Easy to Use
- How to Troubleshoot Common Water Gun Issues
- Leaking
- Jammed Pump
- Cracks in the Plastic
- Final Thoughts
Top 10 Water Gun Reviews
NERF Fortnite TS-R Super Soaker
Best Squirt Gun for Pre-teens
It wasn’t that long ago that Fortnite was all the rage, and if you’ve got a gamer in your midst, the NERF Fortnite TS-R Super Soaker might be the perfect gift. Drawing inspiration from the Fortnite Blaster from the Battle Royale game, this super soaker includes the same basic look and colors of the virtual gun.
By holding up to a liter of water, you won’t have to worry about constantly reloading the gun while you’re playing. If you do need to fill it up, all you have to do is open the cap and pour water into the tank.
To fire at opponents, anyone who wields this water gun will have to pump the handle, and water should shoot out. Since this gun is almost two pounds, it might not be the best option for extremely young children. However, it’s likely that it will draw your pre-teen or teenager’s attention.
Pros
- Holds a lot of water
- Draws inspiration from the Fortnite Blaster
- Easy to fill up with water
- Easy to shoot water
- Very accurate
Cons
- Probably not the best choice for extremely young kids (six and below)
- The gun might leak a little bit
Joyjoz Water Guns (2 Pack)
Best Squirt Gun for Boys and Girls
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If you’ve got more than one kid or you’re buying for other family members, it can be convenient to buy a pack of water guns rather than a single soaker—like the Joyjoz Water Guns. These guns hold almost a liter of water each, and they have an accuracy range of up to 36 feet.
At first glance, accuracy might not seem like an important feature in a water gun, but it can be. The game won’t be much fun if you feel as if you can never hit your target. With this soaker, your kids can scatter across the yard, but the distance shouldn’t affect their accuracy too much.
There’s a high-pressure pump in these squirt guns, so to start shooting, your kids will need to pull and push. Refilling the tank when you’re out of water shouldn’t be too challenging, and if you really want to spice the game up, you can always add ice cubes for a cold water battle.
Pros
- Includes two soakers instead of one
- Very accurate
- Holds almost a liter of water
- Refilling the tank is easy
- Allows you to add ice cubes if you want
Cons
- Might be too hard to shoot for extremely young kids
- Not as lightweight compared to other products
Biulotter Foam Water Blasters
Best Squirt Gun for Parties
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So, you’re having a pool party (or maybe one of your kids is), and you need an activity that’s going to excite everyone. Trying to purchase individual squirt guns can get expensive, but if you’re looking for a convenient alternative without all the bells and whistles, the Biulotter Foam Water Blasters might be the best option. You’ll get six of these blasters, and they come in vibrant new colors. During the party, your guests can pick which color they like best to arm themselves with.
Shooting one of these guns doesn’t require a lot of force, and it’s something that many toddlers might be able to accomplish. All you need to do is pull the handle back while you’re loading it up with water, and then push it back in when you go to shoot.
The only disadvantage with these guns that you’ll need access to a pool or a body of water. With their design, it might be difficult to fill them up with a hose or faucet.
Pros
- Easy to shoot
- Perfect for pool parties or summertime fun by the lake
- Includes six foam blasters
- Come in a variety of bright colors
- Easy to travel with
Cons
- Not very practical unless you own a pool or you’re going to be near one
- Not as durable as some squirt guns
NextX Water Gun Super Soaker
Best Water Gun for Kids Under 12
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Although most squirt guns are foam or plastic, that doesn’t mean they can’t have a few sharp edges. The last thing any parent wants is to watch their kid accidentally cut a finger or arm while they’re trying to have fun. Luckily, with environmentally-friendly ABS plastic, the NextX Water Gun Super Soaker makes your kid’s safety the ultimate priority.
Unlike some of these blasters, these guns only hold up to twelve fluid ounces at once, so your kids may have to reload on a regular basis. The upside, however, is that pulling or pushing the pump should be easier for your kid than some other squirt guns.
As a two-pack, the fun can extend to at least two kids. If siblings want to wage war on each other, there’s a gun for each of them.
Keep in mind that if you do notice an issue with the squirt gun, like a manufacturer defect, this product does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Includes two different squirt guns
- Easy to shoot
- Easy to reload
- Made with environmentally-friendly ABS plastic
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not as durable as some other products
- The guns might begin to leak a little bit after regular use
Lee-King Water Gun
Best Water Gun for Teens
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A lot of manufacturers make their squirt guns specifically for younger kids or pre-teens, but plenty of adults want to join in on the fun too. For a squirt gun that might be more suitable for a teenager or adult, you might want to consider the Lee-King Water Gun.
The accuracy of this gun goes up to 36 feet so that you can hit your target, even if you’re across the yard. Since it holds a little more than a liter of water, you’ll find that you might not have to reload your gun as much as your opponents do. During a high-paced water gun battle, this can give you an edge over the competition.
Since this soaker uses ABS plastic, you should find that it doesn’t have any burrs or sharp edges that some plastic squirt guns use. One thing you can do to spice up your game is add ice cubes to the gun, and turn it into a cold-water fight.
Pros
- Holds more water than many other water guns
- You won’t have to reload as much
- Made with ABS plastic
- Very accurate
- You can add ice cubes if you want
Cons
- Not suitable for young kids
- Shooting the water gun might require more force
Auney High Capacity Water Gun
Best Environmentally-Friendly Squirt Gun
Just because you’re in the midst of a high-paced squirt gun fight doesn’t mean you can’t also look out for the environment. Made with environmentally-friendly and non-toxic plastic, that’s exactly what the Auney High Capacity Water Gun does.
Before you refill it, you should be able to get out around 30 shots. One interesting thing about this gun is that it has multiple sprinklers. Now, you’ll have a much better chance of blasting your target when you shoot with this water gun.
Refilling and shooting the gun should also be a breeze. All you need to do is fill the tank with clean water, and when you’re ready to shoot, pull the pump forward, and then bring it back. While it’s well-suited for pre-teens and teens, even kids that are a little bit younger might be able to get the hang of this gun.
Pros
- Easy to refill and shoot
- Includes multiple sprinklers for even better accuracy
- Works well for a wide range of age groups
- Lightweight
- Made with environmentally-friendly plastic
Cons
- Might leak a little bit
- Might not be suitable for extremely young kids (four and under)
Stream Machine Double Barrel Water Launcher
Best Lightweight and Easy to Use Squirt Gun
Even if the squirt gun battle is between teenagers or adults, most people don’t want to use a squirt gun that’s weighing them down. For something that’s easy to use and lightweight enough for your toddler to pick up, look no further than the Stream Machine Double Barrel Water Launcher.
With this squirt gun, you’ll get two barrels for even more accuracy. Even if one stream of water doesn’t manage to hit your target, the other one might. Speaking of accuracy, the reach of this gun extends to 70 feet! You might not want to blast the neighbors, but with this water gun, you could.
Since it weighs less than an ounce, carrying this soaker around shouldn’t be a problem. In the heat of battle, you don’t need to worry about a bulky water weapon weighing you down. Even if it is super lightweight, keep in mind that the manufacturer puts the age range of this product at eight years and up. Your toddler might be able to pick it up, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Has a shooting range of up to seventy feet
- Includes two barrels
- Comes in a vibrant green color
- It’s also available in a larger size
Cons
- Not suitable for toddlers or extremely young kids
- You’ll need to dunk it in water to refill it
Present Avenue Mini Colorful Squirt Gun
Best Squirt Gun for Toddlers
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Teens and adults aren’t the only ones who want to join in on the squirt gun fun. Your toddler probably wants to as well, but handing them a heavy squirt gun might not go so well. When it comes to toddlers and young kids who aren’t ready for bigger soakers, the Present Avenue Mini Colorful Squirt Gun might be the way to go.
This is a 25-pack, and if your child is having a birthday party or looking for something to play around with during bathtime, all those extra water pistols can come in handy. Since they’re available in a variety of different colors, there’s a squirt gun for everyone to use.
One other thing that might make these pistols safe for toddlers is that they’re made with non-toxic plastic. If your child tries to chew on the water gun or squirt a little water into their mouth, you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals.
Pros
- Ideal for pool parties and birthday parties
- Great for toddlers and small children
- Includes plenty of extra water guns in case something breaks
- Comes in a variety of vibrant colors
- Non-toxic plastic
Cons
- Some guns might leak
- You’ll need to refill it often
Balnore High Capacity Water Gun
Best Squirt Gun for Accuracy
Accuracy matters a lot when you’re in the middle of a heated battle between friends and family. With the Balnore High Capacity Water Gun, accuracy is one area where this product excels. Unlike some water guns, which may use cheap and thin plastic that leaks, this gun uses durable, thick plastic that shouldn’t break easily.
Even if the water gun slips out of your hands and ends up on the ground, there shouldn’t be any long-lasting damage.
One thing you’ll notice that sets this gun apart from others is that it has three nozzles. You might have a much better shot at hitting your target, and it’ll give you a leg up on your opponents. The barrel is also visible on this water gun so that you can see when you need to refill it. This way, you can keep track of how much water you’re using and always stay ahead of the game.
Pros
- Includes three nozzles for better accuracy
- Uses durable and thick plastic
- The visible barrel makes it easy to know when you should refill
- Easy to operate
- Easy to refill
Cons
- Not a great gift for toddlers or extremely small children
- The trigger is just for decoration
Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka
Best High-Capacity Squirt Gun
Most squirt guns use the same basic design, but the Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka throws that completely out the window. When your friends and family see you coming with this bazooka-inspired squirt gun, they might think twice about blasting you.
Unlike some guns, which might only be able to hold up to a couple of fluid ounces at once, the tank on this product is capable of holding over a liter and a half of water. You probably won’t have to refill quite as much as your opponents will.
At a little over a pound, this gun is heavier than a lot of other choices, but for older kids, it shouldn’t be a problem. Keep in mind that the age range on this product is for kids that are seven and up.
Pros
- Holds more water so you won’t have to refill as often
- Better accuracy
- Shoots up to 25 or 30 feet
- More durable
Cons
- The pump may be a little finicky when operating
Features to Consider in a Squirt Gun
Like any toy, there are plenty of specific features that you can look for to make sure you end up with a water gun that fits your needs. Before you buy, don’t forget to consider these factors:
Size
Size is one of the most important features to consider in a squirt gun, and a lot of it depends on who you’re buying for. If you’re trying to purchase a squirt gun for a toddler, you probably don’t want to hand them a heavy-duty water gun that takes considerable force to use.
However, most teenagers and adults would get pretty bored with a tiny water pistol that only shoots a few feet. Generally, the older the kid or family member, the bigger the squirt gun you can buy.
If you aren’t sure how big the gun will be, most manufacturers include the dimensions and the weight of the gun. If it exceeds more than two pounds, it’s probably a gun better-suited for an older kid.
If the dimensions still don’t clear things up, you can always look at the pictures as well. This should give you an idea of how big the gun looks when someone is using it. Not to mention, most of these pictures from the manufacturer use models that are around the same age the gun was intended for.
If the soaker is for teenagers, the manufacturer probably won’t use pictures of toddlers or tiny kids when they’re advertising the product.
Tank Capacity
Picture it: you’re in the middle of an intense squirt gun battle, but it’s hard to get a leg up on the competition when you’ve got to refill your water gun every few minutes. Tank capacity is definitely a feature worth considering, especially since squirt guns can vary greatly in how much they hold.
The maximum that most soakers hold is around a liter, but some larger guns might hold a little bit more than that. It’s not that you can’t buy a water gun with a smaller tank, but just keep in mind that you might be spending a lot of time at the refilling station.
If you’re having the water gun battle in a pool or lake, tank size might not be as much of an issue. It’s also worth noting that, most of the time, the bigger your gun is, the bigger the tank will be. A tiny water pistol probably won’t hold more than a couple of ounces, but a water bazooka might be able to easily keep a liter in the barrel.
Accuracy
Accuracy is another factor worth considering if you plan to have a lot of squirt gun battles. You probably want to be able to hit your targets, especially if they’re standing a few feet away and trying to blast you too.
Many manufacturers include a range of how far you can expect the water gun to shoot or be accurate. Many soakers can reach up to 20 or 30 feet without a problem, but some are even more accurate than that.
Easy to Use
A lot of water guns rely on the same basic mechanism for shooting. Most of the time, you’ll just need to push or pull the pump to get water to come out. In some cases, the water gun might even include a trigger that you can use, but that’s not super common outside of water pistols.
The more force that the gun requires to shoot, the harder it’ll be to use it in battle. Some bigger guns might hold a lot of water, but they might also require considerable force to use them. This might not be an issue for adults or teens, but little kids might struggle.
How to Troubleshoot Common Water Gun Issues
Regardless of how much you dished out for a water gun, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll run into an issue at some point. Whether it has to do with a leaking gun, a jammed pump, or even a crack in the plastic, here’s what you can do to solve these all-too-common problems:
Leaking
When a water gun begins to leak, many people assume it’s just because the gun is low-quality or it’s past its prime. This might be the case, but it could also be a simple issue with the squirt gun too. Sometimes, when the spring inside of your soaker isn’t depressed correctly, it can cause a little bit of leaking.
An incorrectly depressed spring can happen over time, but some brand-new water guns might also arrive on your doorstep this way too.
For water guns with pumps, try pumping the gun quickly several times. If the gun uses a trigger, it’s also possible that the trigger has just fallen off its groove, and you need to get it back on. You can pull on the trigger a few times (like you did with the pump) and see if that doesn’t stop the leaking. These methods don’t always work, but before you toss out the gun, there’s no harm in giving it a try.
Jammed Pump
A jammed pump can make it impossible to use your soaker, and it’s not the kind of issue you want to deal with while you’re in a heated battle. If you’ve got a jammed pump that won’t let you move it correctly, you can try lubricating it. Silicone spray works well, but if you’re in a pinch, a little bit of Vaseline can also do the trick.
If that doesn’t help, you might need to take the soaker apart to make sure there’s nothing wrong internally. It’s not impossible for there to be a clogged spring or trigger.
Cracks in the Plastic
Since most water guns use plastic, you’ll probably deal with minor cracks at some point. This can happen with time, but if you drop your gun on the ground or it slips out of your hands, cracks may start to appear.
Depending on the location, some cracks might cause leaking while others seem like they’re slowly spreading over time. Contrary to what some people might think, cracks don’t mean that your water gun is suddenly useless. If it’s a high-quality gun that you’d like to continue using, you can try sealing the cracks with waterproof epoxy. You won’t need much, and this should extend the lifespan of the gun significantly.
If an entire piece of plastic chips off the gun, you can try using the epoxy to seal it back on. Depending on the size of the piece that chipped off, it could be too late to save it.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to picking out water guns & super soakers for kids, there’s a lot of variety. From tiny water pistols that won’t hit targets more than two feet away to heavy-duty bazookas with an accurate aim, you’ve got a lot of options. When you buy, it’s always a good idea to consider who you’ll be purchasing for.
The water gun you’ll buy for a teen might be completely different than the one you’d pick up for a toddler. Either way, we’ve got you covered with these top ten recommendations.