When the midday sun is at its hottest and, despite your best efforts, the kids are desperate to race outside into the garden or local park, parents and guardians must batten down the hatches.
Ready SPF50 suncream stations to slather a conveyor belt of children with the protective formulas, while filling wicker baskets to the brim with energising snacks, towels, umbrellas, plenty of Capri Suns, and all sorts of toys and games to keep the kids entertained.
Other than playing a game of chicken when running through the ice-cold rain shower provided by the garden sprinkler, or splashing around in a makeshift padding pool, there’s one particular summertime, water-themed toy that sends the kids haywire: water guns and super soakers.
Much like a paintball match without any of the pain, water guns can be used to engage in hilariously fun fake combat scenarios with the entire family. Hide behind hedges and cartwheel across lawns to catch a member of the opposing team out, with a surprise burst of water here and a rainfall blast there.
A highly popular and enviable alternative to fiddly and environmentally unfriendly water balloons, water guns provide endless hours of entertainment, while keeping kids and adults alike nice and cool when the sun is highest in the sky. Plus, for the evil geniuses among us, they offer the ability to surprise friends and family with ice-cold water from a much further distance.
If you’re lucky enough to have a local lido to escape to during British summertime, we recommend checking the pool rules to see whether you’re allowed to bring children with water guns in tow.
Otherwise, keep scrolling for a round-up of the best water guns on the market to keep your children cool all summer long.
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Nerf Super Soaker Twin Tide Water Blaster
Starting off strong with the gold standard of water guns, the Nerf Super Soaker Twin Tide is an absolute classic amongst both kids and adults alike. Featuring two barrels for double the amount of water blasting, this classic model functions with a pumping action which requires a little more dexterity for the best possible effect. Simply open the tank cap and fill with water when you’ve run dry for hours of entertainment.
Buy now £12.79, Amazon
Nerf RoboBlaster
Perfect for pairing with a set of Nerf super soakers, the Nerf RoboBlaster brings a slightly more organised gaming element to water gun fun. Whether you’re playing solo or with a team, the RoboBlaster comes equipped with two targets on either side of the 60-degree rotating water shooter, which you can aim at your opponents as they attempt to hit down RoboBlaster’s targets.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
XShot Epic Fast-Fill Water Gun - Large
The easy-fill XShot is a beast of a water gun, offering a refill time of just one second so that you can immediately blast your fast approaching opponents. The XShot shoots up to 10m and has a water capacity of 1000ml. We’re also big fans of the eye-catching neon green and orange design.
Buy now £15.00, Argos
Paddling Pool 4 Foam Water Pistol Blaster Shooter Pump Pool Toy
These low-maintenance pump-up water pistols are a fan favourite and incredibly easy to transport when it comes to family beach or lido trips. Simply submerge the foam blaster into water and pull up the handle to refill.
Buy now £9.99, The Range
FUFUFA 2 Pack Dino Water Gun
Crafted from quality non-toxic ABS plastic, these Dino Water Guns are sure to be a hit amongst the littluns. With no damaging sharp edges or refill tabs that might catch little fingers, these fantastically safe and adorable dinosaur-themed water guns will keep the kids busy all summer long.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
Super Soaker Nerf Rainstorm
For the ultimate drench factor, look no further than Nerf’s Super Soaker Rainstorm. Maximising blast range and a 650ml water capacity, the Rainstorm is the best of the best when it comes to summer-ready water combat.
Buy now £15.97, Amazon
Lenbest 2 Pack 1000ml Water Guns
Choose from either a 1000ml or 1200ml capacity when it comes to this two-pack of water guns from Lenbest. With an extra-large inlet hole and excellent airtightness, the kids will have no trouble refilling their blasters time and time again.
Buy now £18.98, Amazon
