If you are like me, come summertime you are ready for the kids to get out of the house and get some energy out. Water guns can be a great way for young kids to get away from their electronic devices and get out some of that excess energy. Although my favorite water guns are still NERF Super Soakers, there are a lot of great ways for kids to absolutely drench each other in good fun.
How To Choose A Water Gun For Kids
- Weight. Lightweight water guns are easier for smaller kids to run with and chase other kids around with. Some of the larger Super Soakers, although fun, are difficult for a 4-year-old to tackle.
- Firing Mechanism. How easy is it to fire the trigger, and maneuver the water gun.?
- Re-load. How easy is it to refill the water gun? Can a younger kid reload it on their own or do they need help?
- Price and Value. Water guns can be purchased for under $5 up to over $50. Some water guns have good accessories and other toys included with the guns.
- Safety. It is important that water guns are fun and spray a lot of water, but it is critical that the water guns are safe for kids as young as 2 years old.
- Theme. Some of our favorite water guns are Star Wars, Fortnite, or zombie themed.
Top 15 Budget Water Guns for Kids
With these guns your young ones can have lots of fun, and you don’t have to take out a loan to buy these guns. Updated January 9th, 2021 to add FAQs.
| Model | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|
Super Soaker Piranha Read Review | Pros: |
Super Soaker ZipFire Read Review | Pros: |
Scatterblast Blaster Read Review | Pros: |
Nerf Freezefire 2.0 Read Review | Pros: |
Super Soaker XP100 Read Review | Pros: |
Fornite TS-R Water Gun Read Review | Pros: Con: |
Fortnite HC-E Super Soaker Read Review | Pros: |
Fortnite RL SuperSoaker Read Review | Pros: |
Super Soaker Fortnite Pump-SG Read Review | Pros: |
Stream Machine TL-750 Read Review | Pros: |
Heytech Water Blaster Read Review | Pros: |
Kwik-Tek Bazooka Read Review | Pros: |
Exercise N Play Water Gun Set Read Review | Pros: |
Fire Extinguisher Water Gun Read Review | Pros: |
JOYIN Water Blaster Read Review | Pros: |
Emoji Water Blaster Read Review | Pros: |
JOYIN Phaser Water Gun Read Review | Pros: |
Rebelle Mini Mission Read Review | Pros: |
Rebelle Cascade Blaster Read Review | Pros: |
Best NERF Water Guns for Kids
There are a lot of great water guns out there, but our favorite water guns for kids are still Super Soakers, so get nostalgic and pick some up for your kids, and maybe just maybe you can use them too.
1. Super Soaker Piranha
Don’t let the simple look of this basic Super Soaker trick you, this is a great water blaster. Just like the little fish it is named after, this gun can do a whole lot more damage than you would guess. This water gun has a stiff but strong firing mechanism which makes it a little difficult for kids under 4 years old to fire, but it fires pretty far. The best part of this water blaster is that it is easy to hold and fire with just one hand, making it a great squirt gun to sneak up on someone and let them have it.
Technical Specifications
The Piranha holds a fairly modest 6 ounces of water and can shoot about 10 to 15 feet. It looks and feels much nicer than most of the water guns you can get for around $5, giving it really good value. It is a top loading water gun and is easy to fill in the pool or in a bucket.
2. NERF Super Soaker ZipFire
If you are looking for a great water gun for a preschooler, then this is the choice for you. The ZipFire is a great starter water gun for kids. It is easy to fire and reload and doesn’t weigh a whole lot. One of the best parts of this Super Soaker set is that it doesn’t leak much. These mini water pistols are good choice for a 2 or 3-year-old because they shoot pretty far but don’t put out a ton of water.
Technical Specifications
This is a good deal at around $20 and includes 2 small Super Soakers that are 6″ x 8″. The Super Soaker ZipFire can be purchased in 5 different colors–white, green, yellow, purple, and blue. They can shoot around 20 feet. The firing mechanism is a simple pull trigger that doesn’t take a lot of force.
3. Super Soaker Scatterblast Blaster
Girls love Super Soakers, too! NERF’s Scatterblast Blaster is the go to gun for my 6-year-old niece. She loves to play water games with her friends. The Scatterblast Blaster has a great look and feel with a shotgun draw and bright white, blue, green, and orange colors. With this your child is sure to get outside and get away form their screens and have some fun.
Technical Specifications
The NERF Scatterblast Blaster can hold up to 22 ounces of water. This is a huge upgrade in water capacity from the ZipFire, but because of the water stream it still won’t last a long time. It fires water up to 30 feet away. The gun has 4 smaller nozzles and 1 larger nozzle from which it fires. This Super Soaker has a flip up site that looks good but isn’t very helpful in a water war. The Scatterblast Blaster fires like a lot of NERF guns with a pullback action.
4. Super Soaker Freezefire Blaster 2.0
Ok I admit it, I love these water guns. Seriously who thought of throwing ice cubes in a NERF gun for more fun? Get ready to drench your competition with ice cold water. This is a smaller gun and perfect for a 4 or a 5-year-old kid. Kids younger than 5 may have some difficulty in making the water shoot far because water distance is based on the force pushed. That may actually make this safer for preschoolers. I’d highly recommend this water gun even though it is a little more expensive than some of the other options at around $20.
Technical Specifications
These compact water blasters hold a moderate 20 ounces of water. Just like the Scattershot Blaster, this works with a pump or shot-gun style action. The Freezefire can work with or without ice cubes. To add freeze power to it simply add ice cubes to the large water opening. This is also how you fill the Super Soaker if you are just adding water.
5. Nerf Super Soaker XP100 Water Blaster
Does this remind you of the super soaker you used during your childhood? Its bright colors and retro design certainly brings back memories for me! Your child is sure to love it just as much. Since this gun is air pressurized when pumped, simply pull the trigger to deliver a continuous blast of water. This is a real winner for water drenching fun!
Technical Specifications
The tank’s capacity is 44.44 fluid ounces, or 1.26 liters. The tank is removable so you can take it off then fill it up with water. I’d say this water blaster is best for children ages 6 and up just because it can be tricky to fill it up.
NERF Fortnite Super Soakers Available 2020
There are now tons of great options to get a great Fortnite themed Super Soaker. These are a great way to let the kids play Fortnite while still getting their exercise.
6. Fortnite TS-R Super Soaker Water Blaster
Fortnite toys are hot, and this great looking Fornite TS-R Super Soaker is so much fun. I’ll be honest this water gun looks absolutely fantastic. My kids love Fortnite and this top kids water gun is right up their alley. With its dual blue colors and Fortnite logo, this water blaster will surely be a hit with Fortnite fans. Since this gun is a little larger than some of the others on this list, I’d recommend waiting to give this gun to your kids after they reach the age of 6.
Technical Specifications
The TS-R holds a solid 36 ounces (1 Liter) of water. It works with simple pump or shot-gun action like a lot of the Super Soakers. In order to get the NERF TS-R water blaster to work you will need to continuously pump the action. The tank can easily be filled by opening the cap and dunking the Epic Game’s TS-R.
7. Fortnite HC-E Super Soaker
Get ready to drench your opponents with the NERF Fortnite HC-E Super Soaker. It is a great looking replica of Epic Game’s HC-E water gun. With classic Fortnite colors of purple and blue, this is sure to be a hit with a 4-year-old or older.
Technical Specifications
The Fornite HC-E can hold only 7.4 ounces, which is much less than a lot of these other options. The HC-E weighs only 2.2 pounds so it can be maneuvered easily. This water gun is 2.6″ x 11″ x 9″ long. I would definitely say this kid’s water gun is more bark than bite. The HC-E works by a simple trigger firing mechanism and is easy to fire for young kids.
8. NERF Fortnite RL SuperSoaker 
Boom! Boom! Boom! There goes another shot. This Fortnite rocket launcher may not launch rockets, but it shoots a fantastic stream of water at your target. Just like the video game, this Super Soaker is loaded with bright colors and a cartoon faced-nose. Overall, this is a cool water gun that is more fun than it is functional. Our recommendation is that gun is a good fit for 5-year-olds and up.
Technical Specifications
This rocket launcher can store a little more than 9 fluid ounces of water. To fill the rocket blaster stick the tip of the launcher in a bucket, pool, or lake and pull back with suction until it is full. To fire, just push the water gun forward until you blast your target with your water. The only downside of this gun is it takes a large filling station in order to re-fill. It is definitely a lot of fun, and your kids are going to love you if you buy this for them.
9. Nerf Super Soaker Fortnite Pump-SG
Any fans of the popular video game Fortnite will get a kick out of this blaster! It looks just like the one used in Fortnite so they will be thrilled to bring the game to life in their own backyard. And the pump is a fun alternative to a traditional trigger. To squirt, you move the handle back and forth. The faster you pump the greater the power! However, this is much less powerful or functional than nearly any other gun on this list.
Technical Specifications
The best feature of this water blaster is that it is lightweight, only weighing 1 pound before being filled up with water. It’s also affordable at less than $20. However, it doesn’t hold much water. With a capacity around only 12 fluid ounces, you’ll find yourself refilling often. At least it’s easy to fill it up – simply twist the cap and fill it with water.
Top Off-Brand Water Guns for 4 and 5-year-old Kids
We have reviewed our favorite Super Soaker alternate brands and water blasters not made by NERF. Typically these guns are lesser in quality and durability but are generally less expensive compared to an equivalent NERF gun.
10. Stream Machine TL-750 Water Launcher
You will not be disappointed in this water launcher! A popular choice at lakes, backyard water parties, the beach, pool, or even on the boat, the Stream Machine will drench anyone who dares challenge you to a water fight! To fill it up, simply stick the nozzle under the water then pull the plunger back. Push the handle to unleash a long stream of water or several shorter bursts. Its convenient design allows you to unscrew the nozzle to clean it or re-lube it with petroleum jelly.
Techincal Specifications
What’s amazing about the Stream Machine is that it shoots up to 70 feet but only takes 2-3 seconds to reload. Also, since it is constructed with high-quality materials it won’t chip or peel. It will truly provide endless fun for years and years!
11. Heytech 2 Pack High Capacity Water Guns
12. Kwik Tek AQUA ZOOKA
This Aqua-Zooka is a great water gun for toddlers or any kids. This drenching style water gun launches a ton of water a far distance without a lot of effort. Because it uses water so fast and doesn’t store much water, this style of water gun is best for pools, beaches, and boats. It makes a great companion for an outing on the water. This water gun works great even if it gets exposed to a little sand. A little warning: these styles of water guns do leak if you are trying to drag it full through a house. I’d highly recommend buying these two at a time because it is way more fun to fire back and forth.
Technical Specifications
The Aqua-Zooka can shoot water up to 60 feet, and younger kids can easily reach 20-30 feet. All that you need to do to load this water bazooka is to fully submerse the water gun in water, and then pull the handle back. To fire simply reverse the direction and drench your friends. Your 3-year-old will get a kick out this water gun. Some really young children may need some help to re-load, but these little ones will still get a kick from the stream of water this fires.
13. Exercise N Play Water Gun Set
This set of four water guns comes with good quality and a great value. These are great beginner water guns for kids. If you don’t have extra money to dump into the more expensive Super Soakers, these will still give your kids some fun summer water days without breaking the bank.
Technical Specifications
These water guns for kids are made of ABS plastic and come in blue/ aqua and red/yellow. They measure 6.5″ x 5″ x 1″. These work with a simple trigger–just pull the trigger to release the water. Simply open the lid and tap the water gun to fill it. These blasters can shoot about 20 feet.
14. Fireman Backpack Extinguisher
What kid doesn’t like to play fireman? I know my kids love to visit the firehouse and see the firetrucks. With this fun red colored fireman backpack water gun, kids can pretend to put out fires. Your toddler or 4-year-old and their friends can get into an epic backpack water fight and stay safe in the process. The full tank can be a little heavy for little kids, so we recommend only filling the tank 1/3 or 1/2 full. Another option is to fill the tank up for your little one and put the backpack on the ground.
Technical Specifications
This backpack holds about 80 ounces of water and can shoot a steady stream of water up to 25 feet. This definitely will not fire as far as the Super Soaker, but it’s a lot more safe. In order to fire the water gun fire extinguisher, simply pump the gun with the yellow handle. This toy has been tested to US safety standards to make it more safe for young kids. The extinguisher comes with two different nozzles so kids can fire a longer distance or fire four streams of water at once. The backpack holds so much water that kids can water play for a lot longer than they can with the other water guns we recommend.
15. JOYIN 2 Pack Super Water Blaster
This is the closest of all the non NERF Water Guns to being Super Soaker quality. If you are looking for an alternate to NERF water guns this is the choice for you. Your 6-year-old will be very happy to open these water guns for his birthday. These guns work well but can leak if they aren’t held level.
Technical Specifications
This large water gun can shoot up to 36 feet and can hold up to 25 ounces of water. This is actually a little better than the similar sized NERF Scatterblast blaster. The cost is right on the JOYIN water guns, as you can get 2 water guns for under $20. This also is a little less expensive than the Super Soaker. The JOYIN water guns are made from safe non-toxic materials and meet rigorous US toy standards. These guns come with a 90-day money back guarantee. This water gun measures about 16″ x 8″. To fire the water gun, use pump action. Open the plug and fill the water gun back up.
16. Toyrifik 24 Pack Emoji Blaster
This is a great water shooter for young kids. The value here is just unreal. For about $1 per blaster you can buy these for a birthday or pool party for everyone in attendance. The emoji faces make these a perfect fit for a kid. Even a 2-year-old girl can fire one of these. Who can help but have a good time around all these smiles? These water guns are best used near a body of water such as a lake or pool. They can also be filled with a bucket.
Technical Specifications
Each water shooter is just a little under a foot long and is made of plastic and foam. Each Emoji water blaster can shoot up to 30 feet. In order to reload the water blaster, you need only put the nozzle in the water and gently pull back. In order to fire, simply push the plunger forward causing a large amount of water to be dispersed.
Water Guns for Girls
Girls like water guns, too. These water guns would make a great gift for your daughter.
17. JOYIN Phaser Water Gun
The beautiful purple colors on this water gun will certainly appeal to any little girl ready for a water fight! It works with power pump action and is easy to shoot. And although it really is a bargain at around $10, it is made with durable plastic sturdy enough to withstand even the most intense water fights.
Technical Specifications
You will be happy to have this cute water gun when in a battle because it shoots water up to 35 feet! At only at a foot long and just 6 inches high, it is ideal for anyone over 3 years old. It has a decent sized tank with a capacity of 15 ounces, so it doesn’t need to be filled up after every shot.
18. Nerf Rebelle Mini Mission Soaker
This Rebelle Super Soaker is loaded with tons of fun in a very small package. It’s a great looking Super Soaker that is fun to handle and fire. My daughter loves its bright colors and fun handle. The firing mechanism requires very little force so I’d recommend this for toddlers and preschoolers 2 and over. It also works well as a backup water gun in your water battle as you can fit it in your pocket. This water stol is a great fit for girls and is available in both purple and blue.
Technical Specifications
This ity bity water gun doesn’t hold a lot of water but still can shoot almost 100 shots. This doesn’t sound like much but it will last longer than most other options. The best part of this mini Super Soaker is that not only can little kids easily shoot it, but they can sneak up on their parents and get a few good shots up on them. You can run but you can’t hide from the 14 foot range that this blaster dishes out. Just make sure if you approach someone with a big water soaker you have a backup plan.
19. Rebelle Super Soaker Cascade Blaster
The Rebelle Cascade blaster is a great take on a traditional Super Soaker like a Scatterblast Blaster. It has sleeker lines and brighter colors that would make a great gift for a 4-year-old girl. The firing mechanism is easy to use and its handle is easy to grip.
Technical Specifications
The Cascade Super Soaker fires one continuous stream of water at a distance of up to 38 feet away. The water capacity is pretty average at this size and holds 20 fluid ounces of water. You won’t be disappointed with this gun. It is not as exciting as the Rebelle Crossbow, but it is definitely a more reliable water gun.
FAQs
Are water guns safe for kids?
Although water gun injuries can happen, water guns can be lots of fun for kids if simple safety steps are taken and parents are supervising water gun play. Kids should never shoot a water gun at someone’s face or at close range.
What water guns are good alternates to Super Soakers?
Heytech and Joyin both make some good water guns, some of which are some of the best selling water guns. Typically Super Soakers are about twice as expensive as a mostly comparable alternate.
How does a water gun work?
Water guns work using a variety of different mechanisms including squeeze trigger, hand pump, and a powered pump to cause water in a chamber to be pressurized and then released.
Check out this great video on the world’s largest Super Soaker. Great fun, but probably not young kid approved. Don’t forget to check out our great blog post on NERF Guns for Young Kids.
