When the Maltese summer heat arrives, there is nothing better than cooling off with water play. Whether your family spends weekends at the beach, by the pool, or playing in the garden, the right water toys turn an ordinary afternoon into an adventure. Here is our guide to the best water toys and pool games for a Maltese summer.
Inflatable Pools for Home
Not every family in Malta has access to a swimming pool, but an inflatable pool can transform even a small backyard or rooftop into a splash zone. For toddlers, a small paddling pool with a sunshade canopy provides safe, shaded water play. Larger family-sized inflatable pools give older children room to splash and play games. Look for pools with drain plugs for easy emptying and quick-inflate valves to save your lungs. Always empty inflatable pools after use to prevent mosquito breeding — an important consideration in the Maltese climate.
Water Guns and Blasters
Water gun battles are a summer tradition for Maltese kids. Simple pistol-style water guns are perfect for younger children aged three and up. For older kids, pump-action blasters with larger water tanks provide more firepower and longer play sessions. Nerf Super Soakers offer the best range and capacity for serious water warfare. Water balloon fillers that attach to a garden hose let you fill dozens of balloons in minutes, setting the stage for an epic backyard battle.
Pool Games and Toys
If your family uses a pool regularly, investing in pool-specific toys adds huge value to swimming time. Diving sticks and rings sink to the bottom and give children goals to swim towards, building confidence and ability. Inflatable beach balls and volleyball nets turn the pool into a sports arena. Floating basketball hoops provide competitive fun for the whole family. Pool noodles are endlessly versatile — used as flotation aids, swords, obstacles, and building materials by creative children.
Beach Toys for Sandy Days
Malta’s sandy beaches are perfect playgrounds for children. A robust bucket and spade set is the foundation of any beach trip. Castle moulds, sand sifters, and dump trucks extend sandcastle building into serious engineering projects. For children who prefer the water’s edge, mesh bags with shell-collecting tools and magnifying glasses encourage nature exploration. Bodyboards and inflatable rings are great for children who are confident in the sea, always under adult supervision.
Sprinklers and Garden Water Play
Garden sprinkler toys are an affordable way to create instant water fun. Sprinkler mats with multiple jets let toddlers stomp and splash safely. Spinning sprinkler toys that attach to a hose create unpredictable spray patterns that have children laughing and dodging. Water tables combine sensory play with water fun and are ideal for younger children who are not yet ready for a pool. These toys work brilliantly on Maltese rooftops and terraces where space is limited.
Safety First
Water play should always be supervised, regardless of the child’s age or swimming ability. Ensure inflatable toys are properly inflated and check for punctures regularly. Apply waterproof sunscreen before water play begins, and reapply every two hours. Stay hydrated — it is easy to forget to drink water when you are already wet and having fun.
Shop the full range of water toys, pool games, and beach accessories at Juniors. Available in all our Malta and Gozo stores and online with delivery across the islands.