Bath Toys

Best Bath Toys for Kids in the US: Safe, Fun, and Affordable Options from Walmart, Target, Amazon & More

Why bath toys are more than just splashy fun

Bath time is one of those tiny daily rituals where learning and laughter meet soap and water. When the tub turns into a little ocean of imagination, toys become props for language, motor skills, and sensory play. A simple rubber duck can spark a story; a magnetic fishing set doubles as hand-eye coordination practice. Choosing the right bath toys means more than choosing bright colors — it’s about safety, durability, and age-appropriate design that keeps playtime both enriching and worry-free.

Top Walmart finds that parents keep coming back to

Walmart is a go-to for many families because it balances price with variety. If you’re browsing bath toys, two Walmart favorites stand out: a baby bath toy kit with a slide track and duck shower sprayers, and a 40-piece magnetic fishing game set designed for tubs, water tables, and kiddie pools. These items are examples of what many parents seek — interactive features, pieces that float, and simple setups that don’t require a degree in engineering.

Baby Bath Toys With Slide Track and Duck Shower Sprays

This kind of set is perfect for toddlers who love cause-and-effect play. The slide track encourages stacking and launching small animals, while the duck shower sprayers introduce water flow in a gentle, controllable way. For children around 9 months to 3 years, these sets can help with fine motor skills and understanding gravity — plus they usually clean up fast and dry quickly between uses.

40-Piece Magnetic Fishing Toys Game Set

Think of this set as a portable mini carnival for your tub. With floating fish, pole rods, and nets, it’s great for cooperative play and counting practice. Magnetic pieces remove the frustration of lost hooks, making it kid-friendly for ages 2 and up. It also works in a water table or a small inflatable pool, which makes it a multi-season purchase. Just keep an eye on very small parts for younger siblings.

Other US stores where you can find great bath toys

Walmart isn’t the only retailer with solid bath toy options. Depending on your priorities — whether that’s premium eco-friendly materials, fast delivery, or in-store pickup — stores like Target, Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, Kohl’s, and Five Below offer different strengths. Below I’ll highlight what each retailer is known for so you can match the shop to your shopping style.

Target — trend-forward and kid-tested

Target often blends design-forward toys with reasonable prices. Their baby and kids sections include exclusive character bath sets, soft foam letters for tub learning, and higher-end teethers that can double as bath toys. If you like curated style and in-store returns, Target is a reliable stop.

Amazon — endless options and speedy delivery

Amazon’s marketplace has almost everything: silicone squirt toys, BPA-free floating boats, and educational water tables. The big advantage is reviews — you can read hundreds of parent opinions to spot issues like mold risk or tiny detachable parts. Prime delivery makes last-minute purchases painless, though product quality varies so buyer beware.

Buy Buy Baby — baby-focused quality and specialists

If you prefer a store focused on infants and toddlers, Buy Buy Baby stocks carefully vetted brands and accessories. Their bath toy selection often includes higher-quality materials and brands that prioritize safety certifications. Staff can be helpful if you want in-person advice about what’s age-appropriate for your child.

Kohl’s and department stores — value and seasonal sales

Kohl’s regularly runs sales and Kohl’s Cash events that make name-brand bath toys more affordable. Department stores are a good place to find boxed sets that work well as gifts or for multi-child households. Watch for seasonal markdowns around holidays.

Five Below — cheap thrills for short attention spans

For impulse buys and toddler-grade novelties, Five Below offers budget-friendly bath toys under $5. They’re great as trial toys for kids who lose interest fast, but they may not hold up long-term or be as easy to clean as higher-quality options.

Safety first: what to inspect before you buy

Safety is the non-negotiable part of choosing bath toys. Always scan packaging for age recommendations, choking hazard warnings, and materials used. Simple checks — like ensuring there are no loose eyes or small decorations and that the toy has no sharp edges — can prevent accidents. You’re not overprotective to be picky; you’re being smart.

Material and non-toxic certifications

Look for BPA-free, phthalate-free labels and materials like food-grade silicone or trusted plastics. Certifications from recognized testing organizations are a bonus. Soft vinyl is common in bath toys, but solid silicone and sealed plastics reduce water ingress that leads to mold.

Easy-to-clean designs

Toys that can open and trap water are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Opt for sealed or one-piece designs where possible, or toys that come apart fully and dry completely. A toy that dries in an hour is better than one that traps water for days.

Age-appropriate size and complexity

Small parts are the biggest hazard for toddlers. A quick rule of thumb: anything smaller than 1.25 inches across can be a choking risk for young children, so avoid that for kids under 3. Also consider complexity — a fishing set is great for a 3-year-old but may frustrate a 12-month-old.

Types of bath toys and their developmental benefits

Not all bath toys are created equal. Different types encourage different skills — from sensory exploration to language development. Choosing a variety can make bath time a tiny curriculum of play, without feeling like homework.

Water-spraying toys and squirters

These are perfect for toddlers learning cause-and-effect. Squeezing a toy to spray water teaches action and reaction, and the sensory feedback is satisfying for little hands. Just make sure the interior is sealed or easy to dry to avoid mold buildup.

Fishing sets and magnetic toys

Magnetic fishing sets, like the 40-piece kit available at Walmart, boost hand-eye coordination and counting skills. They’re also great for cooperative play — sharing poles, taking turns, and naming colors and numbers during retrieval turns bath time into a counting game.

Floating boats, cups, and pourers

Cups and boats help toddlers explore water displacement and pouring mechanics. Pouring toys double as quiet, focused activities that can calm a fussy child. Foam letters and bath books introduce literacy and vocabulary while staying bathtime-safe.

How to choose the best bath toy for your child

Choosing the right toy depends on the child’s age, your cleanliness standards, and how long you want the toy to last. Think of it like picking a pair of shoes — you wouldn’t buy stilettos for a toddler learning to walk. Function, durability, and washability should guide you.

Match toys to developmental milestones

For infants 6 to 12 months, soft squeeze toys and high-contrast bath books are ideal. Toddlers benefit from interactive toys that encourage fine motor skills and pretend play, like the slide-track sets. Preschoolers can handle more complex sets such as magnetic fishing games and water tables that teach sorting and counting.

Consider multi-use value

Some toys live beyond the tub: magnetic fishing sets, floating animals, and water table components can be used outdoors in a kiddie pool or sensory bin. Buying multi-use toys gives you more bang for your buck and keeps play varied throughout the year.

Cleaning and maintenance: keep toys safe and mold-free

If there’s one downside to bath toys, it’s mold. But with a few habits, you can prevent it. Rinse toys after each use, squeeze out trapped water, and allow them to air-dry completely. Rotate toys so none stay damp in the tub for long stretches.

Routine cleaning tips

Make a 10-minute after-bath habit: rinse toys with warm water, squeeze out water from squeezables, and place toys on a rack or towel to dry. For tougher grime, wipe with a diluted vinegar solution — it’s effective and non-toxic.

Deep cleaning for stubborn mold

When you see mold, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it. Soak non-electronic toys in a bleach solution diluted to the safe recommended ratio (check manufacturer guidance) or use a 1:1 water-vinegar soak for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry in sunlight if possible. Replace toys that have internal mold that can’t be removed.

Eco-friendly and educational picks that grow with your child

If you’re looking for greener options, consider toys made from natural rubber or recycled plastics. Eco-friendly brands often use dyes that don’t leach, and their designs tend to favor simple, open-ended play that boosts creativity. Educational bath toys such as foam letters, counting fish, or color-sorting cups turn the tub into a playful classroom.

Budgeting: how to get great toys without overspending

Bath toys don’t have to break the bank. Sets often offer more value than single pieces, and seasonal sales can stretch your dollar further. If you’re buying online, read recent reviews for durability complaints — a cheap toy that falls apart in a week isn’t a bargain. Buying two mid-range toys that will last is better than five disposable novelties.

Wrap-up: making every splash count

Bath time can be a highlight of the day when you choose toys that are safe, engaging, and easy to care for. Whether you pick interactive slide-track sets and duck sprayers, magnetic fishing games, or simple boats and pouring cups, prioritizing safety and cleanability will keep bathtime happy for kids and low-stress for grown-ups. Mix educational choices with pure fun, rotate toys often, and treat the tub as a mini lab where little scientists explore water, motion, and imagination.

Happy shopping, and may your child’s next bath be full of squeaky laughter and zero mold surprises.