In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We tested popular kids' watering cans from Melissa and Doug, Green Toys, and others to find the very best available
Each product in our review was purchased and experienced hands-on testing to determine the best.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated June 4, 2024
Need a kid-friendly watering can? Our roundup ranks the best 6 kids' watering cans available today. To determine the best, we've researched the market before purchasing well-loved and promising contenders to send through hands-on testing. Influencing our overall ranking is the evaluation and comparison of each contender's design with tiny tots (and little hands) in mind, such as size and material, spout style, and carry handle. We also took note of any included accessories for extra fun. So, whether you seek a watering can to inspire your little gardener or for water play, we are confident that our review will help guide your search for the perfect watering can so your child can get in on the action.
The adorable Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can offers style and functionality. Thanks to its lightweight body and comfortable loop handle, it is easy for children to carry. The blossom rosette head is a lovely design touch, right? We think so. When it comes to capacity, we consider the size of this watering can to be the Goldilocks - not too big, not too small, but just right. The fill hole is wide enough and accessible for kids to refill the vessel independently.
The blossom rosette end creates a gentle shower effect, ideal for delicate seedlings and other adventures around the garden or backyard. However, the shower is not precise enough to target the roots of houseplants. Your little gardener will be perfectly equipped with this Melissa and Doug product. We recommend it to toddlers and children ready to shower flowers. If you require better precision, check out the adorable Cado Elephant Watering Can.
The Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can is a favorite among our little testers as it is easy to carry, refill, and the sprinkler rosette end creates a shower-like effect.
Little plant caretakers will smile with the Cado Elephant Watering Can, which costs a fraction of some competitors in our lineup. The elephant's long and slender trunk makes this product great for precision watering, such as plant roots or hard-to-reach places. This plastic option is durable and long-lasting, assuming it will not sit in direct sunlight.
If you plan on gently showering delicate plants, the Cado may not be right for you due to the trunk spout and stream-like flow. But, if that factor is not a deal-breaker, we recommend this inexpensive elephant and think it will encourage your child to participate in plant care. On the other hand, if the lack of showering is a no-go, the Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can may be more suitable.
The Cado Elephant Watering Can is inexpensive and best for reaching plant roots.
Consisting of 100% recycled plastic, the Green Toys Watering Can is ready to join your child at the beach or in the garden. This watering can is sturdy and durable and sports a rosette sprinkler end and a cotton rope carrying handle. Plus, the set includes a rake and shovel for extra outdoor fun.
With gardening and outside play comes dirt, and we wonder if the cotton rope handle will show dirt over time. However, this may not be a deal-breaker as well-loved toys typically show wear and tear. Despite this, we think this watering is high-quality and recommend it to eco-minded families who appreciate the company's effort to repurpose recycled plastic and the bonus perk of hand tools. If you're looking for a non-plastic option without the rope, the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can features a metal watering can.
The Green Toys Watering Can is sturdy, durable, and includes hand tools for extra garden fun.
If you seek a watering can and toolset for your beginner gardener, the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can is an option. This all-in-one set includes a metal watering can (a perk for folks who prefer to avoid plastic), gloves, a shovel, a fork, a rake, and a tote bag to store the tools. We appreciate the rosette sprinkler head for its gentle shower, and overall, we think this set will be an inspiration for any little gardening enthusiast.
The watering can is on the smaller side, and although it features a pouring handle, it does not offer a carry handle. We do not view this as a deal-breaker because its size is unsuitable for big watering projects, and our little tester could carry it easily. We recommend this product to any family who appreciates owning a beginner gardener toolset with a watering can for their child. We are confident it will spark your child's interest and a “green thumb.” Consider the Green Toys Watering Can if you want an option featuring both pouring and carrying handle.
The creative and lovable Melissa and Doug Chameleon Watering Can is perfect for a reptile enthusiast or children who love Pascal, Rapunzel's pet chameleon, in the Disney movie Tangled. The plastic feels sturdy and high-quality, and the can hold enough water to do the job. Instead of a rosette end, it features a spout, which delivers a steady stream. The chameleon's tail becomes a handle (we love this creative design!), and it's easy to carry and pour.
The spout's wide opening creates a strong stream that may not be ideal for delicate flowers or seedlings. Inside plants might also be a no-go if little ones don't have the coordination to keep the water in the pots yet. This watering can also be heavier when filled with water, so it may take some 'oomph' for younger tots to carry. However, if your child can manage its weight, we recommend this contender to older toddlers ready to engage in water play outside. For a more manageable capacity, we like Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can, which also has a gentle shower for more delicate plants.
The whimsical Novelty Gnome Watering Can stands out among the competition, quite literally, offering a large capacity (1.5 gallons of water). Other character options are available besides the gnome, such as a pig, fish, or duck. The manufacturer states the plastic watering can is UV, frost-resistant, and shatterproof. We believe this plastic watering is sturdy and durable, and without a rosette at the end, it pours a steady stream.
With larger capacity comes more weight; when filled, this can is heavier than other contenders. So, if your child is older and ready for more capacity and can carry heavier weight to help out in the garden, we think this product may fit your needs. If your child is younger or smaller, the Green Toys Watering Can might be more suitable because it is smaller and has an easier-to-hold handle.
The Novelty Gnome Watering Can is large in size and best for older children as it can be heavy when full.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Tip: With assistance and help, let your little one use the hose to fill their watering can. Alternatively, fill a bucket with water, and if your watering can is small enough to fit, submerge it to fill it up.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Tested
We researched, purchased, and tested each product in our review to determine the best watering can in the business. Our hands-on testing also helped us identify the essential qualities that make a kid's watering can great. We did hands-on testing with tots to gain input that only kids can provide, ensuring little ones will find the award-winning cans engaging.
Besides using a hose to refill the watering cans, we found it helpful to keep a bucket full of water ready to go.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
BabyGearLab has the expertise and knowledge (thanks to nearly a decade of testing) to help recommend a product to meet your needs regarding baby gear and toys. Leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and Nanny with over 15 years of experience. Molly knows the ins and outs of creating fun activities enriched with learning opportunities, and outdoor play falls right in her wheelhouse.
Whether you have houseplants or a garden, teach your child how to care for growing plants and flowers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Analysis and Test Results
We enlisted little testers' help for our review, and lots of filling, watering, and garden play went into our hands-on testing.
The Green Toys Watering Can is easy to carry thanks to its flexible cotton rope handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Size
A few factors, such as your child's age and goals, will help determine which watering can size works best for your tiny gardener. Remember that the bigger the kids' watering can, the heavier it will be to carry when full of water. The Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can is petite compared to the competition.
Most of the products in our review are plastic, except for the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can, which is metal.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Material
Most kid watering cans are plastic because children are not always careful nor mindful, so they are less likely to break or dent from drops. The only product in our review that is not plastic but metal is the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can. Most of the plastic watering cans in our review feel durable and sturdy, including the Melissa and Doug Chameleon Watering Can and the Green Toys Watering Can.
Tip: Avoid leaving a plastic watering can in direct sunlight, as the plastic will degrade and cause fading and weakening.
Some kid watering cans feature a spout, while others have a rosette sprinkler end, which creates a gentler flow for watering delicate flowers and seedlings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Spout Style
Typically, watering cans have a spout or rosette sprinkler end. If you are watering delicate flowers or seedlings, the rosette sprinkler end is best because it offers a gentler shower and is less likely to snap stems. Most of the products in our roundup feature this end, including the Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can. However, a watering can with a slender, long spout produces a steady stream, which is best for reaching plant roots or hanging pots. The Melissa and Doug Chameleon Watering Can and Elephant Watering Can fit this profile.
Besides watering plants and flowers, let your little one enjoy some backyard water play. Any product in our review will be a perfect fit for that activity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Tip: As a fun, alternative idea, use a small watering can with a rosette sprinkler end to rinse hair at bath time.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Children are naturally curious creatures who are eager to explore and learn, especially outside as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. Equipping your little one with outdoor kid-sized tools can encourage them to take part in the action. Finding a kid-friendly watering can, and inviting them to help care for houseplants or the backyard garden, where they can play and learn, holds several benefits in their development. No matter what fun you have in mind, our review includes an assortment of kids' watering cans that will meet your adventure needs and budget. And much like plants and flowers, we think you'll love seeing your child grow and flourish through play.
Meet Your Guide
Molly Bradac Senior Review Editor Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac, is a core member of the GearLab Baby product review team. With over 14 years of experience as a Nanny and Newborn Care Specialist, Molly has changed more diapers than most parents would in four lifetimes. She is the literal Mary Poppins of GearLab. Her extensive experience includes helping children establish sleeping routines, creating calming environments for sleep, and overnight care for newborns, managing feeds and diaper changes by the glow of a night... read more
