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Reusable Water Balloons – the Best Way to Get Wet All Summer

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There’s nothing I loved more as a kid during those hot summer months than water balloon fights. The worst part, though? When Mom made us pick all the balloon fragments out of the yard afterwards. Thanks to reusable water balloons, that’s no longer a problem!

We got a little wacky and wild this summer trying out these more eco-friendly alternatives to disposable balloons. Read on to hear our review of these summer fun approved toys. Oh and warning: you may get wet.

What Are Reusable Water Balloons?

As the name indicates, reusable water balloons are similar to the traditional version, but do not use a disposable balloon as the outer shell. Instead, they are made from a reusable material, the most common of which are silicone or yarn.

Regardless of which version you get, they’re designed to be soft when they hit so they’re safe for play. Each is able to be filled again and again, with no need to constantly buy more “ammo” for your backyard water balloon fight.

Features of the Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons

  • Refill in just one second
  • Comes in a pack of 16
  • Reusable
  • Soft silicone outer layer
  • Self sealing with magnetic closure
  • Eco friendly and chemical free

Pros and Cons: Things to Know About Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons

Are There Different Versions of Reusable Water Balloons?

Yes, in addition to a large number of manufacturers making each type, there are 5 primary versions of reusable water balloons:

  • Magnetic
  • Crochet
  • Cotton Ball
  • Hurricane
  • Rubber Balloon

You’ll also sometimes see them referred to as “water bombs” or “water grenades”. At the end of the day, they all serve the same purpose, with slightly different attributes. Why am I talking mostly about magnetic here? I think they’re the best reusable water balloon. Read on to learn why.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reusable Water Balloons

Do Reusable Water Balloons Hurt?

No! Reusable water balloons are made from a soft material in all cases, specifically designed not to hurt. They’re safe for use by kids as young as 3 years old.

What are Reusable Water Balloons Made Of?

There are different types of reusable water balloons available. That said, they are most commonly made of cotton, silicone, and similar soft plastics or fibers.

How do Reusable Water Balloons Work?

Reusable water balloons work by absorbing or filling with water. Once filled, they are thrown at a person or object. Upon impact, the water is released. Then, the balloon compartment may be filled again for reuse.

Product Comparisons and Review of Reusable Water Balloons

Bottom Line

Magnetic Water Balloons vs. Reusable Cotton Water Balls

Compared to the magnetic balloons, the cotton water balls:

  • Are a lower price point
  • Come in a larger package
  • Absorb water (instead of filling)
  • Made from just cotton
  • About the same size (2.5” diameter)
  • Produce a much lower splash

In short: To me, the point of a water balloon fight is to get soaked. These cotton water balls offer more of a wet “spot” vs a “splash” which is disappointing to me. However, they are nice and soft, and you get a giant bag of them for a reasonable price. 

I’m also always cautious about things that can breed mold or mildew if they don’t dry real well before storage. We didn’t have an issue, but it’s another reason I prefer silicone or plastics in this case.

Hurricane Water Bombs vs. Magnetic Refillable Water Balloons

Compared to the magnetic option, Hurricane Water Bombs:

  • Are a higher price point
  • Require submerging to fill
  • Need to be “prepped” before filling
  • Leak easily
  • Won’t pop water well

In short: The Hurricane refillable water balloons are a miss for me. Smaller kids struggle to fill them on their own. They take longer to fill overall, and you have to make sure the side tabs are in the perfect place or they’ll leak. 

I also find that after all that, they still don’t release water evenly, and require some force to create a splash. For the additional cost, I just don’t find them worth it.

Hurricane Water Bombs

Magnetic vs Crochet Reusable Water Balloons

Compared to the magnetic variety, crocheted water balloons:

  • Feature a lower price point
  • Absorb water instead of filling
  • Produce little to no splash
  • Can be DIYed

In short: I do like the crocheted water balloons. They’re available in tons of fun colors, and they’re easy to soak and use. However, like the cotton ball option, they suffer from a lower splash output and the same need to dry carefully.

If you’re handy, this is the option that’s easiest to create yourself. Just pick up a crochet water balloon pattern and get your stitching on! For me, I’m certainly not talented enough to get this done, but it may be a good alternative for someone who is.

Crochet water balloons

Water Wubble Reusable Water Balloon Balls vs Magnetic

Last up, we’re comparing the magnetic water balloons to Water Wubble reusable balls. The Water Wubble:

  • Looks more like a traditional balloon (but still requires no tying)
  • Needs a hose to fill easily
  • Is extremely difficult to throw
  • Has a very unreliable water output

In short: I wanted to like these, because they look most like the traditional water balloon we know and love. However, the Water Wubble is best filled with a hose. You can stretch the opening with both hands and submerge to fill it, but it takes strength and coordination with a poor result.

Once filled, honestly good luck throwing it. It’s like a squishy, gelatinous blob. Even if you somehow manage to launch it with any accuracy, I give it about a 50% chance it’ll actually dump water on your target. If it does, the output is nice, but it’s too unreliable to me.

Water Wubble reusable balls

Our Overall Ratings of the Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons

Bottom Line

I definitely recommend magnetic reusable water balloons. They offer the great splash factor you’re looking for, and leave no mess. Kids can operate them without adult help as well, and they’re reusable for years to come.

If you’re concerned about your kids filling from a pool or larger body of water, use a smaller bucket to control the amount of open water around. As always, parental supervision is recommended for any outdoor play.

Where to Buy

Want your own magnetic reusable water balloons? Here are some options for price comparisons (note that they come in different quantities from different retailers):

Related Products

Looking for more fun in the sun? Here are some splash worthy products you may enjoy:

The pool punisher tank pool float arms you with an inflatable water cannon for blasting everyone!

Pool Punisher Inflatable Toy with Squirt Gun - Swimming Accessories for Kids, Teens and Adults - Giant Size Outdoor Water Toys for Lakes and Beach - Swim Stuff for Summer
$59.99

Speaking of tanks, this RC water bomb tank fires real, tiny water beads for mini splashing action!

RC Tank Car, Koeni Remote Control Tank 12Km/h for All Terrains Can Launch Water Bomb, 2.4 Ghz RC Tank Car with 180° Rotating Shooting & 360° Rotating, High Speed Tank Off-Road 4WD, Boys Toys Age 6-8

An inflatable shark water slide offers bounce house meets water park action for your backyard!

ACTION AIR Inflatable Waterslide, Shark Bounce House with Slide for Wet and Dry, Playground Sets for Backyards, Water Spray & Water Pool, Durable Sewn with Extra Thick Material, Idea for Kids (9417N)
$399.99

With slip and slide bowling, you’ll get soaked barreling towards the pins at the end of the track!

Wow Watersports Strike Zone 19-2010, Giant 25 Foot Water Slide with Inflatable Pins and Sleds
$99.99 $113.99

If you need an easier way to prep more traditional water balloons for a fight, try Bunch O Balloons with rapid-fill capability!

Bunch O Balloons - 350 Rapid-Fill Water Balloons (10 Pack) Amazon Exclusive
$24.99

GIFTOURS Reusable Water Balloons Quick Fill Self Sealing, Refillable Water Balls for Kids, Reusable Water Bomb Splash Balls for Pool, Rapid Filling Easy Tying Water Balloon for Water Fight Game, Summer Party (16 PCS)

$32.99  in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 18, 2024 4:50 pm

Features

  • 【SELF SEALING】Open the water balloons and put it into the water, it will quick fill with water and self sealing. It only takes a few seconds to close then you can throw it directly. Enjoy the happy pool time.
  • 【REUSABLE】Unlike the traditional disposable water balloons, it can be reused without polluting the environment. It can be widely used in various scenarios. Water bombs only needs to be stored after use, and it can still be used next time.
  • 【SOFT MATERIAL】The splash balls is made of silicone, so it is quite soft. It will not hurt children during the water fight.
  • 【MULTIPLE COLOUR】One set has many colors to meet the needs of use.Swimming pool balls is also the best choice for gift giving.
  • 【WIDE RANGE OF USAGE SCENARIOS】Outdoor activities in kindergarten schools, parent-child activities, family activities, travel beach toys, pool water balloons, beach water polo, adult pool party gifts.

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