Pools mean fun and that fun gets a lot more exciting with pool toys. Read on to see what the best pool toys are for providing hours of entertainment for you and your child. Everything from diving toys to float toys and everything in between.
| 6 Best Pool Toys | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Time Toys Max Liquidator Water Blaster Set | Comes in a 6-pack, Impossible to lose, Shoots 10-15 feet | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Joyin Inc. 30 Pcs Diving Pool Toys | Colorful, Ideal for pool or Bathtub,Stands upright for easy grabbing | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Homeco Kids Inflatable Water Wheel | Large, Can hold an adult, Endless play | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| B. toys Hippo Scoop-A-Diving Pool Toys | Great quality, Weighted with grabbable hair, Multi-use net | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| 4E's Novelty Beach Balls for Kids | Comes in a 3-pack, Durable, Colorful | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Banzai Magical Mermaid Dolls | Comes in a 3-pack, Movable arms, Good for pool or bathtub | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
The Best Children’s Toys for the Pool
Max Liquidator 6-Pack Water Blaster Set
Sneak up on your friends and blast them with the Max Liquidator 6-Pack Water Blaster Set. This pool toy is fun for both in and out of the pool.
With a 6-pack, there’s enough for everyone to play with. Made from pool noodle material, this shooter is soft and squishy to the touch.
Pull back on the handle to fill the cannon with water then push it forward as hard as you can. Watch the water shoot 10-15 feet up into the air, or take aim and blast your friend from across the pool.
These shooters are lightweight and brightly colored so it’s impossible to lose them in the water.
Some reviewers noted that the cannons were smaller than they thought and wished they could be a little bigger. However, the smaller size means it’s easier for little hands to hold.
Pros
- Comes in a 6-pack
- Impossible to lose
- Shoots 10-15 feet
Cons
- On the small side
30 Pcs Diving Pool Toys Jumbo Set with Storage Bag
Dive into fun with this 30 Pcs Diving Pool Toys Jumbo Set with Storage Bag. This kit includes a giant selection of dive toys, providing many hours of fun.
The diving sticks and rings stand upright in the water for easy grabbing. These toys are perfect for practicing your dive skills.
These brightly colored toys stand out for easy visibility in the water. A storage bag is included so can keep them together.
These are easy for little hands to grasp and hold on to. Use them in the baby pool to help teach your child how to dip their head into the water.
They allow for hours of fun in both the pool as well as the bathtub. Parents loved how excited their kids got when they saw 30 colorful pool toys.
Pros
- Colorful
- 30 pieces included
- Ideal for pool and bathtub
- Stands upright in the pool for easy grabbing
- Storage bag included
Cons
- Easy to misplace with so many pieces
Beach Balls for Kids [3 Pack]
Looking to play some beach volleyball? Grab the Beach Balls for Kids Pack. These rainbow-colored 20-inch beach balls are classic and timeless. They are the #1 Rated Pool Toys For Kids.
The PVC these are made with is durable and the seams are well sewn so as not to split apart easily. These are designed to last.
These balls are easy to inflate and take anywhere you want to add a little fun. Bring them to a backyard BBQ pool party, a birthday party, or the beach.
Since these beach balls float, you can toss them around in the water as well as play with them in the sand.
Their durability allows for being kicked, punched, and thrown about.
When you’re done playing, just deflate them with the blow-up valve and toss them into your beach bag.
Some reviews noted that they seemed smaller than 20 inches but all the reviewers love how durable they are.
Pros
- Comes in a 3-pack
- Durable
- Colorful
- Portable
- Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
- Seems smaller than 20 inches
Greenco Kids Colorful Inflatable Water Wheel Roller Float
Roll around the pool in the Greenco Kids Colorful Inflatable Water Wheel Roller Float. This float is 52 inches in diameter and is large enough to hold any child.
Have fun jumping into the water wheel, through it, or just let the waves roll you around.
The wheel is easy to inflate and deflate with the blow-up valve on the side. Included with this is a repair patch in case of a hole, which extends the life of the wheel.
Made of sturdy and durable PVC material that won’t collapse under even adult weight.
Parents said it was always the hit of any pool party and loved how well it held up even after hours of play
One thing to keep in mind is that it’s made solely for water play. Rolling around on it on the ground could result in popping it.
Pros
- Large
- Endless play
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Can hold an adult
- Sturdy
Cons
- Not for use on anything other than water
Fun Stuff Banzai 3 Piece Magical Mermaid Dolls
The Fun Stuff Banzai 3 Piece Magical Mermaid Dolls are perfect for learning how to dive.
Follow these mermaids to the bottom of the pool. Each one is 5 inches tall and brightly colored for easy visibility.
The mermaid’s arms move up and down like a Barbie for more fun. These would also be a good bathtub toy.
Some reviewers noted that with rough play the shells can sometimes pop off leaving the mermaids topless.
Pros
- Comes in a 3-pack
- Movable arms
- Good for the pool and the bathtub
Cons
- Shells can pop off
B. toys Hippo Scoop-A-Diving Pool Toys
The B. toys Hippo Scoop-A-Diving Pool Toys come in a 5-pack with 4 dive toys and 1 hungry hippo net to catch them.
Toss the weighted toys down to the bottom of the pool and dive down with the net to scoop them up or pick them up by their grabbable hair.
The bright-colored creatures stand out and are easy to find underwater.
Scooping things up with the net is something your little one will love doing in the pool or the bathtub.
B. toys are known for their great quality toys and these are no exception, you can feel the quality each time you play with them. They withstand rough play by lots of kids.
Pros
- Comes in a 5-pack
- Great quality
- Pool and bathtub fun
- Weighted with grabbable hair
- Multi-use net
Cons
- None
CozyBomB Magnetic Fishing Game for Kids
Try fishing with the CozyBomB Magnetic Fishing Game for Kids.
Included in this fishing game are 2 fishing poles, 2 nets, and 30 different multi-colored fish of varying sizes to catch.
Great for hand and eye coordination and color recognition. Your little ones will love trying to catch these sea creatures with their friends.
There are game instructions included with this set or you can make up your own game. This also makes a great gift.
The life-like fishing rod bends and reels up and down like a real one. The magnets make this an easy game to play with young children. Ideal for water tables or kiddie pools, this would also be a great carnival game.
This fishing set comes with a mesh bag to carry everything for easy storage and transport.
There are a lot of moving parts on the fishing pole and reviewers loved how solid and durable it was. The pole does not break easily and can withstand being played with by children for hours.
However, occasionally the magnets wouldn’t hold on to the fish strongly enough and you would have to try again.
Pros
- Enough pieces for several children to play with
- Great for bathtub or kiddie pool
- Realistic fishing rod
- Sea creatures vary in size
- Comes in a mesh bag
- Colorful
Cons
- Magnets occasionally aren’t strong
Inflatable Pool Ring Toss Game
The Inflatable Pool Ring Toss Game is fun for the whole family, up to 4 players.
Great for a pool party, this game will keep everyone busy for several rounds.
Made with quality PVC, it’s durable and long-lasting. All the parts are inflatable with easy-to-use blow-up valves.
This ring toss game can be played in the pool as well as on the sand, or even just indoors. Its portability means you can take it anywhere. There are 8 colorful rings included.
This ring toss is large enough for adults to have fun as well. Since all of the parts float, your little one can take it into the bathtub with them.
Keep score and find a winner since each marker has different points printed on them.
The only downside is because the rings are filled with air they blow around in the breeze which makes it hard to aim.
Pros
- Up to 4 players
- Keep the family entertained
- Durable material
- Play anywhere
- Keep score
Cons
- Wind blows rings around
Swimline Inflatable Pizza Slice Pool Float
Float around and impress your friends with the Swimline Inflatable Pizza Slice Pool Float. This isn’t your average pool float because it’s a slice of pizza.
Large enough for an adult to lay comfortably on. Get lots of slices and make a while pizza with your friends.
This goofy float is ideal for lounging in the water on a hot day at the beach or the pool or even just staying off the hot sand.
The pizza crust is designed to be a headrest and it also includes 2 cupholders to stay hydrated.
Every pizza detail was thought of with this float, it has cheese, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives. It makes you hungry for pizza.
Inflate and deflate easily with a blow-up valve, which makes this simple to transport.
Pros
- Impress your friends
- Large enough for an adult
- Use on water or on sand
- Detailed pizza
- Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
- Being inflatable, it can pop
BULZiBUCKET Beach, Tailgate, Camping, Yard Game
The BULZiBUCKET Beach, Tailgate, Camping, Yard Game is so versatile you can take and play it anywhere. Tailgating, backyard BBQ, the beach as well as the pool or the sand are all perfect for the Bulzi Bucket.
This outdoor game floats so go ahead and toss it into the water. Think of this as playing cornhole but without having to haul around a giant board.
The buckets are each 3-tiered and you space them apart to play. Included with this are 6 hacky sacks (each team gets 3) as well as a carrying case for easy transport.
Easy to assemble, this game can be set up and taken down in seconds. Each bucket simply locks onto the other one.
This skill-based throwing game is fun for all ages. The hacky sack bean bags are sturdy and have a good weight, so accurate throwing is easy.
The locking mechanisms that hold the buckets up are made of plastic, so they can wear out over time and you’d have to use tape to hold it steady.
This versatile game has many ways to play, you can even make up your own rules.
Pros
- Portable
- Comes with a carrying case
- Easy to assemble
- Play anywhere, even in the water
- Many ways to play
Cons
- Plastic locks may wear over time
Intex Unicorn Party Island, Inflatable Island
Float the whole family on this Intex Unicorn Party Inflatable Island. This 20 gauge vinyl unicorn is strong enough to hold a small group of people.
The built-in cooler and 4 cup holders make this floating island the perfect place to keep cool on hot summer days.
This unicorn is outfitted with a mesh lounging area and detachable boarding platform which makes it easy to stay cooled off in the water.
There are 7 heavy-duty handles around the perimeter to hang on to and for ease getting in and out. Also included is an anchor bag so you don’t float too far away. It also comes with a repair patch in case of an unforeseen hole.
Use an air compressor, hand pump, or foot pump to inflate this unicorn island. Expect it to take a little bit of time because of the size.
Some reviewers stated that it needs to be topped off with air every few days to keep it fully blown up.
Pros
- Giant
- Holds up to 4 people
- Mesh lounging area
- Cup holders and cooler
- Anchor bag
- Repair patch
Cons
- Takes a while to pump up
- Loses air over time
Intex Inflat-A-Bull Novelty
If you’ve ever thought to yourself that bull riding needed to be combined with water, then you’re in luck with the Intex Inflat-A-Bull Novelty.
Hop on and see how long you can hold on while the bull flails around in the pool. Provide hours of fun for your family and friends with the Inflate-A-Bull.
Made with strong 17.5 gauge vinyl, this is strong enough for even adults to play on.
There are several blow-up valves for inflating, which you do with either an air compressor or a pump.
Warning, this toy will make everyone laugh! So for a wildly good time, you must bring this to your next pool party.
After a day of entertaining everybody, this bull may need to be topped off with air.
Pros
- Hilarious and entertaining
- Sturdy
- Several blow-up valves
Cons
- Loses air over time
Fin Fun Authentic Wear-Resistant Mermaid Tail for Swimming
The Fin Fun Authentic Wear-Resistant Mermaid Tail is perfect for that mermaid in your life.
Comes in 6 colors including multicolored, so you can wear your favorite hue.
This most beautiful and comfortable tail has top reviews as being the best mermaid tail on the market.
Its reinforced tips will keep the ends from getting ripped up. Neoprene covers the whole thing for speed and comfort.
Glide through the water like a real mermaid with this patented fin. Put it on and take it off with ease, just a tug will do.
The tail is also resistant to sun damage as well as pool chemical damage. So wear it without the worry of wear and tear.
Make sure your child knows how to swim before you let them wear this, it’s not advised for children who lack water skills.
Pros
- Realistic
- Patented fin
- Neoprene for comfort
- Variety of colors
- Glide through the water
Cons
- Must be a swimmer to use
Waboba Splash Water Bouncing Ball (Double Pack)
The Waboba Splash Water Bouncing Ball (Double Pack) is an ideal toy for tossing around in the pool.
These fun balls skip across the water for a wet game of catch. They are small, about tennis ball size.
Squishing these balls is fun to do with your hands, as they are filled with a jelly-like substance. The jelly makes them heavier than they look so throwing far is easy to do.
Splash balls float in the water, so you won’t have to dive down to find them. They also bounce, so don’t be shy in tossing them all around.
Pros
- Comes in a 2-pack
- Heavy and substantial
- Floats
- Skips across the water
- Bounces
Cons
- None
SwiWays Fish Styx Pool Diving Toys
The SwimWays Fish Styx Pool Diving Toys comes in a pack of 3. Perfect your dive with these fun sinking toys.
Watch the fish wiggle all the way to the bottom of the pool then dive down to retrieve it. They appear like they are swimming through the water.
This is great for encouraging underwater swim skills. These also make great pool party birthday favors.
These are about 4.5 inches long and made from flexible rubber. Their bright colors make them hard to lose in the water.
Play with these in the bathtub as well as the pool. This would also be fun for water table play to watch them swim as they sink.
Pros
- Comes in a 3-pack
- Wiggles to the bottom
- Encourage underwater skills
- Good for all types of water play
Cons
- None
GoFloats 6′ Giant Inflatable Jumbo Beach Ball
Play with the biggest beach ball you’ve ever seen with the GoFloats 6′ Giant Inflatable Jumbo Beach Ball . It’s 6 feet in diameter, taller than most adults.
Easy to inflate and deflate, it comes with a rapid blow-up valve that allows for faster air-flow. An air pump is required although not included.
Its bright colors make sure everyone sees it coming. This fun toy is ideal for both adults and children.
Be careful where you bounce it though, it’s only made for soft surfaces like the sand or the water. Bounding it on pavement may result in holes. However, if you happen to get a hole, this ball comes included with a patch kit.
Toss this ball around at the beach and get everyone’s attention. make new friends as more people want to play with it. This is a hit at kid parties.
Careful around small children however, they may get knocked over.
Pros
- 6 feet in diameter
- Rapid valve inflates faster
- Bright colors
- Hit of the party
Cons
- For use on soft surfaces only
- Knocks down small children
Swimline Suntan Tub Inflatable Pool Lounger
The Swimline Suntan Tub Inflatable Pool Lounger is a refreshing way to sunbathe in the water. Have hours of relaxation with its ribbed interior pattern and removable headrest.
Keep cool by filling the interior with water as you lounge, like your own personal tub.
This comes with pad eyes and grab lines to make it easy to tow and move around. There is also a patch kit included in case of a hole.
Inflate and deflate easily with the valves and a pump (not included), you can also use an air compressor.
The float is 71 inches long, so it’s long enough for an adult to lay comfortably. It can also hold several children at once.
Your child will love jumping in and out of this tub float. Spend the afternoon floating and swimming with this giant inflatable lounger.
Some reviewers wished it came included with cup holders and noted that it does discolor over time in the sun.
Pros
- Great for sunbathing
- Ideal for jumping in and out of
- Fill with water as you float
- Comes with grab lines to move around
- Fills up with a pump
- Comes in different color options
Cons
- No drink holders
- Discolors over time in the sun
Swimline Hotdog Battle Pool Float
Challenge your friend to a dual with the Swimline Hotdog Battle Pool Float. Knock your friends into the water with this fun game of balance.
This is a two-person game where each player sits on the hot dog floats. Each of you has a bopper ( ketchup and mustard floats), then you try to knock your opponent off their hot dog using your bopper.
A great game for a party, this will entertain for hours as everyone gets a chance to win. The recommended age for playing is 7 and up.
The blow-up valves push in and become flush so you don’t get poked with them while you’re whacking people with the boppers.
The floats require topping off with air after being used for an extended period of time as the heavier weight can force air out.
Bring the hot dog war to any backyard pool party and enjoy some good laughs. Sturdy enough for adults to use as well as children.
Pros
- Valves push in flush
- Good for a laugh
- Supports adult weight
- Ideal for ages 7 and up
- Two-person game
- Challenge your friends
Cons
- Top off with air after heavy use
Oodles of Noodles Foam Pool Swim Noodles
The Oodles of Noodles Foam Pool Swim Noodles is a classic pool toy that provides hours of imaginative fun. These come in a 5-pack to provide enough to go around.
These are offered in any variety of colors you want, even rainbow-colored. These noodles are 52 inches long and provide a hollow core for easy floating.
Do more than swim with these, use two of them to lounge backward in the water. The possibilities are limitless. You can also cut them to be different sizes if you prefer.
These durable and strong noodles support any weight and are perfect for practicing swim skills.
Pool noodles are also great for other things like arts and crafts, or padding. They can be easily cut using a kitchen knife.
Pros
- Comes in a 5-pack
- Several color options
- Swim, float, or lounge
- Non-water purposes as well
- Durable and strong
- Cut to any size
Cons
- None
How We Selected Pool Toys For Kids
Safety First
Anything involving water and water play requires extra safety precautions to be taken. You should always be sure your child can swim before engaging in activities where playing in the water is the main component. Floaties, puddle jumpers, and life jackets are great to use if your child can’t quite swim yet.
You’ll want to check and make sure the toys you buy are free from BPA and non-toxic as little ones will inevitably put them into their mouths. Also, stay away from toys with small parts that can come loose or break off and cause a choking hazard.
Another aspect of safety is age appropriateness. The toy packaging includes weight and age limits to follow. It’s important that abide by those as they are listed for a reason. Don’t allow your young child to play with pool toys that are made for older kids.
Even when following all the proper protocols for water safety, never leave your child unattended in or near the water and always require that they have a swimming buddy for extra protection. Likewise, if you are the one tasked with watching children playing in the water, stay away from alcoholic beverages the whole time.
Swimming is so much fun and it’s even more fun when it’s done safely.
Best Type of Float
When deciding on a float, there are a few choices to consider.
- Single, Classic Floats. These are for sunbathing or floating around the pool. Either inflatable or made with mesh material.
- Large, Multi-person Floats. These include those like the Unicorn float which holds the whole family or multiple kids at once.
- Infant Floats. For the littles in your life, these single child floats often come with a sunshade on top and allow your child’s legs to dangle in the water.
- Fun Floats. These are floats like the hotdog game for 2 or the bull-riding game. Good for a laugh and a fun time.
FAQs about Pool Toys for Kids
Can I leave pool toys in the pool?
To preserve your pool toys the longest, take them out of the water and store them in a clean, shady area when not being played with. To leave toys floating in the water will speed up the breakdown of the material due to sun, chemicals, and heat which will make them more apt to pop or get holes.
What are the best pool toys for babies?
Babies don’t require much to have a good time. A few things they can hold in their hands and put in their mouths as well as drop into the water and they are good to go. I suggest things like the Hippo Net Scoop toy or the Splash Balls for them to throw around. They are great pool toys for kiddie pools too.
What are the best pool toys for a party?
When it comes to parties, you can’t go wrong with giant floats or games like the BulziBucket. Anything that can be done with multiple people is a winner.
What is the best sunscreen for my child?
Being out in the sun for hours definitely requires that you and your little one stay safe from the dangerous sun rays. Here are the best sunscreens for your child. We have a list of the best sun hats for babies too.
What are the best summer water shoes for children?
Keeping your child’s feet cool from the hot sand or the hot pavement will ensure they have a better time. Here are the best summer shoes for your child to wear.
Conclusion
Water play is one of the best parts of summer. Slather on the sunscreen, invite over a buddy for your child and let them laugh and swim the day away. You can join in or simply lounge by the side, both are great.
