Finding durable, safe, and actually fun toys isn’t always easy. We did the heavy lifting for you. We spent the spring testing and researching to find the best pool toys for kids of all ages.
Here are our top picks to turn your backyard pool into a water park. Get ready for hours of fun and less fighting over who gets the good float.
- Great for swim training practice
- Each character floats at different depths
- 6-piece set
- Includes a repair kit
- Sturdy 10-gauge vinyl
- Comes with a shelf box
- 12 vibrantly colored dive gems
- Child-friendly
- 100% non-toxic materials
- Twist-n-fold design
- Unmatched material fabrication
- Includes portable storage bag
Safety First
Swimming is a favorite summer pastime. Nothing beats cooling off in the water on a hot day. However, safety must always be the number one priority.
Here are a few precautions to keep your kids safe in the pool (1):
- Supervision: Never leave a child unattended.
- Buddy System: Always swim with a friend or sibling.
- Gear: Use lifejackets for beginner swimmers.
- Boundaries: Set firm family rules about water safety.
- Adults: Don’t consume alcohol when supervising swimmers.
Always read the safety information on new toys. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Also, keep the pool tidy. Too many toys in the water at once can hide a struggling child or make it hard to swim.
Types of Pool Toys for Kids
Pool toys have come a long way since the basic foam noodle. There are now endless options to keep active kids entertained.
Sports Games
Sports games are perfect for high-energy kids. Options like volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse are specially adapted for water play. These are excellent for pool parties or families with multiple children.
Most are made of durable, water-resistant materials. They encourage exercise and friendly competition.
Diving Toys
If your kids love being underwater, diving toys are a must. These usually come as weighted rings, batons, or gems. They sink to the bottom so kids can practice their breath-holding and swimming skills to retrieve them.
Pool Floats
The classic pool float has evolved. You can now find giant floats shaped like flamingos, unicorns, pizza slices, and more.
These are great for relaxing after a round of swimming. They come in sizes for toddlers, teens, and adults. Just remember that floats are toys; they are not safety devices. Non-swimmers still need a vest (2).
Pool Toys for Toddlers
Finding gear for the little ones can be tricky. You want something safe and engaging. Toys for toddlers often include interactive elements to teach cause and effect.
Don’t forget that many bath toys work perfectly in a kiddie pool too.
Product Reviews
From competitive games to relaxing floats, here are the top picks to upgrade your swim time.
Bulzi Bucket Beach & Pool Toy
A Versatile Game
We love versatility, and this game delivers. You can play it in the pool or on the grass. Think of it as a vertical version of cornhole. You toss balls at the tiered bucket tower to score points.
It breaks down easily for storage and comes with a carrying case. It is perfect for travel or trips to the beach. While great for groups, it is most engaging for children ages 6 and up.
Heytech 25-Pack Dive Toys
For the Seasoned Swimmer
This set is the ultimate bang for your buck. You get 25 pieces, including torpedoes, rings, and batons. It keeps the diving games fresh because there are so many different shapes to grab.
The toys are made of soft, flexible material that won’t hurt if you step on them. It is recommended for kids ages 4 and up. The set even includes foam blasters for kids who prefer staying above the surface.
Watermelon Ball Swimming Pool Game
Best Pool Ball
This isn’t your average beach ball. The Watermelon Ball is designed to be neutrally buoyant. You fill it with water and it behaves like a watermelon; it sinks slowly but doesn’t hit the bottom immediately.
Kids can dribble, kick, and pass it underwater up to 10 feet. It is durable and built for rough play. It is recommended for ages 8 and up, but there is a “junior” version for younger swimmers.
SwimWays Mr. Ray's Dive and Catch Game
Perfect for Beginner Swimmers
If you have a Disney fan at home, this is a winner. The set features characters from “Finding Nemo” and a Mr. Ray net.
It is excellent for building swim confidence. Some characters float while others sink, allowing kids to practice different skills. It turns swim practice into a rescue mission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.
Intex Pool Volleyball
Best Pool Toy for Pool Parties
Planning on hosting pool parties? This inflatable volleyball set is a crowd-pleaser. The net includes grommets so you can add weights to keep it stable during intense matches.
It comes with an inflatable ball and a repair kit just in case. It packs down small for winter storage. This toy is best for kids ages 6 and up.
Boley Sinking Gems Dive Toy
Great for Treasure Hunters
Turn your pool into a treasure hunt. This set comes with 12 large, colorful gems. They sink well and are easy to spot underwater thanks to the bright colors.
They are non-toxic and safe for children ages 3 and up. Toddlers can use them for color sorting in a shallow kiddie pool, while older kids can race to retrieve them from the deep end.
Melissa & Doug Spark Shark Fish Hunt
Best Pool Game for Kindergartners
This adds a fun twist to relay races. The set includes two shark-shaped nets and six sinking fish. The goal is to scoop up the fish before your opponent does.
It is great for developing hand-eye coordination in the water. While designed for two players, you can easily adapt the rules for solo play or larger groups. It is recommended for ages 6 and up.
COOP Hydro Spring Hoops
For the Aquatic Lebron
Bring the basketball court to the water. This floating hoop uses a spring mechanism to pop open instantly. It floats well and stays upright during play.
The fabric cover is durable and dries quickly. It comes with a ball and a storage bag, making cleanup a breeze. It is a fantastic way to burn off energy for kids ages 5 and older.
Intex Inflat-a-Bull Novelty Float
Most Unique Pool Toy for Kids
This rodeo bull float is a guaranteed hit. One person climbs on the bull while friends rock the outer ring to try and knock them off. It brings a lot of laughter and physical challenge to the pool.
It is large, so make sure you have enough pool space. Recommended for ages 9 and up, it is sturdy enough that adults will want a turn too.
Intex Wave Rider Ride-On
Best Ride-On Pool Toy
This float looks just like a jet ski. It has a wide base for stability, making it a good choice for younger kids who want to feel cool.
It features a heavy-duty handle for kids to grip tight. It is recommended for children ages 3 and up. Always supervise closely, as ride-ons can tip if the rider leans too far.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Kickboards
Best Pool Toy for Learning to Swim
Kickboards are essential for new swimmers. They isolate the legs so kids can focus on kicking technique. These boards from Melissa & Doug are covered in durable fabric, so they won’t crumble like cheap foam boards.
The set includes a dolphin and a shark design. They are easy to grip and provide excellent buoyancy. Suitable for ages 4 and up.
Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float
Best Pool Float for Girls
Unicorns are a pool staple. This giant float is colorful, comfortable, and photogenic. It uses a rapid-valve system, so you can inflate and deflate it in minutes rather than hours.
It is recommended for ages 3 and up. The large surface area makes it great for lounging, but it does take up a fair amount of space in the pool.
Intex Great White Shark Ride-On
Best Pool Float for Boys
This realistic shark float is perfect for adventurous kids. It features photo-realistic printing and sturdy grab handles.
At 68 inches long, it is big enough for kids to sprawl out on. It includes a repair patch for accidents. Recommended for ages 3 and older, it inspires plenty of imaginative play.
COOP Hydro Lacrosse Game Set
Great for Physical Activity
Lacrosse is a fantastic game for developing hand-eye coordination. This waterproof set features soft foam handles and a specialized ball that doesn’t absorb water.
It is great for playing catch across the pool. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this set works just as well at the beach or in the backyard.
SwimWays Gobble Gobble Guppies
Best Game for Toddlers
Toddlers need toys that are simple and engaging. This whale toy eats the smaller guppies when you squeeze the trigger. It is excellent for building fine motor skills.
The guppies are numbered to help with counting practice. They float on the surface, making them easy for little hands to grab. Recommended for ages 2 and up.
Joyin Water Blasters
Best for Water Combat
No pool day is complete without a water fight. These blasters are easy to load and fire. They hold 25 ounces of water and can shoot up to 36 feet.
They operate with a pump action, so no batteries are required. The plastic is non-toxic and durable. These are recommended for kids ages 6 and up who want to soak their friends (and parents).
Halovin 12 Pack Inflatable Drink Holders
Best Refreshment Floats
Keep your drinks close with these floating cup holders. The set includes 12 different designs, from donuts to flamingos. They hold cans, cups, and bottles upright in the water.
They are functional and fun. Kids love using them for their juice boxes or as mini toys for their dolls. Just use sippy cups for toddlers to avoid pool water mixing with their drink.
Wave Runner Soft Foam Water Ball
Best Multi-Use Pool Toy
This ball is designed to skip across the water surface like a stone. It bounces fast and far, making for an exciting game of catch.
It is 3.5 inches wide and made of soft foam, so it is easy to catch and throw. While recommended for ages 6 and up, the soft material makes it safe for supervised younger kids too.
SwimWays Baby Spring Pool Float
Best Pool Float for Babies
This float lets your baby enjoy the water safely. It features a mesh play space and a removable canopy to protect delicate skin from the sun.
The inner spring makes it easy to pop open and fold flat for storage. It includes tethered toys to keep baby entertained. Recommended for ages 9 to 24 months.
Intex Stingray Ride-On Baby Float
Best Pool Float for Toddlers
This stingray float has a wide, flat shape that offers great stability. It includes a handlebar for toddlers to hold onto while they kick their legs.
It has two air chambers for added safety. Note that it does not have a sunshade, so you will need a good hat and sunscreen. It supports up to 88 pounds and is great for kids around 3 years old.
SwimSchool Rainbow Baby Boat
Great for Pool Introduction
This baby boat is adorable and practical. It features a reinforced safety seat to keep your little one upright and comfortable. The rainbow canopy provides essential shade.
It is designed for babies aged 6 to 18 months. The extra-wide base helps prevent tipping, giving parents peace of mind during water introduction.
Inflatable Emoji Beach Balls
Best Beach Balls for the Pool
You can never have too many beach balls. This set gives you 12 balls with different emoji faces. They are perfect for party favors or just having backups on hand.
They inflate quickly and are soft enough for dodgeball or volleyball. Since they are small and light, even toddlers can throw and catch them easily.
Joyin Giant Inflatable Pizza Float
Best Pool Float for Teens
This pizza slice is massive. It can hold up to 300 pounds, making it perfect for teens or adults. It includes cup holders and connectors to attach to other pizza slices.
The material is thick and fade-resistant. It is a fun, social float that looks great in photos. Recommended for ages 8 and up.


































