It is finally summer, so it’s time to swap zip-up jackets for bathing suits and goggles. But before you hit the pool or beach this summer with kids, you’ll need a few outdoor water toys to elevate the fun at home. And don’t worry, if you don’t have a pool or beach nearby, I’ve included a portable outside pool that is easy to set up and store when not in use. Goodby plastic inflatables that are impossible to store. This outdoor water toy list takes outdoor activities for kids to another level of fun.
RELATED: Summer at home with kids is anything but boring! I mapped out your summer so you don’t have to.
Good water toys for kids last longer than one use. We’ve all been here. Nothing is worse than purchasing the blow-up water slide and plugging in the hose, only to have a hole 17 minutes later.
After nine years of summer at home with kids, we’ve tested many water toys that did not live up to their hype. We’ve also tried water toys that are exciting to find again the following year. This outdoor water toy list includes some of our favorites.
Whether you have a backyard, side patio, or bring these items to a friend’s pool, these water toys will surely be a hit. Take a close look at this list and pick one that feels like the best fit for your family’s lifestyle. If you prefer non-water toys, check out my outdoor toy list.
IMPORTANT: Water play must always be supervised and watched closely. Please take the time to read this important article from the American Academy of Pediatrics about preventing drowning.
Let’s jump right into this water toy list with some essentials. Bright, colorful bathing suits are safest for children. Look for suits that contrast the color of the pool or water. Many bathing suits we find adorable on the racks instantly blend into the water once a child jumps in. Read about the safest swimsuit colors in this post written by USA Today.
Here are two bathing suit brands we love, in colors that are more visible once a child is in the water.
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We have a few swim trunks and love how they last and look. Choose from a variety of bright colors.
BUY ON AMAZONWhen I posted this brand a few weeks ago, so many of you told me what great quality these bathing suits are. Here is a bright orange one to help contrast against the water.
BUY ON AMAZONHands down, these are the best goggles for kids. They tighten in the back and are the only pair we have tried that does not leek. Five-star review from us!
BUY ON AMAZONThese towels are not an affiliate link but have greatly helped us over the years. Each boy knows which towel to grab on the way out the door.
PERSONALIZED TOWELSThese outdoor water toys are some of our favorite ways to play once the weather warms up. Get ready to have some fun!
Say goodbye to the plastic pools we owned as kids. This portable pool folds up and is easy to store!
BUY ON AMAZONA splash pad is how we spent many summer days in the early years. Comes in a variety of sizes.
BUY ON AMAZONAn outdoor Uno game that can get wet? This has my kid’s name written all over it! Take outside, bring to the pool, or pack for the beach.
BUY ON AMAZONIMO every home needs a water table. It is a simple pleasure that keeps many kids playing as you spend time with them on the sidelines.
BUY ON AMAZONIf you prefer a water table without all the extras, this one is for you! Use all year long with storage below.
BUY ON AMAZONThese have been a big hit with my boys and their friends. Small magnets inside each water balloon, so they are advised for kids 8-12.
BUY ON AMAZONUse this treasure chest in a sensory water bin to scoop the sea or bring it to the pool to practice diving for treasure.
BUY ON AMAZONHow cute is this? This was not around when my boys were younger, but my boys would have enjoyed this!
BUY ON AMAZONThese skipping balls work and are so much fun to toss around in the water.
BUY ON AMAZONMy boys are often found snorkeling around the pool. These sets are fun to use at the pool or take to the beach.
BUY ON AMAZONIf you don’t have these yet, add them to your cart. They are fun to toss and, even more, fun to dive for. This is a set of 8.
BUY ON AMAZONCould this be any sweeter? Use this net and set of floating toys in the bath or pool.
BUY ON AMAZONThese foldable buckets are a complete game changer when it comes to packing for the beach or storing for backyard water play.
BUY ON AMAZONTired of carrying all the water toys? How about stuffing your pockets with seashells at the beach? These mesh bags are the perfect size for kids to carry what they need and find.
BUY ON AMAZONI saved this mega pool toy for last! Our friends have these; they are so fun to hop on when they bring them to the pool. A must-try if you want something new and exciting this pool season.
BUY ON AMAZONWater play benefits children by inspiring endless learning through play and intrinsic motivation. If you have a child, you most likely know how water invites children in to stay a while.
Water activities for kids are a great way to keep cool and help children stay active on a hot summer day. But who am I kidding? Children love water play even when it is cool out. Water play encourages thinking, problem-solving, and movement.
So, if you are home with kids this summer, water play is the sensory bin without walls that I prefer over rice under my couch and bean sprouts growing in between my decking. (true story)
Look for water toys that are within your price point, have good durability ratings, and look like a good fit for your family and lifestyle.
What are some fun ways to play with kids outside?Toddlers and preschoolers need little help finding the tools to kick off play outside. But once they do – MAGIC. Add food coloring to water bins, add mud and get messy, add old pots and pans to the water play, balance on pieces of wood, bike ride, bring an indoor toy outside, bring boxes outside to make a fort, bring racetracks outside – add water, collect leaves. Here are 50 outdoor activities for kids!
What are some fun water games for kids?Water games with kids are easier than you may think! Often, items from your kitchen, such as measuring cups, large spoons, and a muffin tin to freeze water, will do the trick. Keep water activities for kids simple, and take a look around your house to see what you can toss in to buy yourself a few extra sips of coffee as your child plays.
Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more .
As kids finish up the school year (and grown-ups look towards their own summer plans), it’s the perfect time to spend some time splashing about and cooling off. Whether you’re simply going for a swim or relaxing in the shallow end, why not elevate the experience with some pool toys? Whether you’re shopping for small children still adjusting to the water, or for a group of friends who like to get competitive in the pool, there are options for everyone. We’ve compiled this guide of the best pool toys for every age and every personality. So grab your swimsuit, beach towel and flip flops, then read on to learn how we made our selections—and find out what’s your must-buy for the summer season.
The “best” is subjective when it comes to pool toys because they come in so many forms and everyone finds fun in different ways. That said, there are a few key criteria for any top-performing toy. Durable products that are safe and easy to use are always popular, especially if they’re also a good value. Ideally, the toy offers a more elevated experience than a DIY replacement; think a stylishly designed bucket instead of a simple plastic cup.
We divided our picks into three broad age categories: toddlers, kids and adults. Within those categories, we tried to find a balance of products that would cater to all kinds of swimmers. This final line-up is our pick of the best pool toys in the market. There is truly something for everyone.
Most toddlers will likely be brand new to the water and still reliant on floaties and a watchful parent – but that doesn’t mean they can’t have fun in the pool. Our favorite pool toys for this age group focus on colorful ways for toddlers to get engaged with water play, without being too overwhelming or dangerous. There are no sharp edges or tiny toy parts that could become choking hazards, just a lot of wholesome fun.
Price: $32.92
This collection of fishing pool toys from CozyBomb is an explosion of color for little ones aged three years old and up. With 30 different toy fishes to catch in 10 different shades, this toy set will provide hours of fun as toddlers get more comfortable with shapes and hand-eye coordination. (Since the set is best used in a space where little ones can easily get to the fish, it’s best for inflatable pools—and can be used as a bath toy.) Not just a playset, the fishing activity is also a great education tool, teaching color recognition, interpersonal skills and also math. The set includes two rods, meaning that this can be a multiplayer game as well as a solo activity, as well as two nets and a mesh bag to carry it all.
amazon
$19.98
Price: $24.95
The Green Toys Seaplane is the perfect choice for toddlers who love the skies as much as the pool. The plane’s two pontoons ensure that the toy floats on water and the propeller is able to spin, making it a safe and entertaining aircraft for both baths and pools. There are even vents in the pontoons that can be used for ‘fill and spill’ fun. Young kids aged three and up will love creating stories with their imaginations, which is great for brain development without feeling like homework. Adults can also rest assured that the seaplane is made from 100% recycled plastic and is therefore an eco-friendly choice!
Fat Brain Toys
$26.00
$24.95
amazon
$16.99
Price: $7.50
Sometimes it’s the simpler toys that are the most popular, which is great for both young kids and their parents’ wallets. These stack and pour buckets from ZOO are cutely designed with different animal faces and suitable for the bath or the swimming pool. Clever sprinkler features upgrade these buckets into more than just fill-and-spill play, keeping toddlers occupied for hours of poolside fun. At just $7.50, these are great value toys that even little children can carry to and from the water.
buy on Skip Hop
Price: $35.99
For slightly older toddlers, this pool float set with water guns from HopeRock is a great interactive choice that still keeps kids safe and secure on the water. The constant supply water gun ensures neverending fun but is also detachable, should you want to use it just as a float. The two-pack means that young children can play happily together, with adults safe in the knowledge that they’re made from non-toxic, thickened PVC. Able to hold up to 110 pounds, the manufacturer recommends this product for those aged 3-8 years old, making it a purchase that will still offer value as your kid grows.
buy on Walmart
Once kids are a little older and more comfortable in the water, the range of pool toys gets wider. Unsurprisingly, some of our favorite choices are ones that take the most popular land games and make them suitable for water, from volleyball to basketball. But we’ve also rounded up some options that are perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely pool game or need something they can play with on their own.
Price: $37.70
Water guns are a summertime fun staple and this set of water blasters from Max Liquidator is a great addition to the market. Having six water guns in the set ensures maximum engagement and fun, while the easy trigger-free design keeps things safe for younger children. The bright colors and lightweight portability disguise the water blasters’ surprising power; these toys can shoot water as far as 30 feet! Although they may look like regular pool noodles, these water guns are a real upgrade your kids will love. Suitable for ages six and up.
Price: $27.98
The Intex Pool Volleyball Game is pretty self-explanatory but that doesn’t make it any less fun. The inflatable net comes with anchor weights at the poles so that there’s no risk of the net tipping over during competitive game play. Both the net and the ball are made of sturdy vinyl, but the manufacturer also includes a repair kit should any game get a little too feisty. At 94 inches long, this volleyball game can be played by kids aged six and up and adults alike, so it’s really a great buy for the whole family.
Walmart
$27.98
amazon
$19.99
$11.70
Price: $25
Tic Tac Toe may be one of the world’s oldest games but it’s undergone a fun, watery makeover with this set from Poolmaster. The oversized inflatable set creates a more engaging experience as players have to physically throw their pieces into the 46 inch x 46 inch grid in order to score. The simple gameplay makes this a great choice for mixed age groups and it can be played on grass as easily as on land. Made from eight-gauge vinyl, this Tic Tac Toe set can help teach younger kids about hand-eye coordination while entertaining the whole family.
The Home Depot
$25.00
amazon
$24.99
$19.30
Price: $34.97
Making the game water-friendly worked for volleyball and it works for basketball, too. With this Hoop Shark Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop set, kids can practice their free throws and cool off in the water at the same time. The 40” height provides a competitive set-up for kids of all ages and there’s an anchor on the bottom of the hoop for greater stability. The set also includes a basketball so players can immediately get started on their trick shots, as soon as the hoop is inflated—which takes no time at all, thanks to large bore valves. Should you lose the included ball, this set works with any standard sized basketball for maximum convenience.
Walmart
$34.97
$31.99
amazon
$40.00
Price: $44.99
Not every pool game needs to be a competitive sport. The Force1 Blue Velocity Summer Watercraft Toy is a perfect solo activity that offers the same amount of adrenaline and exhilaration as a sports match. Powered by remote control, the boat can reach speeds of 20 mph and can be driven as far as 120 miles away. Pair it with another Force1 boat and you’ve got a great race on your hands. The boat also features capsize recovery, should any mishaps occur, and easy directional controls so younger players can get in on the fun.
Walmart
$49.99
It’s not just young children who deserve to have some extra fun in the sun, which is why we’ve also rounded up our top picks for adult pool toys. Unsurprisingly, some of these are takes on classic adult games, from beer pong to cornhole, but we’ve also found a great float game set that will help unleash anyone’s inner child. Read on to find out how to make the most of your pool time this summer.
Price: $69.99
Yes, you can use pool floats to recline on and relax, but why settle for that when you can also use them to stage epic pool battles with your friends? This Chicken Fight Inflatable Pool Float Game Set includes two large inflatable ride-on chickens that can support up to 250 pounds each, making them suitable for adults and kids. At nearly five feet long, half the fun is learning how to clamber aboard, but then these chickens are the perfect base from which to wage wrestling matches. As the loser will only be falling into the water, it’s a much safer way to find out who’s the pool champion.
Walmart
$69.99
Price: $38.80
One of the most iconic adult games, beer pong, has been remade for pool play with this inflatable 6-foot-long floating table game by GoPong. With built-in 10-cup triangles for traditional game-play, there’s no risk of spilling precious drinks into the water. There are also four cup holders along each side of the float for spectators or post-match drinks. Three pong balls are included with the package and the float can also be used as a traditional one-person float outside of games. Easy to inflate, this inflatable beer pong float means you never need to choose between the pool and the classic drinking game.
Walmart
$48.99
$39.90
amazon
$29.99
Price: $25.99
Another favorite of beer gardens everywhere is now available in a waterproof version with the Inflatable Pool Toys Floating Cornhole Set. Each set includes two cornhole boards and six inflatable bean bags, so you have everything you need to play a competitive game. Filling the bags with water ensures a solid weight for more accurate tosses. Bedecked in an American flag print, this would be an especially great activity for the Fourth of July weekend, but we’re sure you’ll be playing all season long.
Walmart
$25.99
Price: $9.90
Sometimes, you just want to sit back and relax in a swimming pool, unbothered by complicated games or wrestling matches. For those days, we’ve got the perfect pool accessory: GoFloats Inflatable Pool Drink Holders. Available in fun designs like flamingos, unicorns, and palm trees, these little floats comfortably hold a range of different cup sizes so you can bring your beverage into the pool. Deep pockets and high sides reduce the chance of tipping over, so you can rest easy that your drink will be for you and you alone. Once you’re done with the pool, you can also bring these floating holders into the hot tub with you.
buy on GoFloats
When making your pool toy selections, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s critical to take into account the age and swimming ability of those who will be playing with the pool toy as safety is key. Sharp edges or choking hazards should be avoided for all little ones, while toys that promote learning opportunities can be a great way to add education to poolside fun. Then there’s the size and portability of these toys; small kids are often excited to be able to carry their own games, so parents may want to focus on lighter, easy-to-transport toys like the ZOO stack-and-pour buckets.
For older children and adults, it’s important to consider durability and affordability to maximize value—you don’t want to have to replace your pool toys every year. High-quality vinyl is more likely to withstand the elements (and boisterous play), so look out for floats in that material. And of course, go for what sparks fun to you! Everyone wants something different from the pool experience, so we’ve been sure to provide a range of options. If in doubt, consider assembling a mix of game styles, from sports to water guns to floats.
It’s never been easier to find a pool toy, but sometimes too much choice is a bad thing. To help narrow down the options to only the best-in-class, we scoured the web for the most well-reviewed and well-respected products in the market. We took into consideration several factors, including price, durability, game play and originality, to make sure that these toys would be worth adding to your pool supply. We listened to expert recommendations and balanced these with customer reviews so that we could be confident in our final list of toys.
You may assume that a durable inflatable is an oxymoron, but this isn’t necessarily true. Look for high-quality materials, such as high-gauge vinyl, to ensure that these toys will withstand being batted around a pool. Weighted anchors can also help keep toys in their place and reduce the chance of them being knocked around and damaged. For anything motorized, look for high-capacity batteries and water-cooled engines to reduce the chance of dying or overheating. If in doubt, go for simple designs that have fewer components to break or wear away, such as the Max Liquidator Water Blasters.
Different pool toys appeal to different people but there are some consistencies in what makes for a popular pool toy. Classic American sports are always a favorite when brought into the swimming pool, so you can’t go wrong with inflatable volleyball, inflatable basketball, or water lacrosse. Similarly, water guns are a summertime staple, whether they’re attached to a float or portable. For little kids, brightly colored sets with multiple pieces are a sure-fire way to keep them occupied. If in doubt, go for a waterproof variation of a classic game, from Tic Tac Toe to cornhole.
Any toy that has multiple players is going to be a good choice for a group, but the best ones are those that are uncomplicated and familiar to a mass audience. You don’t want to waste time explaining the rules, so opt for classic games like inflatable volleyball or Tic Tac Toe. If your group is particularly sporty, then lean into that with toys like an inflatable basketball hoop, while more relaxed groups may prefer corn hole or simple floats. Competitive folks may enjoy battling it out on a pair of inflatable ride-ons, or waging war with water guns. The key is to know your audience and cater to their taste. If in doubt, offer a range!