Blog

Aug 04, 2023

Best Pool Toys 2023

While we love a good afternoon lounge on a pool float, there are only so many

While we love a good afternoon lounge on a pool float, there are only so many hours until you get bored—especially if you’re under the age of 12. The best pool toys allow you and your kids to explore other types of aquatic fun, while still enjoying all the water has to offer.

Pool toys can also help make kids feel more comfortable in the water, says Rebecca Nymick, an advanced child life specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Pool toys create normalization for a child who is learning to swim, which can instill a sense of confidence in using familiar objects while trying new experiences," she says. "Pool toys can also create scaffolded learning opportunities for a child as the toys can guide them comfortably into the water and then be used in different and more advanced ways as the child gains more comfortability with their emerging swim skills."

The best pool toys keep every age entertained and enjoying a day in the water.

Pool toys might even encourage kids to model their activity around other children and engage in group play, making the task of learning to swim less of a stress, Nymick says.

With hundreds of pool toys on the market, it can be difficult to find the right ones for you and your family. These are the best pool toys to help ensure a fun-filled summer—for everyone. (While you’re at it, consider checking out the best outdoor toys and the best beach toys.)

Target

When it's too hot outside to play cornhole on the lawn, take it to the pool. This inflatable game is a must-have for those with a competitive edge. Designed with a speed safety valve, this pool toy quickly inflates and deflates in minutes. The set comes with two cornhole boards and eight weighted bean bags to toss. If you’re up for a challenge, you can adjust the board from a fixed position to a floating one for ultimate gaming goals.

Amazon

With a lightweight and portable design, these water gun pool toys make it simple to have some fun without all the legwork. Made with a non-leak construction, you won't have to worry about water dripping out or getting everywhere. The narrow spout lends itself to shooting far distances so users can hit the targets they want whether it's a player across the pool or a nearby parent. With six blasters, there's plenty to go around.

Amazon

Remember those carnivals you used to go to as a kid? Relive those memories this summer with inflatable ring toss with a twist. This themed game comes with two inflatable flamingos and a combination of eight pink and green foam rings. The flamingos have a built-in strap which goes around your head like a hat to add some extra height to this adorable game.

Amazon

Made with large square windows, kids can practice hand-eye coordination as they place the Xs and Os into the desired spots. The game comes with the 4-foot inflatable square and 10 inflatable Xs and Os in blue and orange. It's even flippable, allowing kids to pick whether they want to display the orange or blue sides. And when pool time is over, you can also use it on land.

Amazon

For those kids who simply can't lounge, the Skillmatics Seek & Splash diving game should keep them engaged. Toss the gems into the pool or the splash pad so they’re spread out on the bottom. Then, flip a card and everyone splashes in to find the featured gem.

Amazon

This is more than a pool float. It includes a Nerf-mounted water blaster, so this kid friendly ride is all about the action. It promises to reach its targets at 25 feet away. Of course, you may want to avoid the pool when this beast is loose. It's ideal for ages 6 and up or kids who can already independently swim.

Amazon

You can revolve a whole afternoon around this fun float. Designed with realistic photo technology, this inflatable bull looks similar to the real thing. The outer ring provides up to five family members or friends the chance to create rocky waters for the rider, making it all the more fun. Made from heavy-duty PVC vinyl, this bull can support up to 220 pounds.

Amazon

Big Joe's Pool Petz are stuffed with lightweight beans for a squishy feel kids love. This lovey-style turtle is huggable and covered in mesh fabric that dries quickly. Your little one can cruise the pool on the turtle's back, or simply snuggle with it in the shallow end. It's surprisingly lightweight, allowing even young kids to help carry it to the pool.

Amazon

Squirt guns are always fun on a hot day, but this takes the concept to a whole new level. Intex's water gun plane features a built-in squirt gun that pulls water directly from the pool, so it never runs out. The plane can support several riders to create team play. At just $16, you can pick up several for battles the whole family can enjoy.

Amazon

Practice your football-throwing skills out by the pool. This toy comes with one goal, four water footballs and a ball pump, so you’ll never go flat. Go the distance to see how far you can throw the football and maybe even score a goal. Designed to withstand rough throws and splashes, the net will stay afloat and sturdy all day long. Plus, there's no need to worry about putting it together with its instant assembly.

Amazon

Summer is the perfect time to play ping pong. While you’re out in the sun, grab a friend and this floating table tennis table from Poolmaster. Constructed with a sturdy foam base and top surface, this tennis table is designed to withstand water exposure and the sun's strong rays. The set comes with two oversized paddles, a net with uprights and three regulation ping pong balls. Worth noting: Playing in the pool eliminates the hassle of chasing after the ball.

Amazon

The Ultimate Pool Ball gives players the ability to pass, dribble and kick underwater. Yep, underwater. Just fill it with water from a hose and you’re good to go. Designed with ultra-durable TripleTech PVC, the ball is guaranteed to last for years. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a simple hose adapter making the setup a breeze.

Amazon

Kids love to showcase their talents, especially in the water. These swim-through rings create cool obstacles below the surface. Each ring easily unfolds and inflates in seconds. Made with decorated adjustable air chambers, players can decide how deep the rings are under the water. When it's time to put them away, they can be easily contracted and stored in the pool closet or shed for safe keeping.

Walmart

Volleyball in the water is a much gentler sport. This inflatable net floats on the surface of the pool, meaning it's easy to fit a game in at any time. Just leave the net up and you’re ready to go! It also comes with a mini basketball net that might just keep the younger kids from breaking up your volley.

Amazon

These five-inch Banzai Magical Mermaid Dolls are for all the kids that not-so-secretly wish they had mermaid friends. Little ones can practice their diving skills or go on swimming adventures with a mermaid in tow. Even nervous swimmers can play with them on the steps of the pool. This particular kit features three mermaids.

Amazon

My son received this sweet treasure chest as a birthday gift years ago, and it's held up long enough to be passed down to his younger sister. The plastic chest easily snaps open and shut, and comes with four numbered coins, along with two "gems" for junior treasure hunters. Use it in shallow end or at the kiddie pool for safer treasure hunts. The box is roomy enough to store other toys, too. Worth noting: The colors are resistant to fading from the sun and chlorine over time.

Amazon

Skip Hop's animal designs double as pool friends with this sweet bucket set. Each bucket has a different pattern cut into the bottom, allowing for kids to play with unique sprinkle designs. The buckets stack to create a larger toy or can be used separately. At just 4 inches high, they’re the perfect size for little hands.

Amazon

Inspired by fan-favorite Finding Dory, Mr. Ray's Dive and Catch Game is the perfect pool toy for tiny tots and small children. The game includes six floating characters (Dory, Nemo, Pearl, Sheldon and Kathy) and a Mr. Ray net. Each character floats at a different depth adding some challenge to the game. Kids can also play with the fish separately.

Amazon

The addition of a glimmering, colorful tail is sure to add a dose of fun to the pool. This mermaid tail is more than just a pretty prop, though. It's a legit swim tail made with swimsuit material and a dive-grade neoprene "monofin" that attaches to their feet to create a single powerful tail stride. The tail is sun and fade resistant, machine washable and comes in several attractive colorways in both youth and adult sizes. A quick release helps swimmers easily remove the monofin.

Amazon

A toy boat is ideal for both bath and pool days. I love the easy handle on this Green Toys tug, so little ones can motor it around on their own, and the wide deck means it can carry a character or two. It also doubles as a dumping bucket, scooping up water as it goes and pouring it straight out its spout. This U.S.-produced tug is made of recycled plastic and free of all the icky stuff like BPA and phthalates. Pop it into the dishwasher to give a full clean.

To choose the best pool toys, we consulted with two pediatric specialists—Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and Rebecca Nymick, an advanced child life specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia—for their tips on what makes for a good pool toy. I also relied on my personal experience as a mom of four water-loving kids in selecting toys.

To choose the best toys, we also analyzed the top pool toys on the market for elements like durability, flexibility, ease of use and, of course, fun. Reviews from real owners were reviewed as well to ensure we chose toys that met a range of needs and were sturdy enough to withstand the often rough use kids can dish out at the pool.

The best toys to bring to the pool are ultimately ones that your child will play with, says Dr. Ganjian. "Good toys help them get accustomed to the water, especially since a lot of kids have a fear of water," he says. "Toys help them to get a fun association with the pool and, once they have a fun association, they’re more likely to consider learning to swim." Inflatables are always a popular choice, but toys for imaginary play are often a big hit with younger children, he says.

Technically, pool toys are designed to withstand plenty of time in the water. Meaning, they shouldn't degrade or fall apart if you happen to leave them in the water overnight. However, there are a few things to consider if you go this route. One is that you run the risk of the toys winding up in your pool filter and potentially clogging it. Another is that leaving toys in the pool can potentially tempt children to enter the water when you’re not watching closely. "I always say that, no matter what, kids shouldn't be more than one arm's length away from you in the pool," Ganjian says. If you happen to forget your toys in the water once or twice, it should be OK. But, in general, it's best to clean up after you use them to be on the safe side.