Raising Kids The 15 Best Pool Toys of 2021 Splash the day away with these awesome pool toys By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Ziegler Fact checked by Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD on April 05, 2020 linkedin Elaine Hinzey is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and registered dietitian. Learn about our editorial process Elaine Hinzey, RD Updated on June 04, 2021 Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Waboba Splash Water Bouncing Ball at Amazon "This bounces across the water for some seriously fun games of catch in the pool." Intex Underwater Diving Pool Balls at Walmart "Great for diving fun, these colorful balls sink quickly and are easy to grab onto." Unicorn Beach Ball at potterybarnkids.com "Flat-out adorable, this has sparkly sequins and inflates with a unicorn inside." World’s Finest Pool Noodle at Frontgate "Designed to float in both saltwater or chlorinated water, it won’t sink even if it’s punctured." Aqua Stingray Underwater Glider at Amazon "It turns, spins, or boomerangs back based on how its adjustable wings are configured." FUNBOY x Barbie Malibu Private Jet at Amazon "Modeled after Malibu Barbie’s jet, this one-person raft is designed with a playful, brightly-colored print." SwimWays COOP Hydro Catch at macys.com "With two velcro mitts and a fuzzy ball, this game of catch is perfect for the pool because all of the pieces float." Melissa & Doug Spark Shark Fish Hunt at Amazon "Race to see which swimmer can scoop up all of their fishes with the shark net first." Fun Stuff Banzai Spring and Summer 3-Piece Magical Mermaid Dolls at Amazon "Unlike most dolls, these mermaids have plastic hair that won’t get debris in it or become a tangly mess." Stream Machine Water Sports Swim Thru Rings at Walmart "You can create an obstacle course underwater with these rings." While a lot of adults would be perfectly happy to simply lounge on a pool float and soak up some sun on a hot day, kids need a little more entertainment. Thankfully there are all kinds of pool toys on the market that will keep them occupied and having a great time. Whether they’re just getting used to the water or they’re experienced swimmers, there is a pool toy out there for them. When buying pool toys for your kids, you'll want to ensure that they are durable enough to hold up in the water and outdoors. It's also important to keep safety at the top of your priority list and the age of your kids to ensure they are old enough to safely have fun. Here are some of the best ones on the market. Waboba Splash Water Bouncing Ball Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart A classic pool toy, this ball bounces across the water for some seriously fun games of catch in the pool. When it hits the water, it flattens out to help it propel into the sky. Available in a variety of colors, you can grab either a single or double pack. Ideal for kids 10 and up Intex Underwater Diving Pool Balls Courtesy of SwimOutlet Buy on Walmart Buy on Dick's Buy on Swimoutlet.com For kids as young as 6 years old who can safely swim underwater, these diving balls always make for a good time. They come in a set of three, each with a brightly colored ball with streamers coming up from it so that they sink quickly and are easy to grab onto. Unicorn Beach Ball Courtesy of Pottery Barn Buy on Potterybarnkids.com If nothing else, this beach ball is just flat-out adorable with its sparkly sequins and unicorn. It’s safe for little ones as young as 12 months old and has two separate inflation valves, one for the unicorn and a separate one for the ball itself, both of which can be filled with air manually or with a pump. The ball has a 20-inch diameter, can be cleaned with just a damp towel and comes with a repair kit. The 11 Best Baby Beach Gear of 2021 World’s Finest Pool Noodle Courtesy of Frontgate. Buy on Frontgate One pool toy that will never go out of style is the noodle. This one is available in several color opinions and is made from durable vinyl and foam. It has a 7.5-inch diameter and measures 46 inches long, is designed to float in both saltwater or chlorinated water, and it won’t sink even if it’s punctured. As great as this toy is at providing some floating support, Emily Samuel, Program Director of Safe Kids Worldwide, says, “It is important for families to keep in mind that swimming aids and toys, such as pool noodles and inflatable water wings, do not help prevent drowning” and should not be used as a replacement for a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket for your child. Aqua Stingray Underwater Glider Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon This stingray toy is perfect for a game of chase, or for just keeping your kids entertained. It can glide up to 60 feet underwater, where it will turn, spin, and even boomerang back based on how its adjustable wings are configured. It measures 8 inches long and 10.75 inches wide and is best for kids five years old and up. FUNBOY x Barbie Malibu Private Jet Courtesy of FUNBOY Buy on Amazon Buy on Funboy.com Kids 14 years old and up will have a blast floating along on this raft that measures 95 x 90 x 26 inches. Designed for one person, the brightly colored float is modeled after the iconic Malibu Barbie jet. Equipped with two handles and a cup holder, your teens and tweens can sip on a juice pouch while they float around all afternoon. What Experts Say “It is important for families to keep in mind that swimming aids and toys, such as pool noodles and inflatable water wings, do not help prevent drowning.” —Emily Samuel, Program Director, Safe Kids Worldwide Melissa & Doug Spark Shark Fish Hunt Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Melissaanddoug.com This game comes with eight pieces, including two sharks and six fish (three orange, three yellow). Each of the fish quickly sinks to the bottom of the pool and then it’s a race to see which swimmer can scoop up all of theirs with the shark net first. Kids who are able to safely swim underwater and who are at least 6 years old can safely play this fun game. What Experts Say “Parents and caregivers should choose a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for their child's weight and water activity.” —Emily Samuel, Program Director, Safe Kids Worldwide Fun Stuff Banzai Spring and Summer 3-Piece Magical Mermaid Dolls Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Who doesn’t love a good mermaid toy? This set is available with either three or four dolls which measure around five inches tall. Unlike most dolls, these mermaids have plastic hair that won’t get debris in it or become a tangly mess. Kids as young as five years old can play with these dolls in the pool, and if they’re able to swim underwater they can also use the dolls for diving games. Stream Machine Water Sports Swim Thru Rings Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods Buy on Walmart Buy on Dick's You can create an obstacle course underwater with these rings. Each pack comes with three rings that are collapsible and have a 31-inch diameter. They have adjustable air chambers in them so that you can change how much the rings float/sink and have cute little sea animals on them for a little extra fun. This set of rings is great for kids who are at least 8 years old and can safely swim underwater. What Experts Say “Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they are around water.” —Emily Samuel, Program Director, Safe Kids Worldwide Swimming & Diving Toys Pack Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon In this pack, you get four diving rings, four water torpedoes, five diving sticks, 16 diving gems, and one bag to collect and carry the toys when they’re not being played with. The toys are safe for kids as young as 3 years old to play with above water, or underwater once they are able to do so safely. The durable and brightly colored toys are packed full of endless fun and can keep a group of kids entertained. Green Toys Submarine Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Whether they’re in a kiddie pool or venturing into something larger, kids as young as 6 months old will have a ball playing with this little toy submarine. There is a little spinning propeller on the back of the boat, it has a flat bottom for sturdy floating, and is designed with a handle and an opening in the front for kids to scoop and pour water to their heart’s content. You can opt to purchase this boat on its own or in a pack with either a seaplane or tugboat. The 7 Best Bath Toys SwimWays COOP Hydro Lacrosse Courtesy of Swimways Buy on Dick's Buy on Macy's Engage in a little friendly competition with this water lacrosse set. It comes with two catcher nets and a foam ball that floats for easy retrieval while playing. The catchers have a foam-padded handle for comfort and grip and the set available in three color options. The best part is that this game can be played either in the pool or in the backyard and it’s safe for kids as young as five years old. The 8 Best Indoor Toys & Games for Active Play in 2021 FUNBOY Tie-dye Tube Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Urban Outfitters With a 50-inch radius, this oversized one-person tube is the perfect place for a teen (14 years old or older) to lounge for an afternoon of sun. In addition to its brightly colored tie-dye design, the tube also features a reinforced cup holder and can be inflated or deflated in only two minutes. COOP Hydro Football Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Dick's You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy tossing a football in a pool. This one measures 9.25 inches and is made from durable, waterproof materials, and features double-tuck laces to help you get a good grip. It’s great for kids as young as 5 years old and is available in three fun color options. The 20 Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds of 2021 GoSports Splash Hoop Pro Basketball Game Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Wayfair This water basketball set comes with a hoop, two balls, and an air pump so it is ready to be set up right out of the box. The high-quality, sturdy backboard measures 31 x 23 inches and features a 14-inch rim that is strong enough to survive outdoor weather and heavy play. The base of the hoop is weighted with water for stability and can easily be drained/refilled at the turn of the season. Final Verdict The Green Toys Submarine (view at Amazon) is a great toy for toddlers and younger kids, whether they’re in a kiddie or large-sized pool. For older kids who are able to swim underwater, you can’t go wrong with the Stream Machine Swim Thru Rings (view at Walmart). What to Look for When Buying Pool Toys Safety When you're looking for a pool toy for your kids, do your due diligence and ensure it hasn’t been recalled and/or there haven’t been reports of major safety issues. Additionally, Emily Samuel, Program Director of Safe Kids Worldwide, reminds parents and caregivers to invest in “a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket [that is] appropriate for their child's weight and water activity,” so when you’re looking at pool toys you want to be sure they do not compromise your child’s safety when they are in their life jacket. Durability A lot of outside toys ironically can’t stand up to outdoor weather and quickly fall apart. When you’re looking at pool toys, consider whether or not you have a place to store them when they’re not in use, if not, make sure to invest in high-quality and/or weatherproof products. Age & Swim-Ability Appropriateness Brightly colored pool toys can be very appealing to little kids, even if they aren’t quite big or skilled enough to use them yet. Consider your child’s age, size, and swim ability when you’re looking for fun toys for them. Samuel stresses the importance of teaching children how to swim to ensure safety in the pool. She says, “Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they are around water.” Why Trust Verywell Family? Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old and she has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include expert advice, age appropriateness, and user reviews. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! 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