19 Cool Pool Toys for Kids This Summer

Parents say these cool pool toys for kids are worth the investment (and the storage space) for hours of repeat play in the pool.

From portable toys you can stash in a pool bag to epic inflatables for an awesome pool party, these unique toys and accessories will help kids develop water confidence, swimming skills and lead to some pretty fun pool games, too! Don't forget that bathtub toys can also be really fun in the pool, especially for younger kids.

Let us know about the best pool toys your kids have tried by reviewing your favorites and adding to the list below.

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    Water Blasters

    These blasters are tons of fun as water toys in the summer, and are some of the best party favors for kids after a pool party!

    Stearns Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket

    Kristy Pepping:  Kids learning to swim can cause anxiety for both them and parents. Keep them safe in this colorful puddle jumper. Comes in various colors.

    SwimWays Toypedo Bandits

    Kristy Pepping:  These cool pool toys for kids are easy to throw and they swim under water at different angles. This makes for a fun game of finding these underwater. They come in a pack of four and are easy to pack in any pool bag.

    SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center

    Kristy Pepping:  When our kids were little, we always took one of these SwimWays activity centers on vacation for the pool. It's lightweight and does not require a lot of blowing up time. Plus, it comes with little pool toys kids can easily grab and a canopy to keep the sun off.

    Water Sports Swim Thru Rings

    Kristy Pepping:  These are the best pool toys for kids who love inventing new games and challenges! They come with adjustable airflow once submerged in water, so you can place these as deep as you want. This is a great feature for parents to double check they are comfortable with the depth. The rings are also collapsible for easy carrying.

    Armour Shell Skip Fun Balls

    Kristy Pepping:  Balls are always fun pool toys for kids, and these ones are even better because they can skip across the surface! Plus, they come with a travel case.

    Melissa & Doug Undersea Treasure Hunt

    Kelly R:  Kids gather sinking coins and gems from the bottom of the pool to stash inside the treasure box. A unique under water toy that will also inspire imaginative play both in and out of the pool. Younger kids will enjoy this in the shallow end or on the steps!

    Munchkin Fishin' Bath Toy

    Erin P.:  Some of the best pool toys for kids weren't even made for the pool at all! If you have a preschool-age child who has outgrown sitting in the baby pool but is not yet old enough for some of the older kids pool toys, this is a fun activity. Your little one can go fishing in the pool with this bath toy.

    Fin Fun Mermaid Tail

    Kristy Pepping:  These mermaid tails are a fun way to swim around the pool. This one comes with a mermaid monofin insert, but if your child wants to just lounge on the water's edge or is not a strong swimmer, you can opt for just the stretchy mermaid tail.

    Zuru Robo Fish

    Sunshine Girl:  These little battery operated fish come alive when placed in water. They’re super fun to chase in a pool. They’re also fun in the bathtub or even a faux aquarium that you don’t have to feed.

    Watermelon Ball

    Nancy L.:  Watermelon Ball is designed to look, feel, and act like a watermelon in the water. It is made of a durable vinyl membrane so it can withstand intense play for older kids and adults. Near-neutral buoyancy means that this pool toy can be passed and dribbled underwater, so it's fun for a lot of different pool games.

    Swimline Giant Shootball

    Vanessa M.:  Try these inflatable pool toys for kids that bring basketball fun to your pool! Earn points based on which port the basketball exits from. The durable heavy-gauge vinyl material ensures lasting use, summer after summer.

    Green Toys Seaplane

    Kelly R:  I'm a big fan of pool toys for kids that will also get played with in the house, and this cute seaplane from Green Toys has a lot of play potential. The colorful plane floats on the water and has a spinning propeller. It's made from recycled plastic milk jugs and can be washed right in the dishwasher.

    Moluk Plui Rain Cloud

    Kristy Pepping:  It's hard to find good pool toys for toddlers, but this cute tub toy can easily work poolside. Simply submerge the cloud toy in water, fill and let it rain. You can also plug the hole to stop the rain. Kids will be fascinated watching the water dribble out.

    Saturnian Fun Gripper Football

    Kelly R:  We have been enjoying this football for years, and recently discovered how much fun it is in the pool! It's a soft nylon ball with grippy webbing that makes it easier to catch. The smaller size is great for kids and it has held up really well.

Primary photo:   Juan Salamanca from Pexels

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