13 Best Pool Toys For Kids And Families In 2024

For children, pool time could be either challenging or exciting. Whatever the case, having the best pool toys for kids around would let your children have a gala time. Pool toys could be floating animals, balls, spray guns, and more.

Heather Welch, a mom, play advocate, educator, and developer of educational toys, says, “Often, children can be afraid of water. In such situations, pool toys can lure them into entering the pool. These toys can help children practice their swimming skills, develop their gross motor skills, boost their confidence, and empower them.” She adds, “Ensure the toys are age-appropriate and always supervise them when playing in the pool.”

In this post, we have rounded up some fun pool toys with kid-friendly designs by trusted brands to help you make the right pick.

Top Picks

In This Article

What To Look For In A Pool Toy For Kids?

Here is a checklist of points that you should consider while buying a good pool toy for your kid.

Safety: Whether it is a toy, snack, or pretty dress, anything you shop for your kids needs to be completely safe. While playing with a pool toy, little kids are likely to put it in their mouths, which can have unpleasant consequences. To avoid such instances, buy toys that are non-toxic, BPA-free, and devoid of any harmful components. These toys should be waterproof and slip-proof.

Age: Pool toy manufacturers always mention the kids’ age limit on the package. This little detail helps to determine if the toy is suitable for your child. Choose only those toys that are suitable for your child’s age group.

Now that you know what to look for in a pool toy, have a look at some of the best pool toys available in the market. These waterproof toys are created for water games and are loved by little kids.

13 Best Pool Toys For Kids

1. Best For Dribbling: Watermelon Ball – The Ultimate Swimming Pool Game

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The 6,465 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.

Watermelon ball is an ideal swimming pool toy for kids who love to dip and dive. Unlike a regular inflatable pool toy, this ball is filled with water. It can be dribbled like a football under the water. It initially sinks and then rises slowly and floats on the surface. It is great to play with family or friends. This review cum testing video can help you make an informed decision.

Age: 8 years and above

Item Weight: 454 Grams | Color: Green and Black | Material: Vinyl

Pros

  • Durable
  • Made of PVC
  • Simple to fill and play
  • Can be passed up to 10ft underwater

Cons

  • May not roll smoothly over the water
  • Slightly heavy for young kids
Our Tester's Experience

"My kids loved this exciting water toy during their pool sessions. It did require a bit of trial and error to determine the optimal water level for the right balance of bounce and float. The impressive part is that the ball has maintained its integrity even after enduring relentless rough play."

2. Best Racing Game: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark Fish Hunt

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4.6
Melissa Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark Fish Hunt Image: Melissa & Doug

This is a racing game by the trusted brand Melissa & Doug that kids enjoy playing in the pool. It contains two shark nets and six fish-shaped sinkers. The sinkers gradually drop deeper into the pool so your kids need to be fast to net them.

Age: 6 to 8 years

Item Weight: 1 pounds | Product Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 15 inches

Pros

  • Helps improve hand-eye coordination
  • Enhances gross motor skills
  • Can be played by single and double players
  • Colorful sinkers are easy to spot in a pool

Cons

  • Sinkers tend to fall out of the net, thereby frustrating kids

Our Tester's Experience

"My kids adore this shark toy, especially in the pool or bathtub. They stay engaged with the slow-sinking fish and the 'gobbling up the fish' game. It's a delightful challenge for the kids to catch them with the help of the netted sharks. I appreciate its well-thought-out design, although its long-term durability is yet to be tested."


3. Best For Exploration: Under Water Treasures Gift Set Bundle

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4.6
Image: Joyin Inc

When your kids know swimming but need some motivation to dive deeper into the pool, an underwater game could help. This safety-tested package contains water play toys such as diving pool rings, water torpedo bandits, diving sticks, and pirate treasures that need to be retrieved from under the water.

Age: 6 years and above

Item Weight: 1.01 pounds | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 2 inches

Pros

  • Made of non-toxic material
  • Easy to grab
  • Easy to spot underwater
  • Can be played in a hot tub too

Cons

  • Actual toys may be smaller than those shown in the image

Our Tester's Experience

"My little ones relish diving into the pool in search of the toy treasures that come with this pool toy set. It's surprisingly durable, and I expect it to last for years. Even my youngest child, a timid swimmer, found an incentive in these toys, making swimming lessons more comfortable. It's a versatile set, offering multiple game options, all neatly packed in a decent bag."


protip_icon Do remember
When it is not in use, always keep toys out of the pool area to prevent young children from getting tempted to go into the pool alone.

4. Best Adjustable :SwimWays Fish Styx Pool Diving Toys – Sinking Fish-Shaped Swim Toys

SwimWays Fish Styx Pool Diving Toys Sinking Fish Shaped Swim Toys Image: Swimways

Ever tried grabbing a live fish in a pond? Grabbing the slimy creature with bare hands requires quick reflexes and alertness. Your kids can experience something similar in the pool with these little toy fishes. Let them dive under the water to grab these colorful fishes.

Age: 5 years and above

Item Weight: 4.6 ounces | Product Dimensions: 0.75 x 8 x 7.5 inches

Pros

  • Encourages underwater swimming
  • Flexible rubber body
  • Does not require batteries

Cons

  • Breaks easily

Our Tester's Experience

"While not as satisfyingly heavy as they should be, these small wiggling and jiggling fish toys offer a wonderful way to bond with my kids at the swimming pool. They're fun, encourage the little ones to practice their swimming techniques, and hold up well during playtime. They are a hit with everyone in my family, ages 6 to 65!"


5. Best Ball Game: Go Sports Splash Hoop 360 Floating Pool Basketball Game

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 4,717 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.

Scoring a basket is no easy feat, and scoring one in water is all the more difficult. Let your kids enjoy their pool time trying to score a slam dunk in water with this floating toy. Check out this detailed review/ testing video that can help you learn more about the product.

Color: Red | Material: Plastic | Product Dimensions: ‎19.69"D x 19.69"W x 21.65"H

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Water basketballs come with anti-slip grip
  • Comes with a splash hoop, two water basketballs, and an air pump

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lacks durability
Our Tester's Experience

"My entire family, from my youngest child to my husband, thoroughly enjoys this product. While it's lightweight and not overly sturdy, it still provides for fun basketball sessions in the pool. The pump to inflate the balls is a convenient addition. I certainly recommend this product, despite its minor flaws."

6. Best Non-Toxic: Henmi 26 Pack Diving Toy For Pool Use Underwater Swimming/Diving Pool Toy Rings

If you want your children to push their limits and try underwater diving, why not create a new water world for them? This 26-piece set of underwater toys comes with fish, diving rings, and treasures for kids to explore and collect underwater for hours of entertainment.

Age: 3 years and above

Item Weight: 1.32 pounds

Pros

  • Made of non-toxic ABS material
  • Ideal for an underwater treasure hunt
  • Helps improve swimming skills
  • Attractive, bright colors make toys easy to find in the water

Cons

  • Does not come with a storage bag
  • Color may bleed from some pieces
protip_icon Do remember
Never let children jump or dive into the water less than nine feet deep, as the water will not provide enough cushion to absorb the dive’s impact and prevent injuries.

7. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination: Max Liquidator 6-Pack Water Blaster Set

It is always exciting to play with water blasters. Aiming and shooting someone with water improves hand-eye coordination. A water war in the pool means an incessant supply of water and hours of fun. This water blaster comes covered with foam for the additional safety of kids.

Age: 6 years and above

Item Weight: 14.4 ounces | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 12.5 inches

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Blasts water up to 30ft
  • Foam floats in water
  • Available in a variety of colors

Cons

  • Small size may be disappointing

8. Best Pilot Game: Intex Water Gun Plane Ride-On

Your child may have a ride-on car or bike, but do they have a ride-on plane? Well, they can have one now. This plane floats on water and comes with a water gun for your little air force pilot to shoot and play with, making it one of the favorite pool toys for kids.

Age: 3 years and above

Product Dimensions: 52"L x 51"W | Item Weight: 2.05 Pounds | Material: Vinyl | Color: Blue/Red.

Pros

  • Attractive and durable design
  • Safe and sturdy
  • Contains repair patch

Cons

  • Water gun lacks durability
  • Color may fade after every use

9. Best Card Game: Swim Ways Finding Dory Shell Race Dive Game

This is a card game with a twist. It comes with shells containing images of the two teams of Dory and Nemo. It is a two-player game wherein each player has to find their respective shells in the shortest possible time. Each shell sinks at a different speed, so your child will have to beat it to collect all in time.

Age: 5 years and above

Item Weight: 6.4 ounces | Product Dimensions: 22 x 10 x 2 inches

Pros

  • Suitable for a pool as well as bathtub play
  • Shells are sturdy
  • Colors do not fade

Cons

  • The small size of the toys can be slightly disappointing

10. Best Treasure Hunt: Swimline Shipwreck Dive Pool Game

Now here is a chance for your little one to become a treasure hunter. The ship breaks into two when placed in water, dispensing the treasures hidden within it. Your child has to dive into the water and collect all the treasures.

Age: 4 years and above

Item Weight: 2.3 pounds | Product Dimensions: 18.7 x 5.6 x 5.1 inches

Pros

  • Different sizes of treasures increase difficulty levels
  • Encourages kids to hone swimming skills
  • Can be used to play in a bathtub too
  • Made of sturdy and durable plastic

Cons

  • Sometimes the ship does not stay afloat and breaks open instantly

11. Best Speed-Riding Game: Intex Wave Rider Ride-On

Does your child fancy riding a cool jet ski? If yes, this ride-on is excellent for your kid to have a great time in the pool. It comes with a wide base, so your child has a safe and stable ride on water.

Age: 3 years and above

Product Dimensions: 46"L x 30.5"W | Item Weight: 1.81 Pounds | Material: Vinyl | Color: Blue.

Pros

  • Attractive and fun design
  • Features a grab handle for safety
  • Perfect size for little kids
  • Made of durable material

Cons

  • The color bleeds easily

12. Best Game For Swimmers: Aqua Mini Stingray Underwater Gliders

This is a unique racing game wherein two underwater gliders race while your kids ensure that their racer reaches the finish line first. It is a challenging game that only kids fully comfortable underwater can play.

Age: 5 years and above

Item Weight: 3.2 ounces | Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 7.5 x 10.5 inches

Pros

  • Self-propelled gliders travel up to 40ft
  • Can perform a few tricks underwater
  • Adjustable wings enable you to create your own pattern
  • Water toys for pools

Cons

  • Easily breakable
  • Suitable for excellent swimmers only

13. Best Diving Game: Water Sports Swim Thru Rings

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Swim-through rings are popular with kids practicing underwater diving. The swim rings can help to maintain direction and increase the time they can stay underwater.

Age: 8 years and above

Pros

  • Easy to twist and store
  • Does not require any assembling
  • Inflatable chambers come with cute images
  • Pack comes with three colorful rings

Cons

  • The metal ring inside the plastic covering tends to rust over time

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do splash balls float?

Yes, most of the splash balls float. They also bounce a little as they are made of soft fabric.

2. What can I use as pool toys?

Pool noodles, fish toys, and water bombs are some of the classic pool toys. However, never leave your pool toys in the pool, as constant exposure to water and sun can damage them.

3. How do I disinfect pool toys?

You can use bleach water or a mixture of white vinegar and water to disinfect your pool toys. Make it a point to clean each part carefully, rinse well, and allow the toys to dry completely.

4. Where should I store inflatable pool toys?

You can store your inflatable pool toys in a ventilated area, away from sunlight or moist areas. Ensure the toys are dried completely to prevent mold.

5. How do I organize my pool toys?

You can use mesh storage bags or dedicated storage boxes to organize your pool toys. If you have inflatable pool toys, make sure that you are not storing them around sharp objects.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Priti Bose is a product writer focusing on toys and gifts. Using her product analysis and reviewing skills, she has scoured numerous websites to bring you this list of the best pool toys to add to your kid’s pool toy collection. These toys will make your child’s pool time more fun and keep them engaged for longer. In addition, she has included a buying guide and highlighted the pros and cons of each product to help you pick the right one for your children.

The Bottom Line

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than hitting the pool and splashing around. The best pool toys for kids can further enhance this experience for your children, allowing them to have tons of fun with friends and family. You can choose from many exciting toys, such as pool balls, water balloons, water blasters, water squirters, and pool floats. Our best picks include The Watermelon Ball for endless family fun, the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark Fish Hunt for improving hand-eye coordination, and the Joyin UnderWater Treasure Gift Set for improving swimming skills. However, before making your pick, prioritize safety and pick non-toxic, BPA-free, waterproof, and slip-proof toys made with high-quality materials. Also, choose age-appropriate toys that are not too complicated.

Infographic: What Are The Various Kinds Of Pool Toys For Children?

Dive into a world of endless fun and excitement with vibrant and diverse pool toys, specifically designed for children. These toys instantly transform any pool into a captivating playground for young adventurers. Understanding the various categories can help you make an informed choice. Refer to the infographic below to explore the different types of pool toys for children.

Different Types Of Pool Toys For Children (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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Heather Welch is a parent, play advocate, educator, and marketer. She did her master’s in Business & Technology, bachelor's in Physical Education, and holds certifications in Play Therapy, Early Years Mental Health and Well Being, and Understanding Autism.

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Poulami Nag
Poulami NagMA, PG Dip.
Poulami is an associate editor at MomJunction. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

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Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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