On the hunt for the best pool toys for kids? These are our top picks!

I still can't believe we've lived in our San Diego home for almost a full year.  Which among other things, means we've been pool owners for almost a full year.  Now you may remember, when we were looking at houses, we were pool neutral.  We didn't particularly want a house with a pool, but we weren't opposed to one.  In fact, we looked at TWO houses for sale on the same cul-de-sac.  Similar size and model.  One had a pool, and one had a more upgraded kitchen.  Our relator asked us some great questions that included, in 5 years when Lydia was older….would we want a pool? Or not?  And we immediately had visions of pool parties, bbqs and her being able to have friends over in the summer.  So pool it was.

Lydia started taking more intense swim lessons the minute we moved down from LA, and we started a collection of pool toys and supplies. It goes with the territory, right?  Now that we have an entire summer at home, and we aren't unpacking after an epic move, we're preparing for a summer of pool parties (and hoping they won't be just the three of us ALL summer long).  I have visions of night swims, bbqs, and more and I can't WAIT.  So this? Our guide to the best pool toys for kids…..the ones we already own and the ones we're adding to our collection this summer.

The Best Pool Toys for Kids

Shop all of the best pool toys for kids:

1. Cinemood Projector: You might be wondering, why in the world did she include a movie projector in a list of the best pool toys for kids? Why? Because I have visions of night swims and movie nights IN THE POOL.  We're planning to use the projector to show movies on the wall of the house, to float in the pool at night, and to watch them.  Doesn't it sound like the perfect summer night plan?
2. Pool Noodles: So simple, yet so important.  We own about a million pool noodles.  They're great for floating and fun to play with.
3. Pool Ring Toss: We just ordered this inflatable pool ring toss, and I can't WAIT to use it this summer.  Now that Lydia is a strong swimmer, games like this will be PERFECT.
4. Dive Toy Set: This was the first set of pool toys we ordered when we moved in last summer (it's a killer price and under $25).  It's a great starter set to take to a community pool (if yours are open) or to have on hand if you've got a pool at home.
5. Glitter Beach Ball:  A beach ball is such a simple pool toy, but I think it's one of the best pool toys for kids.  This adorable glitter one? Is under $10.  A great gift, party favor, or just something fun to have on hand!
6. Diving Gems: Have a kid who is working on diving? These diving gems are a TON of fun and super easy to bring along on vacations or to the pool.
7. Waterproof Camera: This is definitely an investment pool toy, but it is SO fun.  A waterproof camera that kids can dive and swim with.  This camera takes pictures and video, and will leave you with some fun memories to keep for years to come!
8. Rainbow Pool Float: Isn't this ADORABLE? I'm already imagining using it for our night swims and pool nights.  And the best part? That glitter cloud on the inner tube!
9. Pineapple Pool Float: If you're more of a tropical summer vibe type, then this pineapple pool float is perfect!
10. Inflatable Basketball Hoop:  Not gonna lie, this might be more for us than Lydia.  Doesn't it look fun?!?!
11. Finding Dory Find and Catch Game: We just ordered this one for Lydia.  It's a great set to practice diving!