The Best Water Toys for Kids to Keep Cool

These are the best water toys for kids to keep summer fun and screen-free. Grab these mom-approved picks and stock up for sunny days.

When the temps climb and the kids start bouncing off the walls, there’s nothing better than sending everyone outside with a few fun water toys, amiright?! As moms of nine kids between us, we’ve tried just about everything. That’s how we know what keeps them busy and what ends up at the bottom of the toy bin. This list is some of our kid’s favorite water toys, perfect for backyard play, water parks, or even just the front yard with a hose.

You’ll love our top picks for keeping summer days cool, screen-free, and full of laughs. The best of all is that most of these finds have Amazon quick shipping. So if you’re looking for something to help them burn energy or a quieter toy for splashing in the shade, this list has something that fits.

What Makes the Best Water Toys for Kids?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Toys that Keep Kids Moving

Any toy that keeps kids moving is a top hit in our opinion. Our kids love the standard balls, frisbees, and water launcher type toys the most. We love them too because they promote physical activity and teamwork. The other plus is they are typically easy to store and dry out after being used quickly.

Toys that Don’t Require a Pool

If you’re looking for options that don’t require a pool, there are plenty of those too. Our kids and us love any kind of splash toys, water buckets, or scoop type games. Toys that don’t involve a pool are typically really great for toddlers who may not be super confident swimmers yet. They usually can be use don patios or in a baby pool or even the splash pad. They’re easy to rinse and bring on the go. We have a ton of toys that fit the bill in the section below.

Toys that Moms Love Too

What is a good toy if moms don’t love it too, right? We like to look for ones that don’t have any tiny pieces to lose or anything with super complicated setups. Any toy that can double as a travel toy for the beach or lake trips is also a plus. We love toys that are easy to clean and dry without the worry of mildew growing. And of course anything that encourages independent play for longer stretches is a must.

10 Best Water Toys for Kids This Summer

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Now for our list of must-have water toys to keep the vibes all summer long and fit the bill of what we look for from above.

1. 15 Pack Pool Diving Toy Set with Carrying Bag – Endless ways to play underwater. This dive set comes with rings, sticks, fish, and more — perfect for swimming practice or competitive games. They’re bright and sink slowly, so even newer swimmers can join in. Plus, it all zips up into its own bag for easy storage.
2. Water Series Spin Twist Frisbee – Lightweight and perfect for wet play. This frisbee skips over the water for extra excitement. It’s soft and flexible, which means it’s safe for little hands and faces. Great for lakes, pools, or even your backyard.
3. Swimming Pool Diving Balls Underwater – Pool basketball meets diving toy. These weighted balls sink slowly and are designed to “dribble” underwater. Great for pool races and underwater passing games. Our kids love using them for all kinds of made-up challenges.
4. Water Foam Blaster – A crowd favorite for kids and parents. This foam blaster shoots water impressively far but is still easy enough for young kids to use. No complicated pumps or refills needed. It’s a staple in our outdoor bin all summer.
5. Zoo Stack & Pour Buckets – Toddler-approved water fun. Little ones love filling and pouring these colorful animal buckets. They’re perfect for the bath, baby pool, or even beach trips. They nest for easy storage, too.
6. Hippo Scoop-A-Diving Pool Toys – A creative twist on diving games. This toy makes kids scoop up floating or sinking toys with a hippo net, adding an extra layer of fun to pool play. It’s a game and toy all in one, especially great for ages 3–7.
7. 2 Pack Inflatable Body Boards for Water Slides – Slide-ready fun. These are awesome for racing down backyard slip-and-slides or using in a shallow pool. Kids feel like pros catching “waves,” even in the sprinklers. Inflatable and easy to stash.
8. Inflatable Swim Pool Noodles, 2 Pack – Big kid approved, but toddler safe. These lightweight pool noodles don’t take up much space but offer tons of play options. They double as swords, balance beams, or pool floaties. And they pack flat when deflated.
9. Water Balloon Launcher/Slingshot – Backyard water battles = guaranteed laughs. This small launcher adds extra fun to traditional water balloons. It’s easy to reload and doesn’t require a lot of strength, so older and younger siblings can play together.
10. Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float – For older kids or a mom moment. This lounger isn’t just for grownups — our tweens love floating around in it like royalty. It has a cupholder and room to stretch out, perfect for lazy lake days or reading poolside.

We love water toys that get our kids off the couch and outside without any nagging. These are the ones they ask for by name, pull out again and again, and even beg to take to grandma’s. Whether you’re stocking up for the summer or need a quick weekend pick-me-up, these water toys bring the fun without any fuss.

What’s your go-to water toy for the kids in your life? Tell us in the comments!

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