1. A spacious inflatable pool so they can enjoy a refreshing dip to stretch their fins, even if you don't have an in-ground pool. But honestly, who needs to deal with the upkeep of that if you can just whip this bad boy out whenever you please?!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This pool is 120"x72"x22". 

Promising review: "Great little pool. Big enough for my wife, son, and me to sit and splash around. Honestly, it's more convenient than going to the public pool and dealing with crowds, other kids, and loud noises. Fills up in about 30 minutes and blows up in about five minutes. Drains a little slow but folds nicely and stores when we are done." —Tim R.

Get it from Amazon for $69.98.

2. Or, a splurge-worthy above-ground pool because you don't have the space or moolah to put in a traditional pool, but you still want your kiddo to have a place to swim that doesn't require a car trip and lugging a bajillion things to the community pool.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We are so happy with our purchase so far. This pool is plenty big for our purposes and was well within our budget. It took more than 60 minutes to set it up, but it wasn't terrible. There were four of us working. We are fortunate to have a flat concrete slab in the back yard that was just large enough for this pool, so I can't comment on leveling dirt, etc. The concrete is pitted, though, so we bought an extra pad to put under it to make it a bit softer against any potential sharp edges. The sand filter is nice. We've used traditional filters in the past on a much smaller pool, and this seems like it will be easier to maintain in the long run." —Mad Cassandra

Get it from Amazon for$659.99+ (available in three sizes).

3. A pack of pool noodles perfect for floating, making rafts, or having (harmless) sword fights.

Amazon

Promising review: "At first, I thought, who would review pool noodles? Then I realized - because no one does, you don't realize how magnificent these pool noodles are. Over the past few weeks, I have really put these to the test. First, they float like nobody's business. You can't ask for better floating foam noodles. Even when you try to sink them, they float right back up. They never give up. But then, the real test — mock sword battles. I was the terror of the household. I could not be defeated. It was like I *WAS* the Immortal. There can be only one, and it is me. (cue Queen music now). But the most amazing thing of all is that after that — THEY STILL FLOAT! They just bob along the top of the water, waiting for their next assignment. I have used them to lie on, sit on, you name it. They just float and don't give up. So if you really want pool noodles that float, get these. You will not regret it, and your neighbors will want to be you." —N. Tara Smith

Get five from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 12 different color combinations).

4. Some goggles with a click-open clasp and mirrored lenses, because it's 2025, and someone finally invented a version that doesn't fog up or pull your hair out when you take 'em off. Gone are the days of fighting your kiddo to get out of the pool just to have to wrestle their goggles off, yanking their hair in the process, and making an already grumpy kid grumpier. Those wails will never be heard again.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the goggles in action.

Promising review: "We have tried several goggles for our 4-year-old granddaughter. Every other goggle seemed to leak or be too uncomfortable. These fit her face perfectly, and having the strap closure on the back is SO much easier, with no hair pulling. Highly recommend." —Amazon Customer

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 11 color combinations).

5. Or a pair of Frogglez that have fully redesigned the goggle game. Like, seriously, who thought it was a good idea to make the strap a piece of plastic that gets wrapped around your hair and then rips HUGE clumps out when you take them off?! These are made with a neoprene strap and have adjustable Velcro so they can actually fit each kiddo's head comfortably.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My 4-year-old daughter was afraid to put her face in the water until I bought her a pair of goggles at the grocery store. Then she became a little fish and loved to swim, but every time she jumped in the water, her rubber goggles slid off her head, and I would have to put them back on. I found these goggles on Amazon and spent the money to get them, and they were worth every single penny. They never fall off my daughter's head. She can even pull the glasses onto her forehead and off her eyes when she takes a break, and it does not move the band off the top or the back of her head. It also does not pull her hair out. They do not fall off when she jumps in the pool, either. I’m very impressed and strongly recommend!" —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $26.98 (available in three colors).

6. A one-piece swimsuit rash guard with a zipper that goes the entire length of the bathing suit 'cause there's nothing worse than trying to wrestle a soggy baby to change their diaper or get them into dry clothes and having to pull off their bathing suit. That's basically like a giant finger trap, but with their entire body. Struggles, begone!

Amazon

It's also UPF 50+! UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a measure of how much UV radiation reaches your skin through a fabric. UPF 50 means it's designed to block 98% of the sun's rays.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this long-sleeve UPF 50+ swimsuit for my 2-year-old daughter! The flower print is so cute, and the full-coverage design is exactly what I was looking for. It even has longer legs that go past her knees, which is a huge bonus. Living in Hawaii, I’m very aware of the risks of sun damage and skin cancer, so having a suit like this gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to use as much sunscreen, and she stays protected while still being comfortable and stylish. Fits true to size, and she moves around easily in it. Highly recommend for any parent who wants a cute and functional suit for sun safety!" —Lauren Day | Hawaii Mom Life

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six sizes and 19 patterns).

7. A four-pack of Toypedo Bandits, which are like the main toy I can remember playing with my whole childhood. These bad boys can glide for up to 20 feet so your little one can have fun chasing them all around.

Target

For ages 5+.

Promising review: "Really fun for the kids — keeps them in the pool longer, and I like that these sink quickly and move a bit from where they enter the water so kids have to look around a bit for them they aren’t just literally right below where tossed in. That can be tricky for little kids just learning to dive for stuff because they may travel deeper than intended, but I’d say for 7+ these are super, and good for 5–6 if experienced in swimming underwater/diving for toys." —Meeeeeeee

Get it from Target for $5.

8. An easy-to-pack, UPF 50+ wide-brim bucket hat to help shield their face when they refuse to get out of the pool to reapply sunscreen on time. This way, you'll know they are shaded from the hot sun while they're in the pool, turning into a prune for hours on end.

Amazon

Promising review: "Bought these for my kids for our Hawaii trip. Been using them ever since. Great quality! Awesome facial coverage for extra UV protection for my little ones! They're comfortable. And come with an adjustable strap to ensure it won't fall off in the wind. And the pattern is an extra cute bonus! Would definitely repurchase!" —Kaity Miller

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four sizes, 24 patterns, and two-packs).

9. A pre-swim hair cream that can help protect their hair from the damaging chlorine while they're swimming laps or playing mermaids. This stuff will help prevent their strands from getting dry and brittle and can save anyone with blonde locks from the dreaded greenish tint that sometimes makes an appearance in the summer.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

AquaGuard is a small biz!

Apply a generous amount to damp hair, wait 3–5 minutes, and jump on in!

Promising reviews: "Leaves my processed, blonde hair feeling soft and hydrated. No problems with chlorine green hair." —CR22

"This stuff is AMAZING! Literally nothing else keeps tangles out of my daughter’s hair like this does. Her hair is so thick and very difficult to brush; this makes it easy peasy to brush the tangles out after a swim in the pool. It also softens her hair. When not used, the pool chemicals make her hair very stiff and dry. We even use this every once in a while just because! It smells wonderful and doesn’t make the hair greasy in any way. I cannot recommend this product enough!!!" —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (also available in a two-pack).

10. An inflatable basketball hoop set so they can practice their game without getting out of the water. It even comes with the ball so you're ready to get dunking right away.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This was by far the hit of my child’s pool party. The kids played with it for hours. It stayed inflated throughout the summer. The basketball that comes with it is heavy enough to bounce on the pool deck and also easy and light enough to shoot when swimming in the pool. I hope it reinflates without any issues next summer. That said, I will happily buy another one if it doesn’t — it was that much fun." —NEReviewer

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in two colors).

11. Huggies Little Swimmers diapers with easy-to-open sides so you can whip them off when you're in a hurry to change them into clothes when they finally agree to come out of the water.

Amazon

BuzzFeed writer Heather Braga has these and says, "I bought a pack of these for my son's first summer (when he was only a few months old), during which he really only went in a pool twice. Cut to a few months later, when we signed him up for swim classes, the diapers still fit! The smallest size fits babies from 16 lbs–26 lbs (huge range) so one pack will definitely last a while. I also really enjoy the cute Finding Nemo patterns on them — who wouldn't? A fun fact I didn't know about swim diapers is that they are only really designed to hold in poop — so don't plan to keep your kiddo in them all day long an expect not to get peed on. Lesson learned."

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in sizes 3–6 and six quantities).

12. An underwater search and find game equipped with 64 colorful gems and cards so your fish (ahem, I mean kid) can memorize the card, dive down, and rush to be the first to find the correct combination of gems. This will help them learn how to dive down and hold their breath!

www.amazon.com

Designed for ages 6+.

Promising review: "This is our go-to travel activity. It’s easy to pack, it comes with its own mesh bag, and it's great to keep the kids busy while on a cruise or hotel pool. It’s a game they can play relatively quietly, so it doesn’t upset the other guests. We also keep it handy by our pool at home because it’s that much fun."  —Chad Braunschweiger

Get it from Amazon for $17.97+ (available in three versions). 

13. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen to help prevent sunburn with 70 SPF. It's also water resistant for up to 80 minutes so they can enjoy much more time jumping in the waves or off the diving board.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The BEST sunscreen I have ever used! I am always prone to burn any time I get out in the sun. I decided to take a trip to the beach this summer and just went kayaking for four hours on the water in the BEAMING sun and in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY. I put sunscreen everywhere except for my chest. Wanna know where my skin is resembling that of a cherry? My chest. The rest of me? TANNING WITH NO BURN WHATSOEVER!!! I was shocked. I love this product and will forever recommend it for the rest of my life. Stay safe and stay unaffected from the sun you guys!!!" —Channing C. 

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in SPF 30). 

14. A long-sleeve, UPF 50+ kids zipper rash guard swim shirt that might help prevent sunburns without having to reapply sunscreen every hour and ruining all the fun they're having splashing around. The full zipper also makes it way easier to get it on and off.

Amazon

Promising review: "I've bought two of these so far as my kid has gotten older and will likely continue to buy a new one annually. My toddler wears his every day to the beach; no sunburns yet! The zipper is essential — it makes it so easy to take it on and off when wet. The fit is fairly true to size, but you may as well size up so it'll fit for longer (you can always roll up the sleeves). I've also tried hooded sun shirts but have found the hood to be too much trouble when wet; this version paired with a sun hat and some sun leggings is a good compromise." —Tulip

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes 0 months–14 years and 29 colors).

15. A Melissa & Doug "Louie Lobster" claw catcher pool toy, which is not only a super fun and unique game, but also helps them work on their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This is great if you're ~in a pinch~ and forgot all your other toys 'cause it'll keep them entertained for a looong time.

Target

For ages 5+.

Promising review: "My 3-year-old is obsessed with this toy. LOL, worth every penny!" —Jpo

Get it from Target for $10.89.

16. A three-pack of inflatable pool floats smaller than traditional floats so they're the perfect size for your little ones. Plus, they come in a variety of ~delicious~ designs that make them even more fun.

Amazon

For ages 9+.

Promising review: "I bought these not expecting much from them. I thought they'd just be some cheap rings that I'd have to throw after a single use...quite the contrary...these are awesome. The material is very strong, and the rings [are] big enough for an adult. Easy to inflate and very strong. The colors and patterns are vibrant as well. No complaints. I would purchase them again! Definitely!" —Joshua

Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in five designs).

17. A pop-up beach tent with a cutie lil' built-in "pool" area so your tiny, aquatic-loving kiddo can feel the refreshing water without you panic holding them the whole time. It even has UPF 50+ protection so you can feel good knowing your bebe is shielded from the sun while they play in the sand (and water).

www.amazon.com

This item is noted for children under the age of 3.

Promising review: "Found this after our first experience with our 9-month-old at the beach. He wanted to crawl straight in the beach so I wanted to find something that would keep him busy but yet be able to play with sand and water! This was perfect!!!! He loved it and it kept him occupied all day, on and off. We didn’t use the shade since we had a canopy up already for shade so not sure how strong the shade part of it is." —Brittany

Get it from Amazon for $32.98+ (available in six versions).

18. A six-pack of "Max Liquidator" water blasters to really elevate the pool or ocean to a whole new level. Turn it into an intense game of tag and see who can avoid getting sprayed the longest!

Amazon

Promising review: "I got these for my kids to play in the pool with, and they most certainly didn't disappoint. The maximum range on these (around 30 feet with a little elbow grease put into it) surpasses any Super-Soaker that I've ever tried, and they're extremely easy to use. Granted, they have no water reservoir, so you have to use them in the pool, lake, ocean, etc., for them to be effective, but aside from that, they are a fantastic water toy. Plus, they're brightly colored and float on the surface of the water so almost impossible to lose." —iEspresso

Get them from Amazon for $20.14.

19. A set of three collapsible swim-thru rings so they can practice their mermaid skills without requiring you to stand with your legs spread apart while they try to swim through.

Amazon

Promising review: "I got these for my 5-year-old son who just learned to swim this summer, so he can practice holding his breath and swimming underwater. I love that you don’t need any extra tools to inflate or deflate. What you need is what you get. Very easy to inflate and deflate, and they actually work very well at different depths. We have a 10-foot deep end, and I was able to keep them 1-foot above the bottom and have my son swim through. My son is a fish now, surprised at how well he is able to swim after only learning a couple of months ago. Good purchase and keeps the kids busy." —Andrew

Get them from Amazon for $19.47.

20. A floating cornhole game that'll let them enjoy the classic backyard game while still making sure they don't turn into a fish out of water. Just be warned, the floating aspect might make this a biiit more challenging.

Amazon

It comes with the inflatable corn-hole game board, eight waterproof buoyant bean bags (four yellow and four blue), and a mesh carrying bag.

Promising review: "I bought this for the Fourth of July as a fun pool game. It didn't take long to inflate with the little hand pump we had. No issues at all with the actual bean bags themselves. They float, which is great. The fact that the game itself floats and moves around adds a nice challenge element. Great price and I'd say I got my money's worth for the fun we had." —Lauren P.

Get it from Amazon for $25.99.

21. A mini sprinkler pool for your kiddos to splash around in and cool off without having to dump what seems like two TONS of water out of a kiddie pool when the fun is over. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Several reviewers shared that this little pool kept their kids engaged for hours.

Promising review: "My kids love this. It is soo easy to plug the hose into and turn the water on and the kids can have hours of fun. Once the kids are done playing, I disconnect the hose, let the water drain, and hang it over the porch." —Austin

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four themes).

22. A deck of waterproof cards so they don't have to choose between a rousing game of hearts and taking a dip in the pool. The card competition is gonna heat up while they still get to cool off.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these cards. Great for fun card games in the pool. Very durable and bright colors. I even ordered another deck! These dry off easily for storing." —Abbie Spencer

Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

23. A giant inflatable dinosaur sprinkler that sprays water out of its nose and is a DINO-mite way to cool off when it's so hot outside you feel like your skin could start melting off at any moment. Perfect for your fishy kids who may not be able to actually visit a pool every single day, but still need to make sure they don't dry out being on land without water for too long.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Hours of humongous fun! I purchased the dinosaur for my 3-year-old son! He loves it! Easy to inflate. This thing is huge! My item arrived with three stakes to secure in the ground. There are three sleeves with holes off the side of each leg and tail to insert the stake. I live in Florida, and with the winds we had, this didn’t blow around. I was shocked at how far and wide the water sprayed. Highly recommend." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $58.44.

24. A waterproof baby wrap so you can enjoy the pool without worrying about holding on to your kiddo for dear life. This is also great for anyone watching two little ones because you can be hands free and ready to play with the older one. Now, if you have to have your baby attached to your body, it can at least be while you're cooling off in the pool instead of just having your two sticky, hot, and sweaty bodies smushed together. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the waterproof wrap in action.

Promising review: "This sling goes everywhere with me. I've used it for shopping, taking a shower with the littles, and swimming. Swimming with this sling makes it easy to be hands-free to care for my toddler, all while I'm still holding onto my infant safely." —Tinah Moles

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors).

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.