Water Floats, Toys and Guns

Water toys are a fun way to cool off during the hot summer months. From pool floats to toys and other inflatables that liven up the backyard and keep you cool, there is surely something out there to please the whole family. Just remember to reapply that sunscreen  because you'll be enjoying hours of fun outside. 

Pool Floats

Nothing says summer like playing in the water, whether it be poolside, lakeside, or at the beach. Take into account where you will be playing most, as these locales will play a large role in how you choose a water toy. There are a few important things to remember when you choose a pool float. Before we get started, check out these quick picks to get an idea of the variety available.

Inner tubes  are cheap, simple, and versatile. They come in fun colors and even modified shapes so that they are more fun for kids and more attractive and comfortable for grownups. Try the Intex River Run I .	The inflatable turtle  is a popular children's float. Other animals are also available, including dolphins ,crocodiles ,ducks ,octopi ,dragons , and butterflies .rollers ,pyramids , and spheres .	Vinyl coated unsinkable lounge floats  are the best quality for both tanning, relaxing, and playing. These are much more expensive than their inflatable $15 counterparts.	Chaise style floats  keep you high, dry, and living the life of luxury. You can easily read, have a drink, or just plain relax in these majestic floats. Prepare to pay a bit more for this stylish floater. An inflatable one, like the Intex Floating Recliner Lounge , is much cheaper though.	Sure it looks like an inflatable pool , but that's because it basically is. However, inflate it, put it in your pool, fill it up with hot water from an outdoor hose, and presto--you have a luxurious floating Jacuzzi without all the maintenance and cost.

How to Choose Pool Floats

• Size Matters
• For the home pool, fit the toy to the body of water, not the other way around. If you have a 10' pool, a 7' float is not a good idea. Likewise, don't be a water hog in a public pool (where pool toys are often prohibited anyway). Get something small like a kickboard or noodle if you need extra flotation.
• For the ocean, pond, lake, or river, you are free to choose any size that you wish. However, don't forget that you have to transport the toy and be able to manipulate it in the water and possible in waves or current. This is especially important to remember when buying a toy for a small child.
• Remember that winter inevitably creeps up after the summer fun has come to an end. That means putting the floats away somewhere. Make sure you have the storage space for the float you wish to buy.
• Children, especially toddlers, need supervision and miniature-sized floats. Most have an inner tube-style float with a body pouch with leg holes in the center.
• Construction Counts
• A pool toy's construction material plays a large part in its durability.
• Chlorine, sun, and salt are major warm weather culprits for destroying a pool toy. If you want it to last, rinse it with fresh water after each use and invest in solidly built floats and toys.
• Plastic is fine for the pool but isn't great in oceans or shallow rivers. Be sure to get something heavy duty if you plan on any rough riding. Heavy gauge vinyl is best for those who like to put their floats to the test.
• Foam boogie boards  and kickboards  have a tendency to rot after too much exposure to chlorine. Opt for those that have a protective rubberized coating on them. It also feels better on the skin when you ride them.
• Learn more about boogie boards, also known as Bodyboards.
• The best of the best are floats that have been dipped in a PVC vinyl coating. They are unsinkable, heavy-duty, comfortable on the skin, and virtually indestructible. Great for kids who like to spend all day in the water playing king of the raft or other pool games.
• Usage and Style Affects its Versatility
• What do you plan on doing with it? Is it for lounging, playing in the surf, doing laps, or does it have to fit the needs of an entire family?
• Flat rafts and floats are good for sunbathing and playing, but not for luxurious pool time, sipping a margarita and reading a book.
• Inexpensive inner tubes are great fun for kids, comfortable for sitting but not best at allowing you to get an even tan or napping.
• Chair-style floats are great for sitting, relaxing, and reading, but they are not good for tanning or playing.

Small Pool Toys

These toys are great if you don't have a large pool or you can take some of them to the beach or a lake. They are also much less expensive but will still provide plenty of fun in the water. Just try not to beat up your siblings too much with the pool noodles! I know it's tempting.

Pool Noodles  Play with one or arrange several to make a type of chair out of them. Just avoid smacks to the face.	Kickboards  Great for doing laps or using for extra flotation. Small size is perfect for little kids.	Toypedo  It's a toy and a torpedo. Great for playing underwater catch or doing target practice.	Dive Rings  Drop them in and dive down to pick them up. Make a contest out of it. Dive sticks  are comparable.	Floating Pool Basketball Hoop  If you don't want to spend the money on a big hoop, try getting a small floating one instead.

Big Water Toys

If you've got the room, you might as well have some pretty awesome toys for your pool. However your friends might get jealous and you'll find them coming over a lot more. Just remember to always measure and make sure you have a place to store these when summer is over, unless you're lucky enough to live in Hawaii. 

Pool Slide  The more elaborate the slide, the more the money. Inflatable  ones are cheaper but watch out for the recommended age/weight.	Floating Iceberg  These are not cheap but they sure do look like a lot of fun! These are meant for lakes because they are huge.	Water Trampoline  Does it get any more awesome than this? At least if you fall off you'll land in the water. !	Inflatable Boat  Find one for small children or boats that can hold up to two or three people.	Pool Volleyball  & Basketball  Get some exercise and remain comfortably cool at the same time.

Lawn and Sprinkler Toys

There's nothing like being a kid during summer. You are off from school, the weather is sunny and warm, and the sprinkler entails myriad possibilities for fun. Why don't you transform the boring garden hose into a world of wet and wild adventure? Here are some of the latest sprinkler toys and games for the youngest of heart.

Super Soaker  Nothing beats this classic toy. Choose from dozens of different sizes and styles. Squirt guns  are a cheap but effective alternative.	Banzai Falls Waterslide  Just because you don't own a pool doesn't mean you can't stay cool. This is way more awesome than running through the sprinklers.	Wham O Slip n' Slide Super Splash  You run. You slide. You hit the ramp and take a dive! Not recommended for adults--it was a painful experience . . .	Sprinkler Ball  A lot more fun than running through your lawn's normal sprinkler.	Aqua Leisure Family Water Park  Has two slides, two climbing walls and a "lagoon" to splash around in. I wish I had this as a child.

Top Sellers

Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy by Swimways  Let your baby have fun in the water and protect him from the sun. There's plenty of room for water toys too.	Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Grub Scouts Sprinkler  Your little ones will stay be mesmerized and cool for hours with the Sunny Patch Grub.	Intex Recreation River Run II  Comfortably seats two people and even has an ice cooler so you never have to leave the pool.	Wild Planet Dive Balls  See how quickly you can retrieve these dive balls from the bottom of the pool.	Cool Jam Pro Poolside Basketball  Try to look as cool as this guy and make a slam dunk in the pool.

Related Guides

• Beach Games
• Kiddie Soakers and Sprinklers
• Kites and Wind Spinners
• Pool Slides
• Outdoor Pools and Spas