Now that I’m raising little Floridians, it seems like we’re always coming from or going to a pool playdate. I’m starting to get my pool bag situation under control and have become an expert goggle adjuster. Growing up I don’t remember bringing swim toys with us to the pool, nor do I remember having a ton of water toys of our own once we had a pool in our backyard. I remember some miscellaneous dive sticks and a single pool float my sister and I would fight over – but no pool toys come to mind. I remember playing games, holding my breath, having diving contests, doing handstands – but no toys. When I started bringing Margaret to the pool I was woefully underprepared. It felt like every parent had gotten the pool toy memo except me. So I started to pack our own toys but Margaret would see something cooler and more intriguing – and ever the sucker for my own child, I would buy whatever the cool toy was. Now that we live in Florida and have our own pool, the toy situation has exploded. So I am sharing some of our favorites – including one unexpected toy we having been playing with poolside on repeat! Full disclosure: sometimes I decide to go to the pool without toys and everything is fine. Kids are creative and I love seeing the games and “toys” they come up with on their own. But when you want a little extra fun in the sun, these toys will do the trick.
- Green Toys Tea Set – It might be surprising, but this is one of Margaret’s favorite things to bring to the pool. One time we saw a little girl with her tea set and Margaret was like a moth to a flame. I have never seen anyone else bring a tea set since but honestly, it is a hit for boys and girls alike.
- Dive Catch Game – Diving for fish with this little net is one of her favorite activities!
- Princess Dive Sticks – These Elsa dive sticks provide not just diving entertainment, but theatrical inspiration! Margaret uses these to play poolside princess and also loves The Little Mermaid version of these.
- Diving Masters Dive Sticks – These provide not just the incentive to practice swimming to the bottom, but for Margaret she loves to pretend they are seaweed and that she’s a mermaid swimming in a kelp forest.
- Waterbabies Bathtime Fun – After literally 3 separate pool adventures where Margaret tried to steal this baby doll from others, we decided to spring for one.
- SPLASH Goggles – These are a great pair of goggles with a soft strap that doesn’t pull hair.
- Sunnylife Floats – A super cute addition to any pool! The split design makes it easy to use for kids of all sizes.
- Collapsible Buckets – Simple buckets can provide a world of fun. Margaret uses them to make “soups” and other concoctions. I just discovered these collapsible buckets which are definitely easier to transport to the pool.
- Toypedo Bandits – These are so fun and can glide underwater for up to 20 feet and then start to sink slowly. A different type of dive toy that Margaret (and Curtis) love.
- Wet Bag – This is what I use to transport the toys and goggles to and from the pool. You have to take them out to dry when you get home, but it is my preferred wet/gross toy transportation method.
