10Best.Guide

Pool Toys for Kids Ages 8-12

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Well made and durable
  • Fun pool float with realistic gator markings
  • Holds up well with active children
  • Cool and unique design
  • Thick material that is not easily punctured
Cons
  • Some units have leaks and do not hold air
  • Takes a while to inflate and deflate
Bottom Line
The Intex Giant Gator Ride-On is a fun and durable pool float with a cool and unique design. While some units may have leaks and take a while to inflate and deflate, it holds up well with active children and is long enough for two kids to play on at the same time. However, it may be hard to get on and stay on for some users.
Pros
  • Small and easy to catch for little hands.
  • Glides easily through the water.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Provides hours of entertainment.
  • Perfect for diving and retrieving.
Cons
  • Small size may be difficult for some kids to catch.
  • May not glide as far as expected.
Bottom Line
These diving torpedoes are a great addition to any pool or swimming activity. They are durable, colorful, and provide hours of entertainment for all ages. While some may find them difficult to catch or may not glide as far as expected, they are still a great investment for families who love to swim and play in the water.
Pros
  • Easy to fill up
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Fun for all ages
  • No messy cleanup
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Some balloons arrived with holes
  • May cause pain or harm if thrown too hard
Bottom Line
These reusable water balloons are a great investment for summer fun. They are easy to use, durable, and affordable. While there may be some quality issues, overall they are a great alternative to traditional water balloons.
Pros
  • Great variety of toys
  • Vibrant colors
  • Comes with a drawstring bag
  • Fun for kids to play with
  • Helps children learn to swim
Cons
  • Not durable
  • Missing pieces
Bottom Line
This product is a great value for the price and provides a variety of fun toys for kids to play with in the pool. However, some customers have reported issues with durability and missing pieces. Overall, it is a good purchase for families looking to make pool time more enjoyable.
Pros
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Soft material makes it safe for kids
  • Perfect for use in the pool or at the beach
  • Does not get waterlogged
  • Fast shipping and good quality
Cons
  • Laces may fall apart after a few uses
  • Difficult to catch due to the bounce
Bottom Line
This COOP football is a great option for those looking for a durable and safe ball to use in the pool or at the beach. However, it may be difficult to catch and the laces may fall apart after a few uses.

Ultimate Buying Guide for Pool Toys for Kids Ages 8-12 | Inflatable, Floating, Diving Toys, Water Guns, and More!

Overview

When the sun is shining and the weather is hot, there's nothing more fun than a day spent in the pool. But for kids, the fun can be amplified with the right pool toys. From inflatable toys to diving toys and water guns, there are plenty of options to keep your 8-12 year old entertained for hours. In this buying guide, we'll take a closer look at the different types of pool toys available, key considerations to keep in mind, important features to look for, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

1. Inflatable pool toys - These toys are perfect for kids who love to lounge in the pool. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from giant swans to pizza slices.

2. Floating pool toys - These toys are great for kids who want to float around the pool or play games with friends. Some popular options include floaties, pool noodles, and swim rings.

3. Diving toys - These toys are designed for kids who love to dive and swim underwater. Some popular options include dive sticks, dive rings, and dive torpedoes.

4. Water guns - These toys are perfect for kids who love to have water fights with friends and family. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small squirt guns to large water blasters.

5. Water balloons - These toys are great for kids who love to throw things and have fun with friends. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and can be filled up quickly for hours of fun.

Key Considerations

1. Age range - Make sure to choose pool toys that are appropriate for your child's age.

2. Safety - Always prioritize safety when choosing pool toys. Look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and have no sharp edges.

3. Durability - Choose toys that are made from high-quality materials and can withstand wear and tear.

4. Ease of use - Look for toys that are easy for your child to use and won't require a lot of supervision.

5. Storage - Consider where you will store the toys when they are not in use. Choose toys that are easy to deflate or fold up for storage.

Features

1. Size - Make sure to choose toys that are the right size for your child and your pool.

2. Weight capacity - If you're choosing an inflatable toy, make sure it can support your child's weight.

3. Design - Choose toys with designs that your child will love, whether it's a favorite animal or a fun pattern.

4. Versatility - Look for toys that can be used in a variety of ways, such as floaties that can also be used as kickboards.

5. Accessories - Some pool toys come with accessories like repair kits or air pumps, which can be helpful to have on hand.

Prices

Pool toys can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. Inflatable toys and water guns tend to be on the cheaper end, while diving toys and high-quality floaties can be more expensive. Set a budget before you start shopping to help narrow down your options.

Tips

1. Always supervise your child when they are playing with pool toys.

2. Choose toys that are appropriate for your child's swimming ability.

3. Consider buying a variety of toys to keep things interesting.

4. Don't forget the sunscreen!

5. Store pool toys in a dry, cool place to prevent damage.

FAQs

Q: Are pool toys safe for kids?

A: Yes, as long as you choose toys that are appropriate for your child's age and prioritize safety.

Q: Can pool toys help my child learn to swim?

A: Yes, diving toys and floaties can be great tools for helping kids learn to swim.

Q: How do I clean pool toys?

A: Most pool toys can be cleaned with soap and water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them.

Q: Can pool toys be used in the ocean?

A: It's not recommended to use pool toys in the ocean, as the waves and currents can be dangerous.

Q: Can pool toys be used in a lake?

A: Yes, as long as the lake is safe for swimming and the toys are appropriate for the environment.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Performs as advertised underwater
  • Entertaining for kids and adults
  • Easy to fill
  • Thick and durable
  • Creates a big splash
Cons
  • Heavy when filled with water
  • Pricey
Bottom Line
This water ball is a fun and entertaining pool toy that performs well underwater, but it can be heavy and pricey. It is suitable for older kids and adults and is easy to fill and durable.
Pros
  • Kids love them and have lots of fun.
  • Soft construction means no one will get hurt.
  • Sturdy foam rubber on the outside.
  • Reasonably priced.
  • Easy to use for young children.
Cons
  • Foam handle can come off and expose plastic hook.
  • May not last more than one season.
Bottom Line
These foam squirt toys are perfect for young children and provide lots of fun in the water. They are reasonably priced and easy to use, but may not last more than one season and may not be suitable for older kids.
Pros
  • Nice size for diving
  • Vibrant colors
  • Fun for kids to dive for
  • Good pool toys
  • Great sinkers
Cons
  • Low quality packaging
  • Plastic chest is thin and cracks easily
Bottom Line
These plastic gems are a fun addition to any pool or water activity. They are a good size for diving and easy to spot in the water. However, the packaging and product quality may be lacking, and the gems are smaller than expected.
Pros
  • Bright and vivid colors
  • Durable for one-time use
  • Waterproof and safe for indoor/outdoor use
  • Multiple color and light modes
  • Fun for night swimming and parties
Cons
  • Short battery life (24-48 hours)
  • Some balls may arrive broken or with missing parts
Bottom Line
These LED light-up beach balls are a fun addition to any pool party or outdoor event. While they may not last for multiple uses and have some minor flaws, they provide bright and colorful entertainment for a short period of time.
Pros
  • Kids enjoy swimming through the rings.
  • Easy to assemble and fill with water.
  • Can be used in both inground and above ground pools.
  • Great toy to keep kids busy.
  • Fun for both kids and adults.
Cons
  • Difficult to straighten out and keep in a circle.
  • Red clay in the fabric sack can dirty the pool.
Bottom Line
These flamingo pool hoops are a fun and creative toy for kids and adults to enjoy in the pool. However, they can be difficult to assemble and keep in a circle, and the sandbags may not be heavy enough to keep them upright. Additionally, the red clay in the fabric sack can dirty the pool. Overall, they are worth buying for the entertainment value they provide.
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