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These finds will help your mini-mes make a serious splash this summer.

As a mom of two young kids who spend *a lot* of time at the pool year-round, I have quite a bit of firsthand experience with what actually helps, what gets ignored, and what's absolutely worth schlepping in the bag. 

I'm talking about the stuff that keeps little kids safer, buys parents a little more peace, and makes the whole experience feel way more fun than hauling a bag of damp snacks and praying nobody slips, loses a shoe, or declares the day ruined because their goggles touched their eyelash weird. For active kids especially, the right accessories can make the difference between a fun day in the water and a long, soggy series of minor inconveniences. 

This list is full of swim accessories that actually earn their spot in the pool bag, from water shoes and sun hats to dive toys, floats, and outdoor games that keep kids entertained long enough for you to experience a full thought. Some are practical, some are delightfully extra, and a few manage to be both. 

An underwater camera so your kiddos can document their own extremely important underwater business. It shoots photos and 1080p video, comes with a 32GB card already included, and has a flip lens for selfies. Between the waterproof case, the cute colors, and all the built-in frames and filters, this is the kind of thing that turns a normal day at the pool into a whole little event.

Promising review: "This kid's waterproof camera is the real deal. Not only is it visually appealing, but it's super easy for little hands to use. My son and daughter both received one for our trip to Punta Cana. To say this camera was the highlight of the trip would be an understatement. My 5-year-old daughter could use this product with ease on her own, which is a bonus for any parent on vacation. I highly recommend this product!" —Donald R Ames III

Get it from Amazon for $29.59+ (available in five colors).

A pack of three inflatable swim rings if you want something that'll make your pool more fun, more colorful, and a little more ready for company. A smart pick for pool days with siblings, friends, or any child who prefers not to take turns when floating is involved.

Promising review: "I bought these to take to Hawaii with us. We ended up using them at the resort pools, and my kids had SOO much fun. We brought them home and used them in our pool. They lasted the entire season, which is pretty good for inflatables. My kids are rough, and they are in the pool almost every day through the summer. I'm guessing they will still be good for this season as well, but I'm buying three more for the kids' Easter Baskets. It's nice having extra for when friends come over." —Lori

Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in five themes).

A two-pack of swim goggles because why buy one pair when you can get two for less than $15? These are easy to adjust from the back, which reviewers say makes getting a snug fit way less annoying, and the set includes both clear and tinted lenses for indoor and outdoor swims. Each pack comes with two different-color goggles, so you can split them between siblings and not worry about your kiddos fighting over which pair belongs to who.

Promising review: "These are hands-down my most favorite goggles of all time because almost every child who has come swimming at my house can adjust the size on these independently. They are inexpensive but good quality (some have lasted three years). They are comfortable to wear and super easy to adjust, even for little swimmers." —Brittany

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 16 color combinations).

A pair of bejeweled swim goggles for the tiny diva who has no interest in showing up to the pool looking understated. These have UV-protection lenses, an adjustable strap, and a comfy watertight seal, but let's be real, the real headline is that they're extremely glam and so much fun.

Get it from Super Smalls for $32 (available in four styles).

Or a pair of Frogglez goggles if a standard goggle strap simply won't do. The soft split strap is designed to glide over hair instead of yanking it. Little hands can put them on and adjust them on their own. Add anti-fog lenses, UV protection, and a watertight seal, and these feel especially great for kids who want something comfortable without a big production.

Promising review: "My granddaughter loves these goggles. They keep the water out of her eyes, and she can easily remove and replace them. They don’t slide down her head to her neck, like the regular goggles do." —Cindy W.

"These are such great goggles. The strap on the back is easy to put on and more comfortable than a traditional strap, and since it is neoprene, it doesn't get tangled in the hair. My toddler can put these on himself." —Whitney

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

A watermelon ball because your kid deserves to feel like they discovered a weirdly excellent new sport. Once you fill it with water and a little air, it sinks, bounces, dribbles, and passes underwater, which is frankly much more exciting than tossing around the same old inflatable nonsense on the surface. It also fills up in seconds with the included hose adapter, so the fun-to-effort ratio here is very strong.

Promising review: "We love casually passing this watermelon with our kids in the pool. Five years later, and it’s still going strong. It’s been neglected and left for dead, and it’s resilient as can be. When we aren’t playing with it, we store it at the bottom of the pool, and it stays there all winter. It doesn’t care — it’s ready to rally when we come back." —Sharon

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

A giant inflatable snake pool noodle for siblings, cousins, or any pool crew. It's big enough to turn the water into a whole obstacle course situation, with plenty of room for kids to climb on, duck under, and generally make a delightful splashy spectacle of themselves. 

A volleyball net and basketball hoop floatie set to turn an ordinary pool day into a full-on summer tournament. It comes with both games in one, includes the balls, and has weighted anchor bags to help keep the volleyball net from drifting off, like it has somewhere better to be. 

Promising review: "So much fun! The net was easy to set up, stayed in place, and the ball is the perfect size for water play. Great for parties or family pool days." —Hope W.

A two-pack of swim caps, because one cap is for swimming and the other is for when the first one mysteriously disappears into the pool bag void. This one will help keep hair contained, cut down on some of the post-swim tangles and drips, and the stretchy silicone material is easy to pull on before your kid cannonballs into the pool. 

Promising review: "My twins wear these four days out of the week for swim. We purchased them MONTHS ago, and they're still going strong! It took them a few weeks to adjust to the tighter fit and to wearing caps in general, but after a while, they decided they were fine. Excellent value for money, and so far, great durability!" —Ka0sNinja117

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes and 13 colors and patterns).

A Happy Mane swim cap specifically designed to accommodate longer or thicker hair, especially braids or locs.

Promising review: "Worked perfectly for my 5-year-old baby girl who recently had her hair braided. Her hair stayed looking cute after a swim!" —Alex

A flamingo pool float, because nothing says pool day quite like a giant pink bird drifting around the water. It has sturdy handles to hold onto and plenty of room to climb aboard. This is the pool toy that'll get used immediately and photographed repeatedly.

Promising review: "Kids Loved this!! It's huge and durable. We've truly never had any issues with Intex-brand floaties. Cute addition to the pool." —Amazon Customer

Some mermaid dive toys for kids who want their pool games to feel a little more magical and for parents who do not want a bunch of plastic clutter bobbling around in the water. They are wonderfully low-maintenance and look chic enough that you won't feel they ruin the visual peace of your pool setup. All fun + no eyesore = win, win.

Promising review: "These are fun and perfect for little hands learning to play and be comfortable in the water." —Jenna T

Or a pack of diving rings and sticks if you want to go the classic route. These are timeless and endlessly fun, and reviewers say they last for years even with constant use.

Promising review: "These dive rings and sticks are a huge hit with the kids! The bright colors make them easy to spot underwater, and they sink at the perfect speed for fun diving games. The rings are lightweight but sturdy, and the sticks have just the right weight to stand upright on the pool bottom. We’ve used them for hours, and they still look brand new — no cracks, no fading. Great for building swimming confidence and keeping everyone entertained!" —Whedbee

A sun protective hat, because there is nothing relaxing about spending the entire pool day chasing down a hat your kid keeps flinging into the water. This one has a wide brim, functional ties, and an adjustable toggle to help it actually stay put. Plus, it comes in a bunch of cute colors and can be personalized for an extra-sweet touch.

Promising review: "This hat is good for sun protection in and out of the water with the strap that keeps it in place. It also comes in a range of colors to match any swimsuit." —Suzy1

Get it from Ruffle Butts for $16.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns).

A swimming kickboard for kids who are learning, practicing, or just in the mood to feel extremely official in the water. It'll give little swimmers something sturdy to hold onto while they focus on their kicking technique. 

Promising review: "Used this to teach my son to swim this summer. He is 3, and it held him well. It was also able to hold me, an adult. My son always loved bringing his kickboard." —lucas

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in 17 colors).

A pair of water shoes for babies and toddlers that'll make pool days safer, easier, and just a little less chaotic for everyone involved. The non-slip sole helps little ones get around with better traction on slick surfaces, while the breathable, quick-drying material keeps them comfortable in and out of the water. Add in the easy closure and all the different colors and patterns options, and this feels like one of those rare kid accessories that is both genuinely useful *and* cute. 

My family just got back from a spring break trip to an indoor waterpark, and my kids did not take these off the entire time. I could tell right away that both of them, ages 2.5 and 4, had a much better grip on the ground in the wave pool, and they were able to run around playing water basketball in the shallow end of the big-kid pool without constantly slipping all over the place. That alone sold me, but I also loved the peace of mind of not having their bare feet touching approximately 4,000 damp public waterpark surfaces.

They were easy to get on and off, but stayed put once they were on, which is exactly what you want with little kids who are somehow always one wrong move away from losing a shoe. They were also so comfortable that neither of my kids messed with them, complained about them, or tried to take them off, which honestly says a lot. In the summer, my kids usually wear Crocs to the pool and then immediately ditch them when they get in, which means I'm eventually wandering around looking for a rogue little shoe. I already know these are going to be our go-to instead. They seem durable enough to last all summer, and when my kids size up, I'll buy the exact same pair again. 

Promising review: "I bought these shoes for my toddler to wear to play outside and at the pool. She loves them and doesn’t want to take them off. They are easy to put on as the fabric stretches. The Velcro holds its grip without coming undone too easily. I love that they are breathable so her feet do not get hot. " —Rachel

Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in six sizes and 44 colors and patterns).

An LED basketball hoop perfect for families who are not even remotely interested in calling it a day when the sun goes down. It lights up with colorful solar-powered LEDs, comes with two balls and a pump, and has a hefty water-weighted base designed to keep the whole setup from tipping into the pool. 

Promising review: "My grandkids and their friends played with this hoop all summer. They are 7, 8, and 16. It held up beautifully. No problems whatsoever. If something were to happen, I would order another immediately. Great investment!" —Cindette

A manta ray float that's not just another flimsy inflatable situation: it's filled with buoyant beans, so there's no air to blow up, no pump to track down, and no slow leak waiting to ruin the mood. It also dries quickly, glows in the dark, and comes in a bunch of fun animal shapes.

Promising review: "Love this! He is a pool favorite for the grandkids! Love that he's filled with beans vs. being a blown up that typically ends up with a puncture or hole. Tries out quickly in the sun when not in use!" —Sandra P.

Get it from Amazon for $52.99+ (available in eight shapes).

An inflatable water hammock for the family that (rightfully) treats pool time like an all-day event. This seat is roomy, easy to inflate with the included pump, folds back into its carry case when you're done, and looks a whole lot more elevated than your average pool float. Reviewers say it's fun for both kids and adults, so this could easily become the most fought-over spot this summer.

Promising review: "Best purchase I've made in a while!! My twin 1-year-old girls love it, and we, as a family, can sit in it with them while they play on it, or we can hang on the side, watching and interacting with them. I also LOVE how relaxed I am in it when by myself!! I use it upside down for the girls so that the water is shallower for them and the right side up for myself and adults for the deeper water." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $219.99+ (available in three sizes and 13 colors).

A set of sunscreen reminder stickers that turn clear post-sunscreen application and get dark when it's time to reapply. An added bonus is that these act as a makeshift timer, which is amazing when you're busy running around doing a million things, all while sorta damp and wearing flip-flops. You will be like, "Have I really reapplied sunscreen three times already? Oh gosh, it must be lunch time! Kids, come get your food!" 

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "These were so easy to use, sheer, and stayed on even through full beach days with sun, sand, ocean, and pool. The best part was that it got my kids WANTING to put sunscreen on and reminding me that they needed to reapply!! I thought the price was a bit high — but given that they can be used for more than one day and most importantly got my kids excited about sunscreen, I think they are totally worth it!" —PV

Get a 16-count from Amazon for $16.49 (available in two quantities and a two-pack).

And a pack of two Solar Buddies refillable roll-on sunscreen applicators to easily apply sunscreen to children who would rather be doing anything else. Reviewers also love it because you don't need to use your hands to apply the sunscreen, aka no need to run and find a towel or sanitizer afterward to get the greasy feeling off your hands. 

And if you want to see it in action, check out how easy it is to apply sunscreen in this TikTok video. 

Promising review: "I bought this on a whim and thought it was totally unnecessary, but I’ve been recommending it to all of my Mom friends! I purchased one to keep in my pool bag, and will be ordering another one to keep inside the home for outdoor play. It really makes applying sunscreen a breeze, and also gives them some independence in doing it as well." —Julia

Get it from Amazon for $22.66+ (available in eight colors).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

This piece is by Sally Elshorafa, the Home and Garden Editor at BuzzFeed Shopping, who’s written hundreds of stories about furniture, decor, cleaning, gardening, and home upgrades, all with one goal: to sift through the nonsense and surface what’s actually worth your money.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.