Summer is hands-down the best time of year. Sure, the kids are home 24/7 now, which can turn any house into a zoo overnight. And then there's the never-ending stream of laundry that seems to multiply ten-fold once school lets out. But summer also means backyard barbecues and roasting s'mores and warm nights spent catching fireflies. It means family vacays to new places and trips to the park. Bike riding around the neighborhood and listening for the sound of ice cream truck barreling down the street. It means (hopefully) sleeping in a bit longer and soaking in some sun and maybe even getting to that book that's been sitting on the nightstand collecting dust forever. And last — but definitely not least — summer means pool parties! (AKA the best kind of parties.)
A great big pool and a killer backyard space can make any summer pool party better. But what'll really take things next level are some top-notch pool accessories. I'm talking giant pool floats to lounge on. Inflatable ring toss games and water guns to keep the kids entertained. Floating drink holders for the adults that will make sure that rosé is always within arm's reach.
Just picture it: Summer tunes are blasting through an outdoor speaker, while the grill's getting fired up and the kids are racing each other on their pool floaties. Later on, friends will be over for a never-ending game of pool volleyball, while Mom and Dad kick back and relax in inflatable pool chairs. With temperatures climbing, cooling off in the pool sounds pretty heavenly right about now. And with fun pool accessories like these, I can promise one thing: The kids will never be whining that they're "sooo bored." (I'd say that's a win-win for everyone!)
Unicorn Float
The unicorn fad sure ain't over — in fact, it may be getting even bigger! Lean into the craze with this inflatable unicorn float that the kids will love.
Unicorn Pool Float (Amazon, $25)
Shootball Swimming Toy
This fun game of shootball will keep kids busy for hours, as they compete against teammates and watch their points climb. (If anything, the hard part will be getting them to tear themselves away from it when it's time to come in for dinner.)
Shootball Pool Game (Amazon, $58)
Undersea Treasure Hunt Pool Game
Encourage little swimmers to strengthen those swimming skills as they dive down deep to grab underwater coins and return them to their treasure chest. Each coin has a different value, which can make the activity a fun competition.
Undersea Treasure Hunt Pool Game (Amazon, $17)
GoPong Inflatable Pool Lounge Game
For the adults at the party, this pool-friendly game of beer pong will keep them playing well into the night. Thanks to the handy drink holders, the cups will stay put so there's no threat of spilling beer in the pool.
GoPong Inflatable Beer Pong Float ($35, Amazon)
Pool Volleyball Game
Now here's a game that everyone will enjoy — no matter their age. The pole bases can be anchored to keep the net in place and ensure the volleyball match goes off without a hitch.
Intex Pool Volleyball Game (Amazon, $11)
Uno Splash Card Game
Who says card games are indoor games? Lounge in a pool chair and break out this waterproof game of UNO as you soak in the sun.
Uno Spashcard Game ($12, Amazon)
Water Wheel Roller Float
Kids won't be able to get enough out of this fun, colorful water wheel toy. And the best part? It requires a lot of energy to keep that wheel turning, so *hopefully* it'll tucker them out and make bedtime a breeze.
Inflatable Water Wheel Roller Float ($33, Amazon)
Inflatable Water Slide
This fun water slide will definitely kick any pool party up a notch. Watch has kids launch themselves down it and into the pool, squealing with happiness.
Intex Water Slide ($100, Amazon)
Inflatable Rainbow Party Drinks & Snack Holder
Keep adult bevvies nice and cool (but also secure) with this inflatable drink holder. It holds more than just drinks, too — display snacks and other pool party must haves inside so guests can munch on some light bites or have a sip of their drink without getting out of the pool.
Vickea Inflatable Rainbow Cloud Drink Holder ($14, Amazon)
Inflatable Pool Poker Set With Table & Chairs
For the poker addicts in the friend group … this might just be the perfect party centerpiece. It comes with four chairs, a poker table, and poker game accessories — talk about the full package!
Inflatable Pool Poker Set ($80, Amazon)
Backyard Pool Putting Game
Dad will have plenty of time to work on his putting game now — even if he can't make it to the green. This floating golf game will let him tee off poolside, as he channels his best Tiger Woods moves.
Blue Wave Aqua Golf Game ($63, Amazon)
Inflatable Cornhole Game
Cornhole is basically a summer party staple at this point. This floating set comes with everything you need to play a friendly game without leaving the pool.
Airhead Lob the Blob Cornhole Game ($27, Amazon)
Floating Table Tennis
Get ready to get a little competitive. This floating game of table tennis will have guests cheering and players sweating as they sail that ping pong back and forth.
Poolmaster Floating Table Tennis Game ($104, Amazon)
Canopy Island Inflatable Pool Lounge
Perfect for large pools or even lazy days spent floating on a river, this inflatable pool lounge is roomy and comfy. Plus, it fits multiple people inside and shades them from the sun.
Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Pool Lounge ($77, Amazon)
Flamingo Pool Float
Talk about pretty in pink! Kids and adults will love this Instagram-worthy flamingo float, which is just as pretty as it is fun to float on.
Giant Inflatable Flamingo Float ($26, Amazon)
Giant Inflatable Pool Float With Glitter
Rest among the clouds on this rainbow and cloud-themed pool float that's shaped like a classic donut float. Kids will love the fact that it has glitter inside, which moves and reflects the sunlight as you float.
Giant Inflatable Rainbow Pool Float ($18, Amazon)
Oversized Sloth Pool Seat Float
Paging Kristen Bell … and well, pretty much anyone who loves sloths.
This sweet sloth-themed float is friendly and cute, but also comfy. Adults or kids can lounge on the seat-shaped float while catching rays or just looking to get out of the water.
SwimWays Huggable Oversized Sloth Float ($35, Amazon)
Inflatable Pirate Island Play Center
Looking for a pool accessory that doubles as a play center? Look no further. This pirate-themed play float lets kids climb atop, slip down its water slide, or wage a battle with swords from inside.
Swimline Pirate Island Inflatable Play Center ($98, Walmart)
Floating Portable Pool Speaker
Keep the summer tunes pumping with this waterproof speaker! Bluetooth-compatible, it floats near swimmers while running through any summer playlist.
Cowin Swimmer Floating Waterproof Speaker ($50, Amazon)
Inflatable Confetti Drink Holder
No need to keep hopping out of the pool to get another sip of that drink. These donut-shaped pool floats double as drink holders for kids and adults.
Inflatable Confetti Drink Holders, Set of 2 ($8, Amazon)
Inflatable Pool Seat for Groups
This roomy float is made for both relaxation and fun. It comfortably fits up to four kids inside, and has seats for lounging, as well as handles to hang on to if they want to start rocking and creating some waves.
Inflatable Shock Rocker Float ($99, Walmart)
Floating Wine Glasses
These floating wine glasses are pretty incredible, IMO. Don't be afraid to bring that glass of Pinot into the pool and let it rest on top of the water. It's specially designed not to spill or topple over, and is even shatterproof. (Genius!)
Floating Wine Glasses, Set of 2 ($20, Amazon)
Inflatable Labyrinth Island Square
There's room for everyone in this inflatable pool square, which has nine holes for kids or adults to lounge in comfortably.
Labyrinth Island Square ($46, Walmart)
Inflatable Seesaw Balance Toy
The only thing better than riding a see-saw at the playground? Riding one in the pool! Watch as kids rock back and forth on this fun float, creating waves throughout the pool.
Balance Living Inflatable See-Saw Pool Toy ($24, Amazon)
Inflatable Movie Screen
This is pretty awesome. Project feature films, home movies, and more onto this giant outdoor screen, and watch from the pool or hot tub.
Inflatable Portable Movie Screen ($230, Amazon)
Avocado Pool Float with Beach Ball
Any avocado lovers out there? This adorable float is part lounger, part pool toy, since the "pit" is removable and becomes a beach ball to toss around.
Inflatable Avocado Pool Float with Beach Ball ($25, Amazon)
Pool Noodle Chair
This simple pool chair is perfect for staying afloat in the water, but also a total cinch to store later. Its lightweight and easy-to-fold design makes it way less cumbersome than most floating chairs out there.
SwimWays Noodle Sling ($7, Amazon)
UFO Spaceship Pool Float With Water Gun
Good luck buying just one of these things. If there are multiple kids at the pool party, they'll all want to get a turn on this fun spaceship-themed float, which is a chair and a water gun, all in one.
Swimline UFO Spaceship Squirter ($18, Amazon)
Inflatable Floating River Raft
Technically, this one is made for floating down a river, though it could also be used in a large pool if there's a group that mostly wants to lounge. So go ahead and gather friends together for some drinks and lazy summer fun — it can fit up to seven people!
Canopy Island Inflatable Floating River Raft ($280, Amazon)
Inflatable Shark Bean Bag Toss Game
For little kids who may not be ready for intense games like shootball or volleyball, this simple shark-themed bean bag game will be right up their alley. (Though honestly, even adults would probably have a blast with this.)
Inflatable Shark Bean Bag Toss Game ($14, Amazon)
Water Blaster Set
Get ready for endless water gun fights! This fun water squirter looks like a mini pool noodle, but can shoot water pretty far. Plus, it comes six to a pack, so there's one for everyone.
Water Blaster Set ($20, Amazon)
Ring Toss Hat Game
There's nothing like a good ole' fashioned game of ring toss! Let one guest wear one of these flamingo-shaped hats on their head as others toss colorful rings at them, hoping to score some points. (Believe me — it's even more fun than it looks!)
Flamingo Ring Toss Hat Game ($9, Amazon)
Inflatable Tic Tac Toe
Tic tac toe is a classic, but not many of us have played it in the pool. This floating game will keep teams competing for hours.
Inflatable Giant Tick Tac Toe Board Game ($7, Amazon)
Pool Diving Toys
These weighted pool toys soar through the air when you throw them and glide down into the water's depths for little swimmers to catch them. Kids will have a blast competing to see who can swim the fastest and gather the most torpedoes or shark toys.
Torpedoes and Sharks Pool Diving Toys ($10, Amazon)
Inflatable Log Flume Joust Set
Even adults can get down with a friendly joust! This set comes with two log flume-shaped floats and inflatable hand sticks for pool guests to try and knock each other off their float.
Inflatable Log Flume Joust Set ($30, Amazon)
Floating Pool Lights
Perfect for summer gatherings that extend into the evening, this pretty set of pool lights features dragonfly lights that sit atop plastic lily pads. Each one lights up to reveal a different color, which will have the pool twinkling as soon as the sun goes down.
Floating Dragonfly Pool Lights, Set of 6 ($20, Amazon)
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There's no better way to enjoy Summer than having a pool party! Add this graphic to your Pinterest board to explore gun pool accessories this Summer now!
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
