Best Pool Toys for Kids in South Bay LA in 2026
South Bay summers mean long afternoons in the backyard pool, weekend visits to the Redondo Beach Aquatic Center on Flagler Lane, and swim lessons at the Mira Costa pool. Whether you're equipping a backyard setup or looking for something to occupy kids during open swim time, the right pool toys turn a hot afternoon into a genuinely good time.
Here's what actually holds up — not the cheap inflatables that deflate by the end of week one, but gear that gets used all summer and survives being left outside.
Best for Underwater Play
The toys that keep kids occupied longest are usually the ones that require some skill and have a game built in. Diving rings and underwater targets are the classic for a reason — kids can set their own challenges and play independently.
FINIS Dive Rings — Best Diving Toy for Ages 5+
FINIS makes competitive swimming gear, and their dive rings are built to the same standard. Weighted rubber rings that sink cleanly to the bottom without rolling or drifting, bright colors that are easy to spot underwater, and durable enough to survive repeated use on pool concrete. Set of 5 rings lets multiple kids play simultaneously. Great for ages 5 and up who are comfortable putting their face in the water — a natural next step after swim lessons at the Redondo Beach Aquatic Center or YMCA South Bay. The competitive swim community uses these for conditioning; for regular kids they're just genuinely fun.
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SQUID Sport Pool Dive Toys — Best Dive Set for Younger Kids
A 21-piece set of colorful dive sticks, rings, and animals at a price point that makes it the right starter pack for kids just getting comfortable underwater. The mix of shapes keeps variety in the game — some pieces stand upright on the pool floor, some lie flat. Good for ages 4-8 in shallow to medium-depth pools. Bright colors are easy to spot at 3-4 feet down. The full set gives you enough pieces to scatter around the whole pool floor.
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Best Water Blasters and Squirt Toys
Water guns are a summer staple, but there's a big range between toys that squirt 3 feet with a weak stream and the ones that actually create a real fight. These are in the latter category.
Super Soaker Hydra — Best Mid-Range Water Blaster
The Super Soaker name has been diluted by a decade of cheap knockoffs, but the Hydra is a return to form. Single-hand pump, 56 oz water capacity, shoots a solid stream to about 38 feet. The detachable water bottle reservoir means refilling is fast — dip in the pool and pump. Backpack-style water reservoir keeps the gun light even when full. For pool battles or backyard water fights on a hot Hermosa afternoon, this is the right call for ages 6 and up.
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Bunch O Balloons Self-Sealing Water Balloons — Best Group Activity
100 water balloons filled and tied in under a minute via a single garden hose attachment. The self-tying feature makes what used to be a 20-minute parental chore (filling and tying balloons one at a time) into something kids can do themselves in two minutes. The biodegradable balloon material is a plus for South Bay families who're conscious about outdoor cleanup. Best for backyard fights rather than pool use — keep them away from the drain. A full afternoon activity for 200 balloons = 2 refill packs.
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Best Floats and Loungers
For kids old enough to float independently (roughly 7+) who want to lounge rather than actively swim, a good pool float is essential South Bay summer equipment.
South Bay Pools Worth Knowing About
Beyond the backyard, these are the public and semi-public pools South Bay families use:
- Redondo Beach Aquatic Center (Flagler Lane): 50-meter outdoor pool plus a competition pool. Open swim hours available daily in summer. The best public pool facility in the South Bay by a significant margin.
- YMCA South Bay (Torrance): Indoor pool with year-round open swim, family swim hours, and swim lessons for all ages. Day passes available for non-members.
- Manhattan Beach Aquatics Center: Smaller facility adjacent to Mira Costa High School. Competitive team use takes priority but community swim hours open up regularly.
- Hermosa Beach Community Center Pool: Small pool focused on lessons and recreation. Good for younger kids who don't need a full-size facility.
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