Must-have summer and pool toys for kids

X-Shot Water Warfare Fast-Fill Blaster

When dunked in water, this blaster fills up in one second, and its powerful gush reaches targets up to 34 feet away. For ages 5 and older; $9.99;  x-shot.zuru.com.

Toomies Sing & Squirt

Adding extra fun to water play, this elephant toy shoots water from its nose when its squeezed. It also sings, makes trumpet sounds and squeals with excitement. For ages 18 months and older; $14.99;  tomy.com.

Kids can make one giant bubble when they dip the toy's long cord in the included soapy solution. The set features six gloves with characters on them for kids to hold when they run around to make the bubbles form. For ages 3 and older; $12.99; zing.store.com.

This hula hoop features patented V-Grip technology that helps keep the hoop on kids' hips. Its florescent colors are eye-catching, and it's perfect for doing tricks. For ages 4 and older; $5.99; kess.co.

With this watergun and baseball bat in one, kids can first load the bat with water, place the ball on top of it and push the handle back to release a foreceful stream. Then, watch as the ball flies into the air. As the ball begins to fall, kids get ready to hit the ball across the pool. For ages 5 and older; $14.99;  swimways.com.

Perfect for young players, this T-Ball set offers three levels of difficulty with an adjustable tee. It also comes with a bat and three balls. If the tee is connected to a hose, kids can step up to bat and hit a ball while it floats on a stream of water. For ages 2 and older; $29.99;  littletikes.com.

Great for outdoor game nights, kids can compete to catch firefly toys, which feature LED-flashing blue and green lights. The set includes a total of 10 fireflies and two plastic jars. For ages 3 and older; $29.99; shop.toysmith.com.

This baby powder-scented doll floats and has a QuickDri body so kids can play with her in the water. The doll comes with a swimsuit, blow-up floatie and a pool towel. For ages 3 and older; $19.99 at adoraplay.com.

Made to look like a NASA space shuttle, this inflatable spaceship features a dashboard with an instrument panel and gauges and three igniters displayed on the back. Kids can scan QR codes to watch videos of a launch or orbit of Earth. It can be used indoors, outdoors or in a pool. For ages 3 and older; $29.95 at amazon.com and other retailers.

Once you toss the Aqua Diver into the pool, the water-activated timer starts and it's a race to try to catch it. Hit the button to stop the timer as you try to beat your friends and family. For ages 5 and older; $14.99 at playmonster.com.  

Kids can hop and jump on these Pogo sticks, which feature a durable base and foam handles. Kids can also keep track of how many jumps they take with the built-in squeaker. Choose from a variety of colors and designs. For ages 3 and older; $19.99 at flybar.com.

These inflatable bunkers feature a water base to keep them standing up. Kids can use the walls to defend their space. Nerf guns sold separately. For ages 8 and older; $149.99 at jazwares.com.

These inflatible water gun are two-feet long and come in either a monkey, shark or space design. The blasters feature a unique system that allows for endless water supply when used in the pool, but can be capped off when used in the backyard. For ages 4 and older; $14.99 at swimways.com.

Create luminous patters as you jump with this light-up jump rope. Switch to Flashing Mode and the lights flash faster so kids can pick up the pace. For ages 5 and older; $9.99 at battatco.com.

This doll transforms from a baby into a mermaid with a swish of her skirt. The doll can be played with in or out of the water and comes with a removable top, mermaid tail swimsuit bottom, a bottle and a diaper. For ages 3 and older; $19.99 at shop.hasbro.com.

Perfect for backyard fun, this inflatable fun zone features a climbing wall, a slide with barrier walls, a built-in water blaster and a shallow water pool. There are mesh safety walls for added safety and a storage area to keep shoes dry. For ages 5 and older; $299.99 at bestwaycorp.us.

This outdoor water table includes a large bucket so kids can scoop water from one side to the other for rain shower effects. Comes with three unicorn accessories and maze-like spinners to create different waterfalls. For ages 18 months and older; $69.99 at step2.com.  

As kids push this light-weight bubble machine, bubbles fly out creating real-life motorcycle engine sounds. There's also a no-leak chamber to help prevent spills. For ages 3 and older; $19.99 at funrise.com.

After putting on the oversized, plastic gloves, kids can dip them into the bubble-filled pouch and them simply wave to see a steady stream of bubbles. Choose from a variety of characters. For ages 3 and older; $4.99 at zing.toys.com.

Dip Slinky Dog's mouth into the water and pull back its hind legs to fill the blaster. Push the dog's legs back to spray water up to 30 feet. For kids ages 4 and older; $14.99 at swimways.com.

This 5-piece inflatable ring toss game can be played in the yard or in the pool. Players toss the rings onto the cone to score points. For ages 3 and older; $40 at Target stores and target.com.

Using this new electric pump and fast-fill hose attachment, you can blow up, tie and string up to 40 balloons in 40 seconds. The reusable balloons come in a variety of colors. For ages 5 and older; $14.99 and up at bunchoballoonsparty.com.

These bouncy balls come in a fun variety of color combinations and spiky texture, making the balls easy to grip and catch. Available in mini, junior and classic sizes. For ages 6 and older; $8.99 at kess.co.

Kids can learn to steer the Nighthawk by leaning side to side and control the speed using the accelerator and brake pedals. The ride-on can reach speeds up to 6 mph and features side handlebars and rear safety flag. A 12-Volt battery with charger is also included. For ages 6 and older; $149.99 at rollplay.net.

Kids can relax in these oversized, animal-themed pool floats, which include a built-in cup holder. Choose a teddy bear, panda bear or sloth. For ages 5 and older; $39.99 at swimways.com.

Perfect for pool or beach games, this extra-large inflatable beach ball features a pink whale floating in the middle. For ages 3 and older; $10 at Target stores or target.com.

This pink and purple 16-inch Barbie bike comes with unicorn graphics, a padded seat, rear coaster breaks, removable training wheels and a storage bag. For ages 6 and older; $74 at dynacraftwheels.com.

Kids can build their own pirate ship with this 48-piece kit, which includes poles, connectors and fabric cover. No tools required and it can be used outdoors or inside. For ages 4 and older; $69.99 at antsypants.com or target.com.

Kids can have fun in the pool with this inflatable basketball hoop, which features several ports for multiple players. The set comes with one ball; $57.99 at amazon.com.

The unicorn pool float is six feet long, can fit two people comfortably and is a great fit for any pool; $24.99 at bigmouthinc.com.

Riders can race over hard surfaces, grass and other rough terrain at a maximum speed of 6 miles per hour with Blue the raptor. Speeds can be locked from a parent control. For ages 3 and older; $279.99 at fisher-price.mattel.com.

Kids can express their personality with these novelty swim goggles. The goggles are built for comfort and feature a leak resistant design and an easy-button adjustable head strap. Designs include stars and stripes, soccer balls and butterflies; $8.99 at swimways.com.

In this new twist on classic dodgeball, players wear different color wristbands and try to avoid the person with ball. The player who collect all the wristbands wins. Each set includes foam dice, one sting-proof ball and 12 wrist bands; $17.99 at coop-sports.com.

This game takes Tic Tac Toe to the next level. Players try to flip the blank target to an "X" or an "O" using bean bags. The fun begins when players undo their opponents' progress or accidentally set themselves back; $16.99 at mattel.com.

This spiral art kit lets kids stencil circular patterns on outdoor surfaces. The set comes with six stencil shapes, a stencil orbiter unit and four pieces of chalk; $9.99 at crayola.com.

Prepare to get super soaked with this giant inflatable. Water blasts from four different spouts on this three-feet-tall ball. There is no set up required and it easily connects to a garden hose; $19.99 at primetimetoys.com.

A multi-game pack that includes a tossing platform, target rings, knockdown targets, chalk toss bags, chalk sticks and more; $14.99 at roseart.com.

Little Tikes' Splash Face is an outdoor tug-of-war game, in which players try not to get soaked with water. For added safety, four stakes attach the toy to the ground; $39.99 at littletikes.com.

The NightBat from Tangle Creations features motion-activated LED lights along the sleeve, which glows with every swing and hit. It also comes with a NightBall that also features LEDs; $19.99 at tanglecreations.com.

The Super Spinner from Play Monster has a round curved seat, adjustable double-braided ropes and weather-resistant clips. The innovative design lets riders swing from a tree, a play set or a secure beam. There are two Super Spinners available: The original fits one to two kids, holds up to 200 pounds and is available in green, blue, red, purple, pink and yellow. The Super Duper Spinner allows for multiple riders including adults, holds up to 650 pounds and is available in hunter green; $57.99 at amazon.com.

The Morfboard Scoot and Skate combination from Jakks Pacific uses special technology to transform kids' play experience from skate to ride in seconds. Just drop the included Xtensions into the board, turn them 90 degrees and the flex trigger locks in place. Available in a variety of colors, it also includes front and rear skates, scoot Xtensions and a scoot T-bar with adjustable height and antislip grips; $99.99 at morfboard.com.

Little athletes can learn to play basketball, soccer, football and baseball with ESPN Future Pro balls from Hunter Products. Each ball was designed by athletes; $4.99-$14.99 at espnfuturepro.com.

In this game from Yulu, a player fills the watermelon with water, spins the spinner, follows the indicated instructions and holds the watermelon against the head. If the watermelon cracks, the player loses. The game includes a watermelon, seeds for indoor play and a spinner; $19.99 at watermelonsmash.toys.

Kids can get behind the counter and serve up colorful ice cream. There are 24 pieces in the set, including scoops of ice cream, cones, bowls, scoopers, spoons, coins and a credit card to ring up the order. The big wheels allow the cart to easily move inside or outside; $19.99 at americanplastictoys.com.

Go on a pirate adventure in this ship. The nautical design includes two ways of entry, a turning wheel, an attached pirate map, and a plank to slide down; $119.99 at step2.com.

This outdoor or indoor laser tag game works by using infrared sensitive targets built into the guns and vests. The set comes with wireless target vests, a 15-second invisibility mode, built-in night vision flashlight, voice guided gameplay and more. Play with two, three or four teams; $74.99 for a set of two, $149.99 for a set of four at armogear.com.

These swim goggles feature 11 different styles including a robot, princess, tiger and more. There's a special bungee band on the side so kids can put the googles on themselves. It also has a Neoprene mask and a split ponytail portal in the back. Personalize the goggles by adding your child's name or superhero on the back; $25 at daphdaph.com.

This shark fin is made with lightweight foam-like material and features adjustable straps; $29.99 at finfunmermaid.com.

Play paddle ball on the beach with these colorful racquets. It also comes with two balls; $18 at dylanscandybar.com.

A fun twist on sprinkler fun, the Hydro Swirl features a spinning dome on top, with six tidal storm wiggle tubes on the edge. The tubes wiggle and splash in all directions; $15.54 at amazon.com.

Simply pop any stick of sidewalk chalk into the tube and start designing and coloring outdoors; $15 at uncommongoods.com.

These pool noodles help kids keep afloat as they play in the pool. Spandex covers help prevent sun damage and feature fun graphic; $47.99 for a set of four at walmart.com.

The Magic Cabin's Regatta Swing is a canvas, sailboat-styled swing that can seat two kids at a time and holds up to 200 pounds. The mesh seats ensure it won't hold water, and the swing includes Easy Tree Hangers, making it easy to hang from a tree; $149 at hearthsong.com.

This inflatable ride-on pool float features two handles on the side and two handles on the duck's neck. The float features two cup holders as well; $42 at amazon.com.

Food Trucks have entered mainstream culture so kids want to pretend they run one, too. The Polyester Food Truck from Pacific Play Tents lets them do just that. Head over to the order window and check out the menu. $119. More information: pacificplaytents.com.

Connect the blob to a garden hose to fill it with water. Once it's filled, water will spray across the top for cool playing and sliding. There's also a sketching blob, which includes five erasable crayons to use for coloring; $24.99 at Toys R Us and toysrus.com.

The Bubble Ball, made of durable PVC material, can inflate up to four feet so you can run, roll and clash with friends. The one-pack is available in two team colors, blue and orange; $49.99 at x-shotbubbleball.com.

Kids can swim in these mermaid tails, made from a polyester/spandex blend with a four-way stretch. They're open at the bottom so it's easy to walk; $45 for toddlers and $50 for youth size at finfunmermaid.com.

The Slackers Night Riderz Zipline and Flying Saucer Seat features a zipline that lights up your seat with LED rotating lights. A glowing trolley light guides ride from start to finish, day or night; $39.99 at slackersline.com or amazon.com.