Toys&Games

What better way to save money this summer than by spending time at home? Right now, it's just not in my budget to do a lot of driving so I'm also looking for ways to make staying home more fun. One way is by adding a few new pool toys to your collection for the summer. New toys will ensure your kids have a blast right in their own backyard.

There are some great inexpensive inflatable pools on the market this year. Some of the new styles are tailored for babies and toddlers and are absolutely adorable. A few fun pools for your baby are the jungle themed baby pool with a tree-top sunshade and 4 built in bugs for your baby to play with. Also for babies is the baby pool with mushroom sunshade which includes a soft inflatable bottom for comfort.

For the older toddlers, there are some great combination pool/play sets your kids are sure to love. On top of the list is the kids Pirate Hideaway pool which is guaranteed to make your kids run for the pool. This cool pirate pool has a wading pool, slide, water cannons, inflatable treasure chest and shields and hats. Another great option is Inflatable Dinosaur Pool. What child doesn't love dinosaurs? This great pool includes a slide, wading pool, water sprayer, ring toss game, basketball hoop and more and retails less than $60!

If your kids have outgrown inflatable pools and you have either an above ground or in ground pool in your backyard, you'll definitely want to look for some great pool toys for your kids to enjoy. A brand new toy for this year is the Underwater Boomerang Scoobarang. This pool toy when thrown underwater will actually return to the thrower. Fun battery operated toys such as Subbies and Super Subbies are fantastic in the pool. These little guys come in adorable animal shapes and move randomly throughout the pool ' great fun for chasing after. If you prefer no batteries ' and who can blame you ' the great Dive N Rise Torpedo Line is fantastic. Kids simply toss the shark or dolphin into the pool and watch as it glides then surfaces like a real shark or dolphin. Really fun is the Torpedo Orca Darts Game. You play this game just like you would yard darts with the person who scores the most points winning. Points are scored when your orca whale enters one of the 3 rings floating on top of the pool.

Don't forget to add in some floats and dive toys such as safe dive rings. Floats are not to be used in place of adult supervision but can be used for babies with an adult. One delightful float for babies and toddlers would be the Whale Baby Float that has a squeaker and rattle right on the handle bar plus includes a sun shade. Another cute little baby float is the Starfish Float. It also includes a sunshade plus has squeaker and toys inside. What fun for your little one.

For the big kids, how about a Rocker Float? This fun float can be used in the pool, lake or ocean and let's you kick up your own waves ' by yourself or with a friend. Looking to relax a little bit? Then you must take a look at the Reclining Float ' just like a recliner chair for your pool. This is one of the most comfortable floats I have ever seen and it is very well made to last for years.

Enjoy yourself all summer long, right in your own backyard.

By : Denise Sanger