12 Kids’ Beach and Pool Must-Haves You’ll Love This Summer

There’s no such thing as too much sun protection, and if you’re lucky, your baby or toddler will get excited about a cute new hat just for the beach. This one comes in five different colors and prints, and it’s UPF 50+ rated for maximum protection. It’s water-repellent, easily packable, and covers the back of the neck, too—lots to love. ($36, L.L.Bean)

Water safety experts recommend choosing brightly colored suits (and avoiding the color blue) so that it’s always easy to spot your little one in the water. Hanna Andersson has tons of cute options—and they’re super well-made, so even if your kids really put them to work, they’ll be around for a while. From rash guards and tankinis to classic swim trunks, you’ll find a huge variety, and lots of fun, quirky prints. ($44+, Hanna Andersson)

Granted, it can be hard to get little kids to keep sunglasses on for more than three minutes. But those three minutes sure are cute. Plus, it’s not all about style—they offer sun protection, too, of course. Janie & Jack has lots of frames and lens colors to choose from. ($18.50, Janie & Jack)($18.50, Janie & Jack)

Swim cover-ups aren’t just for moms sitting by the pool attempting to read…they can also come in handy if your kids want something to throw on between swimming sessions, without getting fully dressed. These towel-like hoodies from Boden come in bright, fun prints and also classic stripes. ($44, Boden)

These are great for the beach, but we also love using them as T-shirts for camp. They dry super fast, so your kids can go ahead and run through those sprinklers without being soaked for the rest of the day. Choose from 35 different colors and designs. ($19.57, Amazon)

For kids old enough to dive to the bottom of the pool again and again, this treasure chest is perfect. It comes with an assortment of toys—gems, coins, bones, sharks, and seahorses—that sink to the bottom, ready to be retrieved…then thrown right back in. And if you’re headed to the beach rather than the pool, a buried treasure game should keep everyone busy for a while. ($12.95, Amazon)

These water blasters work great for the pool or beach—or even just your own backyard, if you fill up a couple big tubs of water. They’re easy to refill, and shoot water up to 30 feet. Plus, they come in a pack of six, so everyone can get involved. ($22.61, Amazon)

This one’s for the older kids (recommended for ages 8+). Think of it as the next step up from a beach ball: instead of filling it with air, you fill it up with water so you can bounce and dribble on the actual floor of the pool. ($26.99, Amazon)

Thinness isn’t always something we look for in a beach towel—but when you’re trying to jam a bunch of them into a beach bag, it’s helpful. These themed towels (with art featuring “Frozen,” “Star Wars,” and more) are perfect for kids, and are easy to pack in backpacks for camp, too. ($9.99, Target)($9.99, Target)

Natives aren’t cheap, but they’re popular for a reason: these slip-on EVA shoes are light and easy to wear in and out of the water. Plus, they have plenty of ventilation for hot days. From camp and backyard adventures to beach trips and days at the pool, they’re summer all-stars. ($45+, Amazon)

Looking to switch up your usual sand toy situation? This baking-inspired set, complete with whisk, spoon, and measuring cups, has everything the kiddos need to start up a thriving sand cupcake operation. We’ve learned the hard way that the whisk is the most popular element of the whole collection, so if you’re packing for more than one kid, consider a second set. ($18.99, Amazon)

Easier to apply than lotion, but still super protective, this SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen from a popular Australian brand is perfect for all ages. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, and so lightweight that you’ll barely notice it’s there. ($18.72, Amazon)