The 5 Best Floating Tubes for Kids

Whether your kiddo is new to swimming or a seasoned swimmer, you're likely thinking about water safety and water fun (two things that can and do actually go hand-in-hand). For small babies and toddlers, this can look like a floating tube they can sit in as you float them around. For the big kids, it can mean a fun tube for them to lazily float around on to give themselves a much needed break from all that exertion. Either way, you'll want a floating tube that is safe and reliable. These 5 floating tubes for kids are the best you'll find.

SwimSchool Deluxe TOT Swimmer for Kids

The Tube Top

For new swimmers, this tube attached to a top allows for supervised floating time.

Best Overall

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For smaller kiddos just learning how to swim, SwimSchool’s 4-in-1 swimmer and trainer has multiple uses for safe summer fun. To use this swim tube suit, just pull the tube over the head, which is attached to a swimsuit type tank top, and attach the safety straps that hang between your child’s legs (similar to a PFD). The strap is completely adjustable, and the suit fits up to 33 lbs. It is recommended for children ages 2-4, so it’s a fantastic beginner safety swim aid. And an extra benefit? The swim suit type fabric actually doubles as sun protection—it’s rated UPF 50.

It’s important to note: this is not a life-saving device. Children should never be unattended near water.

Pros:

Easily inflates and deflates.
Heavy duty, fabric-covered vinyl tube.
Children can sit upright, or in a forward motion, which helps to build confidence in swimming.
3 color choices.

Cons:

The safety strap fits securely, but can cause a bit of discomfort in how secure.

Free Swimming Baby Inflatable Baby Float Ring

A Mini Inflatable Tube

For the tiniest little swimmer, this mini floating baby tube is great fun.

Best for Babies

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Next up on this list is a swim accessory for an even smaller crowd–specifically, babies ages 3-36 months. Made with inflatable, baby-safe material, this mini floating tube works with shoulder weight, keeping your baby’s face up out of the water, but allowing them to splash and kick with their feet and arms. It is specifically designed to not flip over, and there are even should straps to help secure baby in the float. You’ll of course want to be right with your little one, guiding them in the water and ensuring their safety. However, this is a fun inflatable baby boat that helps to build children’s confidence and comfort in water.

Pros:

Comfortable fit, with different size options.
Can be used with or without shoulder placements.

Cons:

Head area has a high arch, keeping Baby’s head up out of the water. However, for the smallest swimmers, this can almost be too much of an arch.

SwimSchool Baby Pool Float

Floating Boat for Baby

A little mini floating boat, perfect for setting your baby in it and swimming along with them.

Best Baby Boat

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This sweet little baby pool float is a super fun way to introduce your youngster to the water. The design of this floating tube keeps Baby completely upright out of the water. At the same time, there’s a small mesh ring that allows some water to come up, allowing them to splash and play in comfort and safety. Additionally, there’s a built-in sun canopy that keeps them safely out of the hot sun (UPF 50). The adjustable seat allows Baby’s legs to be fully submerged in the water, letting them kick about as they please while also keeping them cool.

Pros:

Recommended for ages 6-24 months.
Extra wide design.
Retractable, UPF 50 canopy

Cons:

The seat is deep.

GoFloats Flamingo Pool Float Party Tube

A Fun Little Float

Have a pool party coming up? This flamingo float is a fun twist on a floating tube for kids.

Best for Pool Parties

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Moving on from floats designed more for a baby, the next two are excellent floating tubes for kids. The first is a fun pool party float…a giant floating flamingo. Perfect for lounging, floating, or themed pool parties, this giant pink flamingo is eye-catching, sturdy, and very durable. Fair warning: if you leave unattended outside and the wind picks up, it will fly away. It’s lightweight and top heavy, and scoots along the top of water quite easily.

Adults: you might want to keep this to yourself, but this float is not just for your kids. It can hold up to 500 pounds, so if you want one of your own, you’re in luck.

Pros:

There is a different opening for inflation and deflation, which makes blowing it up by mouth easier (if that’s your only option…it does take awhile).
Thick, durable material.
Two size options.

Cons:

There is no built-in cupholder, so if you’re stealing your kid’s float for an adults-only pool party, you might be disappointed.

Intex Red River Run Inflatable Water Float

For all the big kids out there, this floating tube even comes with a back rest.

Best for Big Kids

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More of a raft-style water float, this Intex Red River Run floating tube for kids is the idea tube to take to the lake for the day, or on a float trip down a winding river. With a build-in back rest, a cupholder for hydration, a mesh bottom, two grab handles and a grab rope that goes around the entire tube, you can pop in and out of this tube all day long. The grab rope even connects to other Intex floats, which is ideal if you’re on a group float trip and want to float together.

Pros:

18GA vinyl that’s durable and heavy-weight.
Best for 14 years and older.
Double-valve system for easy inflation and deflation.

Cons:

Upon first time inflating, the tube will adjust and need more air. You’ll need to inflate a bit more after initial blow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you extend the life of a pool float?

Heat and sun, as well as chemicals found in most pools, often wear down your floating tube. While you can’t very well control sunshine, heat, and often the use of chemicals, you can keep it stored in a proper setting. This typically means in an enclosed space that’s out of the harsh elements. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the seams and repair them as needed. There are repair kits that work for most floating tube for kids and adults.

Can you repair a pool float that has a hole?

Does your float have a hole? Wait, before you just toss it in the trash, try fixing it. There are patches that work in a pinch, but there are also waterproof sealants that can be used to repair small holes and seam areas that just don’t work with a patch.