Starting My Toronto Pool Toy Hunt
Okay folks, so summer hit Toronto like a brick wall, hot and sticky. My kids started whining about wanting inflatables and squirt guns basically yesterday. “Where the heck do you even get pool stuff around here?” I thought. Figured a weekend drive was in order, so grabbed my keys and mentally prepared to scour the city. Coffee in hand, I was ready.
First instinct? Big box stores. Figured it was the easiest bet. Drove over to a giant one in the north end, you know the type. Wandered past grills and garden chairs forever, finally found the “Summer Fun” section tucked way in the back.
What a letdown.
- The racks were already half-empty, like people raided it.
- Mostly cheap looking single floats – ducks or rings, nothing exciting.
- A few squirt guns, the kind that break after two uses.
- Forgot goggles entirely? Needed those too.
Stood there feeling kinda bummed. This wasn’t gonna cut it. Needed better options, stuff that wouldn’t deflate on first use.
Checking Out the Sporting Goods Spot
Okay, regroup. Maybe the big sports stores? Headed downtown towards one that always has tons of stuff.
Found their water section way faster this time. More promising! Saw some nicer floats, even a few large loungers. Price tags made me blink. Goggles? Found ’em! But then…
Here’s the kicker:
- They had like, five different sections spread out. Pool toys? One aisle. Swim gear? Opposite corner. Actual inflatables? Across the way. Running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
- Needed help inflating a big ring to check for leaks? Staff just pointed vaguely at the air machine near the bikes.
- Way pricier than the box store, which I expected, but man, my wallet felt it.
Got a decent noodle and some goggles there. Success, kinda. But the inflatable selection was still lacking fun stuff – no unicorns, pizza slices, giant dinosaurs the kids were dreaming of.
Surprise Winner: Local Toy Shops!
Feeling a bit defeated, driving back home, I passed a couple of those smaller, independent toy stores in Leslieville. “Eh, what the heck,” I pulled over.
Walked into the first one. Didn’t expect much for pool gear. Totally surprised.
- Right up front, a whole vibrant display! Bright floats, funky animal shapes, solid-looking pool games.
- Staff actually knew things! Suggested good squirt guns that don’t jam instantly.
- Even found specialized stuff like sand toys for the splash pad.
- Prices were fair, not much higher than the big sports shop, sometimes less.
Checked another similar local shop a few blocks away. Same story! Different selection, but same curated, fun vibe focused on actual play. Hit the jackpot on a giant inflatable rainbow swan that I knew the kids would lose their minds over.
Left with way more than planned: swan, two really well-made squirt guns, extra goggles, and this cool sinking ring toss game. Kids haven’t stopped playing since. Best part? Probably supported a local business.
What I Learned Finding Toronto Pool Toys
So, the takeaway after driving all over?
- Big Box Stores: Budget basics only, if you catch them early season. Hit or miss inventory. Cheap stuff breaks.
- Big Sports Stores: More variety, better quality. Way pricier. Be prepared for chaos – stuff is everywhere. Good for some core items.
- Local Independent Toy Shops: The hidden gems! Surprisingly robust, fun selections. Knowledgeable help. Fair prices for the quality. Found the unique stuff here. Parking was actually easier too.
My advice? Skip the box store frustration unless you literally just need one cheap float. Check the big sports spots for goggles, maybe a noodle. But honestly? Drive your butt to the smaller local toy stores in the neighborhoods. That’s where the real fun water gear lives in this city. Saved our summer! Happy splashing.