Every family needs a few summer essentials. Find out our favorites to make those fun summer activities even better in this post sponsored by . All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For us, summer is all about spending time as a family together. As a kid, I remember summertime always being blissful. Memories from my childhood playing games and sports with the sun beaming down my back. Those are the same memories that I want for my children. This year we’re filling our days with fun summer activities, road trips, and sleeping in. We’re taking the chance this summer to unplug and get outside more. Our overall goal for the year is to become more active as a family and we’re doing just that.
Our city is filled with so many outdoor activities that we can pick just about anything to do. One of our favorite things to do though is to hit the water. With our go-to essentials from , it’s easier for everyone to enjoy more sports and outdoors. Their everyday low prices allow us to stay within budget so we have a little extra for fun summer activities.
Essentials to Make Those Fun Summer Activities Better
1. Giant floats
You’ve probably seen these giant things floating around, right? When we saw these in Academy Sports + Outdoors, we had to have them. My first thought when I saw them was how epic would it be to lounge under the sun in the water on top of these floats? Epic doesn’t even begin to describe it. The and were the floats that we absolutely had to have but there are so many to choose from! Enjoy a fun snack while you’re floating around.
2. Pool volleyball
Remember I said how we were trying to be active? is our way of being active as a family while having fun. I played volleyball in high school so when I have to opt for a family sport, I almost always choose volleyball. We’re highly competitive and the games are always intense but fun nevertheless.
3. Pool tubes
These are our go-to for when we’re heading to the lazy river or one of the local springs in our area. Did I mention that they’re under $5?
4. Spray pool
We’re lucky enough to have a pool in our neighborhood but sometimes we want something a little simpler. This is hands down the best! Tatiana loves playing in it. It’s an affordable alternative especially when there is no beach or pool nearby.
What are some of your favorite fun summer activities? Let us know by sharing your summer photos with @Academy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and using #Academy. To find an Academy Sports + Outdoors near you, check out their
Giant floats make everything better! I love these tips. I think I’m going to have an awesome summer with the kiddos.
These are the best! The floats are definitely going to make pool time more fun! Some tubes to relax on are always a good idea too.
I love that huge flamingo float. Fun times in the pool for sure.
The flamingo is one of my favorites!
Those pool floats and that pool look amazing!! I always wanted a pool, but our current yard could not support an in-ground.
We don’t know how to swim, but this might be the year. Our situation is a little unique like that, but I’d love to teach my kids to swim, soon.
Academy has tons of swimming aids! Floats are always a good option for just lounging around in the water too.
This looks like so much fun. I wish we had a pool in our yard. My kids would really love it. That unicorn floatie is something we have wanted since we saw it!
The unicorn float is a must! If you have any state parks with springs in your area, you can take them there!
I love that pink flamingo! You look so stylish and beautiful and your daughter so cool!!
Thank you Myrah!
That pool float is so fun but that volleyball net is awesome! Gotta love living in Florida!
Living in Florida is the best!
I love Giant floats! I’ve been looking for them for our pool!
Academy has lots of great options and they’re super affordable!
Those giant floats are the cutest thing! I saw some the other day but we don’t have our own pool. But they would be good for the lake.
They would be perfect for the lake!