Warm weather is on the horizon and if you’re like me, your rather be outside sweating, then inside and trying to keep your AC bill down. Kids all seem to sleep and act better when they have their daily dose of fresh air, so why not give them some motivation to get outside this summer? We’ve rounded up some awesome outdoor toys that are great for summer and keeping the kids busy.
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Source: Amazon
1. Swivel Car
Practically every kid in our neighborhood has one of these swivel cars, and with good reason. They are SO fun! Plasma cars have been on the market for quite some time and this is basically the same thing. It’s a car with no pedals that is completely propelled and stirred by swiveling the handle. It’s a simple design that even a 2-year old can master, and they come in all sorts of awesome colors.
Source: Amazon
2. Neon Jumbo Markers- Sidewalk Chalk
Gone are the days of basic and boring sidewalk chalk! Art supply maker, Rose Art, has come up with Neon Jumbo Markers that are made with powdered sidewalk chalk! Simply add water, shake well and then head outside for some serious sketching. This is definitely an adult-supervised situation, because the mixing of paint can get pretty messy. I let my 3-year old try these out and I’d have to say that she may have been a little too young to “appropriately” use these markers. In other words, she just walked around the driveway squirting the paint out and didn’t draw a thing. Also, I recommend wearing dark or grubby clothing because while the paint DOES wash off your sidewalk, it left some stains on her clothes that no amount of bleaching or washing could get off. All in the spirit of some fun!
Source: Amazon
3. Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship Water Table
Itty bitty toddlers to elementary-aged kids all find fun in the bottom of a water table, and that’s why it’s a sure thing this summer. Nothing will keep the kids cooler than splashing around in a table full of cool water and even cooler toys. They are easy to fill and offer tons of elbow room for up to 4 kids. There are designs and sizes for any budget, and the one shown above is one of our personal favorites! Ahoy mateys!
Source: Amazon
4. Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler Toy
If you don’t live in a drought area (i.e. everyone but California- waaaa!), then a sprinkler toy is a perfect addition to your summer toy collection. Just like in the good ole days, just plug this baby in to the garden house, turn it on and get cool! Kids and adults alike will revel in this some instant refreshment.
Source: Amazon
5. Super Soaker Squirt Guns
Summer and squirt guns are synonymous, am I right? Don’t let the hot weather pass you buy without getting a signature gun to beat the heat- a Super Soaker. I remember these from my childhood and there’s no finer weapon to keep the neighborhood kids in check!
Source: Amazon
6. Summer Lovin’ Beach Play Center
A great way to keep little ones happy and to avoid the crowds (and stress) of heading to the community pool is to have your own personal baby pool. Blow up versions are great because they can be deflated and stored all winter, without taking up space like a molded plastic pool. Even though they are coined “baby pools” even older toddlers can find refreshment and relaxation by keeping cool in the shallow water. There are tons you can find in your local stores and on Amazon, but how cute is this mermaid version? It even comes with a space to store water toys at the back!
Source: Amazon
7. Little Candylicious Bubble Machine
The joke around my neighborhood is that the kids eat more bubble solution then they blow bubbles, but with this Candylicious bubble maker- that’s ok! It literally comes with FLAVORED bubbles. We have a similar machine at my house and I will say that it goes through bubbles fast. That being said, the novelty of flavored bubbles will wear off and you’ll most likely resort to buying large bottles just to keep up. Regardless, all kids love bubbles and this bound to be a hit!
Source: Amazon
8. Hurricane Water Balls
Water balloons- oh so fun but such a waste. It takes more time to fill them up, tie and prevent your kids from breaking them before you get a whole bucketful than it does to actually use them! That’s why this Hurricane Water Balls are so cool! They are reusable balls that are better than water balloons! They can be used up to 1000 each and make it so you aren’t spending the end of your summer days picking up broken pieces of balloon from your lawn.