There is no better time than summer time to spend your days outside playing with your kids and enjoying each others company as a family. Some of my favourite memories are from long days spent biking, swimming, and just enjoying being outside during summer. Rather than sitting inside camped out around the T.V., I’ve rounded up some of summer’s best toys for kids (and parents too!) to get them outside and enjoying the sunshine!
Melissa & Doug Bug House – $9.99
My daughter loves bugs. When we go for a walk, I’m usually stopped a minimum of ten times to be shown a ladybug, spider, caterpillar, moth, or whatever other insect she finds along the way. A perfect toy for kids who love these little creatures would be a bug house like this Melissa & Doug one (click here to see a different version of the bug house). Easy to capture them and easy to set them free…just make sure your little one doesn’t set them free inside!
Nerf Super Soaker – $6.99
Who doesn’t have fond memories of shooting water at their siblings and neighborhood friends with their super soakers? My brother and I used to be very serious about our super soakers and we had a large collection – my brother had one that was so big, it actually had its own kick stand to hold it up. The water gun I’ve featured here is a bit more simple than that one, but still gets the job done. Having a water gun fight is a great way to keep cool and get some exercise in at the same time!
Bubbles
Bubbles are a must for summer time! You can find bubbles at any store (we got a set of eight bottles of Miracle Bubbles for $3 at Walmart!) and they are always great to have on hand when boredom hits. There’s so many bubble sets & wands you can add to the mix to make it fun! A truly budget-friendly and simple summer toy.
Whale Shade Inflatable Pool – $19.99
Having a little pool to splash in in the backyard if you don’t have a pool or access to a pool is a great way to stay cool in the summer. I remember spending hours in my kiddie pool in our backyard as a kid. It’s especially nice if you’re low on space and you can find an inflatable version like the one pictured to deflate and store when you’re done with it! I also love how this pool provides shade so little ones don’t get too much sun. Kiddie pools can vary in price range but there are a lot of budget-friendly options to choose from.
Spray Zone Sunflower Sprinkler – $24.99
Another summer favourite has to be jumping through sprinklers! You can get as simple or fancy with sprinklers as you like — you can use your regular sprinkler that you use to water your lawn, or you can get one like the one pictured above. Either way, sprinkler-jumping is like a summer time right for kids. Another great option for keeping cool on hot days if a pool isn’t accessible!
Velcro Ball and Catch Game – $7.34
I’m sure all of us remember playing with these as kids. For some reason they are much more fun than a regular ball and glove, and the price is extremely reasonable! This used to be one of my favourite summer toys, and I’m sure it’s still popular among kids now.
What toys are summer essentials for your kids?
A must in our house is of course bubbles and we purchased a Gazillion Bubble Hurricane and it has been a huge hit. We took it with us to our son’s end of preschool picnic, to our Stonyfield Playdate in the park, and other family gatherings and all children love it! This youtube clip is a great demo, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqV3zbvt7dY
Oh how cool! I can see how that would be a favourite! Bubbles are my go-to for whenever my daughter is getting grouchy or boredom is hitting
I love that baby pool! So cute!
I know! So adorable!