All long winter last year, I used to often find myself looking outside the window hoping for the sun to shine bright and the weather to warm up so that I could start taking Mishika outside to play. I wanted to take her to the park, introduce her to the mud around, let her get wet in the sprinklers, and a lot more summer fun. Little did I know that my sweet then eleven months old who would just be happy doing anything at home would suddenly transform into this independent little toddler who has recently been repeating only one word all the time ‘outside, outside, outside'. Taking my little girl out to play after she is back from school or on the weekends has now become a necessity to keep her occupied and us from not going insane. But there have been times in the past when we have run out of time after work to take Mishika to the park or sometimes just going back to the park again and again would get very monotonous. So to keep my little girl busy and also to keep me relaxed I went looking online for creative and fun summer toys that would spark imaginative play as well as keep Mishika entertained for hours in our backyard or some even work great inside the home. So here they are:
1. Big bubble wand (for a kid of age 1 year and older) – Let's start our list with the very basic ‘bubble wand'. You can never go wrong with this. Just pull up a chair in your backyard or your living room and blow some bubbles and let your little one run around with excitement to catch them. They are available on Amazon in a pack of 12 for a reasonable price of under $14.
2. Sprinkler pad (for kids of age 12 months to 15 years old) – This is a 68″ dia sprinkler pad which is perfect for outdoor play in your backyard on a hot sunny day. I have this at home and we love it. Even I enjoy running through it at times. Available at Amazon for under $19.
3. Buggy ride (for kids of age 18 months to 3 years old) – This buggy ride is a great solution for parents looking to have a walk around the neighborhood without having to stress over running after the kids to keep them away from the road. This buggy ride comes with a push handle, a small storage space for kids to store their snacks, water, etc and also a horn all for under $50 on amazon.
4. Kiddie pool (for kids of age 3 and older) – What could feel better than lounging in a pool of water on a hot day. Throw in some bath toys and let your kids have some summer fun and creative play while splashing water everywhere. This kiddie pool is available for under $13.
5. Inflatable sprinkler ball (for kids of age 3 years and older) – Imagine how much fun it would be to run around this ball with water sprinklers coming at you in all directions. If you are up for it even you can hop in to have some water fun for only under $17 at amazon.
6. Giant bubble wand kit (for kids of age 6 years and older) – We have this at home and this makes for such a fun outdoor play. This kit contains everything that you need to create these long, big, and colorful bubbles. Great and easy to carry along anywhere be it the beach, park, camping, or your backyard and is available for less than $15.
7. Play and shade pool (for kids of age 2 – 6 years old) – Fun pool for kids and can be easily set up in your backyard. This kiddie pool comes with molded-in seats, an umbrella to protect your little one from the hot sun and funnel cups for endless fun. This toy is high on the price point and is available on Amazon for around $62 but is definitely a great toy to own and can grow with your little one.
8. Finding dory swim and swirl water table (for kids of age 18 months to 8 years old) – A fun toy to engage your little one for hours. Launch dory and friend into the water using the whirlpool spinner and let your little one have fun trying to catch them. Available for less than $50.
9. Playtime patio with canopy playhouse (for kids of age 2 – 8 years old) – This open pavilion-style design is a perfect outdoor playhouse for fun in the sun. It comes with a kitchen and grill with sink and other fun features like water and sand play to allow your kids to grill up their favorite meals. This toy is available for $140 on amazon.
10. Climber and slide (for kids of age 2 – 6 years old ) – Think of this toy like a jungle gym that features a climbing ladder, slide, basketball hoop, soccer goal and toss through the wall. Kids can learn to toss, shoot and kick on target. A perfect climber for both toddlers and preschoolers and is available for $80.
11. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Dino (for kids of age 18 months to 5 years old) – The dino Cozy Coupe has a fun design, a parent push handle, and a removable floorboard. Parents and kids will both love the ride! It comes with rugged and durable tires and a weight limit up to 50lbs. This buggy ride is available for $60 on amazon.
12. Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy (for kids of age 9 months to 2 years old) – Baby water float designed to help babies and parents relax and enjoy the water introduction experience. It comes with interactive features like a lobster that a baby can touch and play with. Recommended for babies age 9-24 months and is available for less than $28 on amazon.
13. Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set (for kids of age 18 months to 5 years old) – Indoor and outdoor basketball hoop adjusts to six heights from 2.5 to 4 feet. Great for outdoor fun and to develop social, motor skills, and coordination skills. Available for $35 on amazon.
14. Garden wagon and tools toy sets (for kids of age 4 – 10 years old) – This 16-piece gardening tools playset will help your kid become a pro gardener. These garden tools are perfectly-sized for their hands to get your garden growing. It comes with a small wagon that your kid can push and is available for $26.
15. Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center (for kids of age 2 – 7 years old) – This toy includes water slide, wading pool, water sprayer, and ring toss game. It can be attached to your garden hose and help keep your kids cool in summer. Available for less than $35.
16. Splash play mat sprinkle pad (for kids of age 2 years and above) – This outdoor party sprinkler water mat is a fun way to keep kids cool and inspire creativity in them through imaginative play. Perfect for parties, outdoor beach lawn toys, and also make a great birthday gift. Available in two sizes – 26″ baby water mat ($14) or 59″ water mat for toddler and big kids ($20).
17. Bubble blower lawn machine (for kids 12 months and above) – The push mower features realistic sounds and bubble maker, which encourages pretend play, bring tons of bubbles. The handle is very flexible and is available for less than $28 on amazon.
18. Ice cream mold set sand toys (for kids 18 months and above) – Colorful ice cream cupcake beach toy set for some beach fun. It can also be a great toy for sandboxes in your backyard. Available for less than $15 on amazon.
19. Push around buggy ride (for kids of age 18 months to 5 years old) – Ideal for toddlers for some for cruising around in a park or your society. It comes with a handle at the back for parents to push. Available for less than $48.
20. Little Tikes Deluxe 2-in-1 Cozy Roadster (for kids of age 18 months and older) – Fun toy ride for toddler and comes with adjustable handle front and back. It comes with a canopy for a shade with two cup holders and a zippered storage area for outdoor use. Available for less than $50 on amazon.
21. Razor A Kick Scooter (for kids of age 5 and older) – Fun kick scooter ideal for some outdoor fun. It comes with fender brake for quick stops and weighs only 6 pounds. It comes with a 6-month warranty. Available for less than $40 on amazon.
22. Dinoland Inflatable Play Center (for kids of age 2 and above) – Can keep your kid cool with the movable Dino Arch water spray which attaches to a water hose. It comes with a soft slide and a fun landing pad and is available for $43 on amazon.
23. Little Tikes 3-in-1 Triple Splash T-Ball Set (for kids of age 2 -10 years) – Comes with 3 balls and kids can have fun stepping on the pedal to load the ball on to the tee, or remove the T and launch it straight into the air. Connect a hose and the ball is magically held up by water for ultimate Splash T-Ball fun! Available for $25.
24. Fireman Toys Backpack Watergun (for kids age 3 and up) – Outdoor toys water blaster are perfect for backyard, pool party favors, outdoor games, water games, and fight games. It comes with a pump that allows constant squirting and stream of water up to 13 feet.
25. Melissa & Doug Catch & Count Wooden Fishing Game (for kids 3 and older) – This toy comes with two magnetic rods and 10 magnetic fish which are numbered and patterned, making an exciting game for kids to play alone or with a friend. Great learning toy for motor skill and problem-solving skill development. Available for $21 on amazon.
26. Magnetic Fishing Toys Game Set (for kids 3 to 6 years old) – This fishing toy set is great for kids' water table or a pool party. Good for hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and interpersonal skills development. Available for a reasonable price of $17 on amazon.
27. Intex Surf ’N Slide Inflatable Play Center (for kids 6 years and up) – Fun shark design slide perfect for kids and endless summer fun. It can be easily attached to a garden hose for sprayers to wet the surface. Available for $70 on amazon.
28. 3- wheel motorcycle for kids (for kids 18 months to 6 years) – Comes with a vibrant color body and 3 wheels for fun. Kids can enjoy realistic driving with a gear shift switch to go forward and backward, plus foot pedal control for maximum enjoyment. Available for $52 on amazon.
29. Geometric Dome Climber Jungle Gym (for kids 3-10 years old) – Strong, interactive Design and a fun way to get some exercise and develop physical strength through playing for your little one. Available for a higher price of $189 but ideal for multiple kids to play at once.
30. Little Tikes Shady Jump n Slide Bouncer (for kids of age 3 – 8 years) – Comes with a large, 7-foot padded arena for bouncer fun, and slide to exit. Ideal for birthday parties for some outdoor fun. It comes with a canopy to protect from the sun. Available for $240 on amazon.
Related blog reads
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10 Amazing toys that have been keeping my daughter busy for hours at home
PS – A few weekends back we discovered a beautiful beach here in Buffalo – Olcott beach. All these pictures are taken at the Olcott beach! Gorgeous beach, fun places to eat and even has a small kiddie park filled with rides and games.
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