Hello, parents! This week, I have examples of some of my favorite summertime toys to keep our kiddos engaged and entertained during those hot summer months.
First, a disclosure: You may already be aware, but I am not a sales person! You will not find a link to an Amazon storefront at the end of this page, I promise. No “affiliate links” here.
Easy, Fun Ideas
I just focus on activities and snacks that we parents can attempt to throw together quickly and as easily as possible. However, sometimes a really good toy can be educational, engaging and even just entertaining long enough for us to get some task done or relax for a little bit.
Since not all parents have access to the same space and resources, and age of the child also makes a difference, these suggestions cover a broad spectrum. My goal is to make my suggestions helpful for as many families as possible. Let’s do it!
Chase the Bubbles!
My first suggestion is one you can use in a backyard/courtyard or take to the park with you and sit in the shade. A bubble machine! This one is also great because all ages love a bubble machine. So, you’ll get years of use out of it.
If my son could have me outside pouring bubbles into his bubble machine all day long, he would. He wants to run through them, chase them, and attempt to pop as many as possible. It’s great for filling some time and getting some energy out of our little ones.
Really little ones (0-2) love the bubbles too! Want to skip the purchase for your tiny baby? Fill a bowl or sensory container with water and dish soap. You can let your little one splash around.
Thirsty Park Plants
Another water-involved suggestion: A watering can! Wait, wait. I know you’re going to say that you need a garden to get your kiddo involved in watering the plants. However, a watering can at the park can make for a super fun day.
Your kiddo can run around and water all the park’s plants. Feel the texture of the leaves. Does this plant feel dry to you? What color are the leaves? Brown or green? This can be a great activity for parents to prompt young kiddos on colors, textures, and other words/phrases you may be working on.
Parents, if your park doesn’t have water fountains, you may want to fill up a big water bottle to take along for this activity. Wanting to sit back for this one and your kiddos are in the older half of our age range? Find a place with lots of plants, bushes, and flowers around. Spread your blanket there and keep the water bottle close by for the watering can refills.
Detour to Fun!
This last suggestion may sound wimpy to you. But trust me… this purchase will be used until your kiddo is a preteen, maybe even beyond! We’re talking traffic cones.
I know you think I’m crazy, but traffic cones might become your child’s favorite summertime toy. For the kiddos ages 3-5, you can set up all sorts of obstacle courses, relay games, and more! For example, you could set up the cones and see who can throw a ball or beanbag the closest. You could play Red Light Green Light’ and use the cones to show the start line to the finish line. Honestly, the options are endless.
I hope you found this to be inspiring. I’d love to hear what your favorite summertime toys are. I’d love some ideas to try out with my own little gremlin. Til next time!
Sophie Hamel is a freelance writer and works as a crisis responder. Her son is three years old.
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