Summertime is finally here! That means kids are out of school — and you’re definitely looking for something to keep them busy and maybe even to get them to step away from their screens for a few hours. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks for outdoor summer fun this year that are sure to get the whole family outside and moving. Check them all out below!


DANCING CRAB BUBBLE MACHINE

This self-walking crab bubble machine moves side-to-side on its eight moving legs. Listen to fun underwater music as the machine dances back and forth, emitting a continuous stream of bubbles blowing from its mouth. The machine comes with a 4-oz bottle of bubble solution.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

RAPID RUMBLE OUTDOOR

In this active game, the “it” player reads aloud the Category Card, then players shout answers as they run to save themselves from losing a wristband. They have to think fast with words that belong to different categories like animals, phonics clues, geography, and more. The player that collects all of the wristbands wins the…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $17.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

POKÉMON SUMMER DAYS POOL FLOATS

Keep cool all summer long with these Pokémon pool floats, which make for the perfect poolside selfie moment. Choose from fan-favorite Pokémon such as Water-type Pokémon Magikarp and Mantyke.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99-59.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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SPLASH BEACH BY LITTLE TIKES

Fill this plastic pad with water, and seat kids inside or around the edge. An adult can attach a hose to activate a built-in sprinkler, and there are multiple beach-themed accessories kids can use to interact with the water. The set also folds for easy storage.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $74.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

GARDENING TOOL SET

This set comes with a shovel, a trowel, a rake, and a watering can made with sustainable bamboo and long-lasting metal for little gardeners. It also includes two bamboo labels so kids can mark what they planted.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $27.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

BIG WHEEL 16-INCH BIG SPIN

This classic first ride features low, steady wheels that grip the sidewalk combined with Big Wheel’s signature spin out capabilities and its fast-action pedal power.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $129.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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JURASSIC WORLD BOUNCE HOUSE WATER SLIDE WITH POOL

Kids can enter through the Jurassic World gates to enjoy a bouncing area, a basketball hoop, a water slide, a water misting system, and more. The Jurassic World dinosaur pop-ups help guide kids down the slide and into the pool area. Up to three kids can bounce at a time.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $299
  • Age:
  • 3+

BUNCH O BALLOONS TROPICAL PARTY

Kids can fill and tie over 100 tropical party-color water balloons in less than a minute. These self-sealing water balloons feature innovative O-ring technology and rapid fill capabilities. Kids can simply connect each bunch to a tap or a hose, fill, and make dozens of water balloons at once.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $8.99; $12.86 CAD
  • Age:
  • 3+

H2OGO! CANOPY COVE MEGA WATER PARK

Kids can sit under the shaded canopy, cool off under the water sprayer, and climb up the climbing wall in this mega water park. When it’s too cold for the water features, kids can use the park without them for year-round play.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $399.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS SPLASH

This water game combines the classic Hungry Hungry Hippos game with outdoor fun. Players choose a hippo to feed and race to feed their hippo the fastest. The closer they get to their hippo, the more they’ll be sprayed. The first player to feed their hippo all three snacks wins.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

WEELER

This motorized ride-on is made for younger, novice riders, and has safety features such as a slow-start throttle and built-in parental speed controls, which allow caregivers to use a separate key to lock in the Weeler’s top speed to a certain limit up to 10 mph. These safety features help prevent accidental launches and reduce…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $399.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

TIE DYE 2 PERSON PICKLEBALL SET

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and now tweens can get in on the fun. This lightweight set includes two paddles with safety straps, two pickleballs, an instruction sheet, and a drawstring bag for easy storage and transport.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

HOT WHEELS 16” BIKE

Kids can race to the finish line with the 16" Dynacraft Hot Wheels Boys' Bike with Rev Grip. This eye-catching bike will win first place in style with the vibrant blue frame adorned with custom Hot Wheels graphics and bright orange, silver and black details. Sturdy BMX frame is built to last, the all-terrain tires…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $96.99; 169.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 4+

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KAN JAM ILLUMINATE

Kan Jam is a popular competitive team game similar to cornhole, washer toss, and horseshoes. Featuring an LED Flying Disc and Multi-Color Light-Up Goals for illuminated night time play. Players must take turns throwing and deflecting the flying disc across the yard, beach, or park at the goal to win.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 12+

VURTEGO SLINGSHOT POGO STICK

This professional-quality pogo stick designed for kids features adjustable air spring technology. By adding or removing air, kids can create a softer or stiffer spring. The fully adjustable pogo stick can hold 40-180 pounds, and can jump up to 5 feet high.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $149.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

POP UP SUN SHADE

Perfect for the beach, park, and fun on the go. Has 30+ UPF protection. Features bright graphics of kids’ favorite characters. Includes sand anchors to keep the tent in place. Equipped with a portable carrying bag. Just pop up and go!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

POWER WHEELS JEEP WRANGLER 4XE

Styled to look just like a real Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid, this tough-looking vehicle will take kids on driving adventures that include realistic driving sound effects and a cool working light bar. This battery-powered toy drives in two speeds (forward and reverse) for flexible play on both hard surfaces and grass.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $349.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

For more great summer picks, check out our full Spring & Summer Gift Guide!

About the author

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski is the editor-in-chief at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider. With more than a decade of industry experience, Ali is a trusted source for parents, gift-givers, manufacturers, retailers, and more on the latest trends and hottest products. Whether you’re shopping for the best toys for kids — or looking for the latest in geek culture and entertainment for yourself — Ali’s expertise has you covered. When she’s not building LEGO sets or unwinding with a puzzle, Ali is obsessing over the latest season of The Bachelor, scrolling through Gritty’s Twitter, or rewatching The West Wing (for the 100th time). She is also a self-proclaimed expert on the history and lore of the entire Bachelor franchise. Ali has been featured on TODAY, The Wendy Williams Show, Yahoo Finance, Fox & Friends, HLN, The Weather Channel, ABC World News Now, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @hashtagtrendy.

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