Brace yourselves. Summer is Coming.
School is out, the kids are home and parents everywhere have one thing in common: how to answer the universal call of “Mom! I’m bored!”
Since being the lame parent is decidedly un-fun, the pat answer of “Clean your room!” just won’t cut it when those sad little faces come to us looking for ideas to fill those seemingly endless daylight hours. Redirecting all that energy into some good old-fashioned outdoor activity usually results in more fun than we had thought, and I wonder why I hadn’t thought of it sooner.
If you are stuck for ideas, we compiled a list of cool toys that deliver the most bang for your buck. Since the classics never seem to go out of style, this roundup of goodies features the old school activity with some modern updating for safety and fun. We have you covered with a list of summer values that will fit your budget and your kids, no matter their age.
Little Kids Swing
Got a little one who loves to swing? Get outside and enjoy the summer breeze with your toddler. This totally cool updated full bucket toddler swing is just like the ones you remember from childhood but with upgraded safety features. An updated ergonomic design cradles babies as young as 6 months safely so little ones who can’t swing on their own yet are snug and happy. A new patented, coated, immovable chain design won't pinch tiny fingers so squeals of laughter will be all you hear. - Squirrel Products $44.99
Big Kids (and parents!) Swing
Let’s face it. We all have an inner 4-year-old that wants to fly through the air and be weightless once in a while. The Flying Saucer Tree Swing makes our list as a high value addition to the backyard because it will last for years of use. Little ones can use it as young as 3 and it will even hold adults up to 200 lbs. Priced under $50 with easy DIY installation it is a summer value that gives a great return on investment. No tree handy? No problem. Hang from a patio beam or existing swing set. -Squirrel Products $49.99
Little and Big Kids Shooting Toys
Growing up, we all played some sort of game involving chasing friends around and shooting opponents with flying projectiles: balls, water, foam darts, and (egads!) rocks from a slingshot. The premise of this game could be anything: army guys, cowboys, ninjas, avoiding cooties; the list is endless for the imagination of a child. The good news is we don’t have to worry about our kids inflicting or receiving injuries nearly as much as our poor mothers did thanks to modernized toys like these.
The Airzooka is a cool air blaster toy that made our value list because of the wide age of appeal. Neither the little kids nor big kids (read: dad, uncles, etc.) could put this toy down. It usually begins when the unsuspecting, sofa- dwelling victim is blasted by a whoosh of harmless yet surprising air. Already 10 feet away, the shooter runs away laughing and the chase is on. It comes in several colors and makes for a unique family game night as well. For more adventure, you can add flour, confetti, glitter or marshmallows to this toy; but for mom’s sake, take it outside please. – $19.99
Target Shooty Toys for Big Kids
If you have a faction of tiny warriors in the neighborhood who enjoy flying projectile games no matter the medium, make your kid’s choice the Faux Bow. It makes our list because it is just so darn cool and shoots SO FAR. This bow and arrow shoots foam darts like many of the point and shoot toys on the market but Marky Sparky has outdone themselves with the distance on this thing. Set up a target like cans or a whole shooting gallery in the backyard with milk jugs or empty washing soap containers and let ‘em rip. $34.99
Little Scoots
The Pewi is another value-added toy because development happens so fast in tiny kids that keeping them engaged with the same toys for any length of time is a very tall order indeed. That’s where this very cool, very adaptable grow-with-you scooter comes in. From a baby taking the first steps, to walking, to scooting around the kitchen floor and finally riding around the driveway with ease, the Pewi endures all your baby’s phases. $49.99
Big Scoots
Ezy-Roller makes it in just under the $100 price point and makes the list because kids just won’t stop riding the thing, making it a valuable tool in the battle against boredom. This new twist on a classic scooter uses no pedals but your whole body to push and propel it forward with a fun snakelike movement creating an addiction to the motion. Kids can incorporate all kinds of fun games and moves into this riding toy because it leaves their hands free to catch and toss a basketball, chalk the sidewalk, or anything else they can dream up. This is an excellent value for the busy kid who likes playtime to be a multi-tasking event. $99.00
Little Kid Outdoor Games
Looking for something challenging and fun for 2 kids? Mookie Swingball is loads of fun and helps build coordination and sportsmanship. It’s a neat hybrid version of tetherball with rackets and the set up is easily portable to the park, beach or your next family get together. $39.99
Big Kid Outdoor Games
Another portable summer fun game that works for all ages is Hoosker Doosker. This is a balancing tug of war game that brings out the American Ninja challenge warrior in all of us. The rules are very simple: balance on the single foot pedestal and be the last one standing while trying to pull the opposition down. This game is guaranteed to be almost as much fun for t he grown-ups as it is for the kids. Try it out at your next barbeque and wait for the hilarity to ensue. $34.99
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