Summer MUST HAVES for Kids and Adults

The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the kids are home ALL DAY! Yup, it’s SUMMER! After reading and completing some workbook pages, it is time to get the kids playing outside. Even though the kids are home, that doesn’t mean that the learning has to stop. In this post, I am going to highlight some fun toys that will keep the kids learning through play all summer long. Don’t worry, I threw in some stuff for parents too!

Summer MUST HAVES for Kids and Adults

Playmobil 1-2-3 Water Fun Toys

Playmobil is an iconic toy company known for making adorable toys that encourage endless pretend and imaginary play. Their playsets are bright, colorful, and well-made, making them the perfect choice for your kids. This summer, make sure to check out their toys that encourage water play.

Splish Splash Water Park: Recommended for ages 1.5-4, this playset is perfect for a hot summer day. The Splish Splash Water Park is a unique spin on a water table that offers hours of sensory play and learning. Place the toys in the water, turn the crank, and see what happens. This fun set encourages kids to engage in cause and effect play which helps build important cognitive skills. While playing, kids will also build fine motor, academic, and language skills. The Splish Splash Water Park can be found on Amazon.

Water Seesaw with Watering Can: This adorable playset can be used alone or with other sets, such as the Splish Splash Water Park. It can also be used in the bathtub, at the pool, on the beach, or at the park. As the kids pour the water from the can, they learn cause and effect. Kids can also create fun stories to go along with their play. The Water Seesaw with Watering Can can be found on Amazon for less than $20.

Water Wheel with Baby Shark: Add an extra layer of fun to your water table, bath tub, or pool this summer with this fun toy. Every kid loves a good water wheel. It offers hours of fun. As they play, encourage your child to use the shark and diver too. This fosters pretend play skills, which can lead to increased language. This adorable set is under $20 on Amazon.

Outdoor Fun

The summer is the best time to get outside and have fun! Encourage the kids to get off their screens and enjoy nature. Here are some fun toys to help you encourage more outdoor play.

Slackers Ninjaline: Do you have a budding ninja warrior in your house? Then you have to check out the Slackers Ninjaline Kit. We recently tried out the 56’ Original Intro Kit. It came with everything we needed to set up an awesome ninjaline: 3 Ninja fists, 2 steel monkey bars, 2 steel gym rings, 6 grip clips, and 2 traverse rings. All of these accessories are easily attached to a 50 foot long mainline with a 6 foot ratchet strap. This amazing course can be used by kids (and kids at heart) up to 250 pounds. The kit also comes with a drawstring backpack to store all the equipment in. That also means it can be taken with you anywhere for adventures on-the-go. To set up, you will need to attach the line between two healthy, sturdy trees. With 7 accessories to choose from, you can create a new obstacle course each time. There are also additional accessories that can be purchased to add to the Ninjaline.

My boys absolutely LOVE their Ninjaline. It took us some time to find the perfect spot to set it up in the woods behind our house, but once it was up, they had a blast. Tip: Make sure to put the clips on the line BEFORE you tighten it. Also, make sure to make it high enough so everyone can hang without hitting the ground. We had to adjust it a few times before getting it to just the right height. The Ninjaline is perfect for getting kids outside and active this summer. It also helps build gross motor skills while increasing endurance and strength. As kids experience success, they will also develop greater self-confidence. This kit can be found on Amazon and the Borderplay website.

Slackers Skate Swing: This is a super fun addition to your Ninjaline! It attaches easily to the line using the included clips. The base is a wooden skateboard-like swing with a non-slip foam top. There are adjustable wooden hand holds for stability and safety. Kids will have a blast swinging and practicing their skateboard moves. It is recommended for ages 5 and up and holds individuals up to 250 lbs. The Skate Swing can be found on Amazon and the Bolderplay website.

Deluxe Cosmic Glow in the Dark Mini Golf: I am so excited to share this new kit that will keep your kids entertained for hours! The 4Fun Deluxe Cosmic Glow in the Dark Mini Golf set encourages learning through play day and night. With each game, kids are building fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, problem solving skills, and social skills. It comes in a carrying case so you can take it on vacation, to grandma’s house, or even to the park. This amazing kit can be found on the Bolderplay website and Amazon!

Wicked Big Games: From Wicked Big Pong, KickBall, Giant Catch and Toss, Flying Disc, Takraw, and Spiral Strike Football Bowling, families can have WICKED BIG fun all summer long. Flying Disc is a great one to bring to the beach or park as it brings the game of frisbee to an entirely new level with this 16” in diameter disc. Takraw is another fun game that combines soccer and volleyball. To play, you have to pass the ball over the net by using anything EXCEPT your arms and hands! The set includes net, net stand, court lines, stakes, ball, pump, instructions and carry case. Wicked Big Games can be found at Target, Dick’s, Cabela’s, and Amazon.

Day at the Beach (or Lake or Pool)

Who doesn’t love a day trip to the beach, lake, or pool in the summer? Here are some MUST HAVES to add to your day!

iLive DURO Waterproof Wireless Speaker: A day at the beach (or the lake or the pool) just isn’t complete without a great playlist! This summer, make sure you always have your DURO Waterproof Wireless Speaker packed in your bag. It is the perfect speaker for those long summer days by the water. The DURO speaker is IPx5 rating, which means it is splashproof, water-resistant, and sweatproof. It also has a shock absorbing cover so you don’t have to stress when your kids inevitably drop it. There are 2 built-in full range speakers and a passive subwoofer. Plus, the battery lasts for up to 10 hours! You can find the iLive DURO Waterproof Wireless Speaker on their website or at your local Walmart or Best Buy.

BeachTech Towel: I absolutely LOVE my new BeachTech Towel! The pattern is gorgeous and the fabric is so soft. What’s cool is that this towel is eco-friendly too. It was made from 12 recycled plastic water bottles. This super absorbant and fast drying (less than 5 minutes!) towel also comes with an adorable bag to carry it in making it the perfect summer towel. Did I mention it is sand resistant too? Now that is a reason alone to get this towel. BeachTech towels come in a variety of styles and can be purchased on Amazon. You can even get ones with pockets, and they have hooded ones for kids. Check out their website to learn more about this one-of-a-kind towel!

Scenties: Of course we all want that adorable beach hair look, but, let’s be honest, that only happens in movies. That’s why you need a great hair tie to pull your hair back during those days by the water. This summer, make sure to check out Scenties hair accessories. Your kids are going to LOVE them. Who am I kidding? Adults are going to love them too. Why? Because they are SCENTED! How awesome is that? From scrunchies to hair ties to headbands, each one is beautifully scented allowing for a fun sensory experience. Just stretch the band and sniff. Scents include cupcake, bubblegum, strawberry, watermelon, brownie sundae, sour apple, and cotton candy. Hair ties come in packs of 5 and scrunchies come in packs of 2. They even make athletic hair ties which are perfect for summer sports and long days at camp. Which scent do you want to try first?

Waterproof Playing Cards: One of our favorite things to do in the summer is to put out a blanket on the beach and play some games. This summer, make sure to grab a pack of waterproof playing cards from Bicycle. They are perfect for a fun day at the pool, lake, or beach. Bicycle has been making cards since 1885 and bringing people together for generations. This summer, teach your kids a new game or let them teach you one.

PARA’KITO: Got bugs? PARA’KITO are refillable bands and clips that use natural essential oils to keep mosquitoes from ruining a fun day or night outdoors. Just insert the pellet into the band or clip for 15 consecutive days of mosquito free adventure. The pellet releases a pleasant smell which helps mask human odors that normally attract mosquitoes. The DEET-free repellent works in all climate zones and is waterproof making it perfect to bring on tropical vacations. The band is also comfortable to wear and stays on well making it great for outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing and camping. The clip easily attaches to a backpack, belt loop, diaper bag and stroller making it very versatile and perfect for all family activities. PARA’KITO can be purchased on Amazon in a variety of styles and colors.

HEY Dude Sneakers: This is it! We found the perfect shoes for vacation. Whether it’s at the beach or on a boat, these loafers from HEY DUDE will keep your feet comfy, cozy, and dry! This is not an ad. These shoes are just awesome so I had to share them with you. I started last summer with an adorable pair of pink sparkly ones, and the addiction began. I now have 5 pairs (all purchased on sale) and I want more! You can find them on Amazon for men, women, and children!