Summer is all about spending time outdoors with friends and family. It also means school is officially out for the season. With your kid's excitement for their newfound freedom, you're probably trying to think of ways to spend time together and keep them busy with fun-filled activities, from family road trips to vacation getaways.
But for the days you're in the backyard, there's some creative toys and games to keep your kids entertained all summer long. Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share six different toys and activities that will keep them smiling throughout the season.
Whether you're looking for backyard fun or rainy day activities, keep reading to see all of the toys and games to choose from, plus even more expert picks.
Summer toys and activities as seen on TODAY
Icee Countertop Slushy Machine
Kids won't have to wait for the ice truck with this machine on the counter! It's specifically designed to replicate the classic look of Icee's iconic machines, so they'll feel like they're making the real thing right at home (and they can!) It also includes a recipe book that they can follow to make the perfect slushy each time they use it.
Rollplay Nighthawk Storm Electric Ride On
This ride-on scooter can reach a speed of up to 6.5 MPH and has a weight capacity of 110 pounds. It's intended for kids ages 6-years-old and up and can run for up to 90 minutes on a single charge.
The Aqua "Sumo" Ring
This two-player activity will allow for some big fun. The wearable game includes two giant sumo waist belts and a sprinkler pad, so they can bump, play and cool off all at once.
Flybar Funpark Ring Toss
This larger-than-life game sets up in a matter of minutes, according to the brand, and stands over three feet tall. It can be enjoyed solo or as a team sport — either way, it makes for some family-friendly competition!
Melissa and Doug Deluxe Grill and Oven Pizza Play Set
Fire up the grill! Their imagination can run wild with this play set, which includes wooden- and felt-made food and condiments, utensils, a frying pan, a wooden pizza paddle and wooden grill. According to the brand, it is suitable for kids ages 3-years-old to 6-years-old and can help them to develop fine-motor, sorting, and counting skills.
Maxx Bubbles Bubble Barrage
This classic toy just got a serious upgrade. They'll be able to create big bubbles for hours on end with this bubble gun, which creates thousands of bubbles per minute, according to the brand.
More summer toys for kids
Stephanie Oppenheim, co-founder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, previously joined TODAY and lifestyle expert and author of “Well Played,” Meredith Sinclair, previously stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share some of their favorite summer activities. You can shop their picks below.
Waddle Hip Hoppers Large Bouncy Hopper Green T-Rex
For the dino lover in the family, you can opt for this T-Rex hopper to race to finish line, or to just lounge around on in the living room.
Wowmazing Giant Bubble Wand Kit
Who doesn't love bubbles? Oppenheim says even your teen glued to their phone will love this giant bubble wand kit. Coming with a set of two wands and two packs of bubble concentrate, the brand says this kit has has been used to make giant and world record bubbles.
Creativity for Kids Pizza Garden Set
Grow your own toppings with this pizza garden kit. This creative science project contains tomatoes, peppers and basil seeds, a starter green house and teaches your kids motor skills and responsibility, according to the brand. Oppenheim loves that it also comes with a book, so your child can create their own story of their pizza garden.
Mindware Make Your Own Bug Catcher Kit
"If you have a bug lover at home, this kit will be a huge hit," Oppenheim said. "There’s a little arts and crafts involved and then they have a personalized bug catcher." Coming with a paint set, panels and bug catcher guide, Oppenheim says parents might need to assist younger kids in putting the kit together.
Lawrence Hall of Science Super Sunprint Kit
Oppenheim says this is a great and classic STEM activity that’s fun to do on a sunny day. "For me it’s the process that’s the most thrilling rather than the end product," she said. To use, you place an object on the special sheets, lay it in the sun then rinse the paper with water for an image to appear.
Lego Friends Olivia Space Academy Building Kit
When it's a rainy day outside, this lego kit will keep your kids entertained in doors. Once it's built, Oppenheim loves that this set has pretend play opportunities. The lego set contains 757 pieces, which includes a space shuttle, space academy building and telescope.
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
For the active child who loves to swing upside down, this monkey bar climbing tower is great addition to your backyard. It's weighs 25-pounds so it can easily be carried inside on rainy summer days.
Hasbro Twister Splash Water Game
If Twister was one of your favorite games as kid, you can now share it with your whole family — but with a summer twist! This classic game turns into an inflatable splash mat that sprays water as you try to cover each spot, all while keeping you cool on the hottest days.
Wipeout Dry Erase Helmet
Practice safety and have your kids tap into their creativity by doodling on this dry erase helmet. Coming in five different colors to choose from, this helmet also includes five non-toxic dry erase markers and a stencil kit to help draw their favorite designs — and start allover from scratch!
Wipeout Dry Erase Pads
To match their cool new helmet and add an extra layer of padding, they can continue their artwork on customizable dry-erase crash pads. According to the brand the pad is shock absorbent and comes with a pair for the wrists, knees and elbows.
Wipeout Dry Erase Skateboards
To pull the entire activity together, they can glide down the street on their own unique skateboard, and redesign after each ride. According to the brand, this skateboard is perfect for beginner riders with smooth and easy-to-turn wheels.
HearthSong Wooden 2-in-1 Picnic Stable Sensory Play Station
Whether they're looking to picnic under a tree or have a place to play with their favorite toys, this sensory play station can sit up to four kids or max of 115-pounds. Featuring a removable table top, you can fill the plastic bins with sand, sensory toys, water and more!
