1. A bug-catching kit great for any budding entomologist. This kit will allow your kiddo to use bug-safe tools to pick up any crawly friends and put them safely into a habitat for close observation. By using a small vacuum rather than a pincer grasp that doesn't know it's own strength, we're protecting both bugs and scientific discovery.

amazon.com

Promising review: "We have had this for over a month and have really enjoyed it. The bug gun works well easily sucking up bugs without harming them. All of my kids (ages 8, 11, and 16) have enjoyed looking at the bugs through the magnifying lens. We often take a picture of the bug and then identify it online. This set has brought us fun and learning with the added benefit of getting outside and being active. It is a worthy purchase — sturdy, fun, educational, and giftable." —Tara

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two versions).

2. A water table with a whopping 26,000 5-star reviews singing its praises. Durable, simple, and just plain fun, this is the ultimate water table experience that'll last years. We've had ours for four years and my kids still ask to fill it up as soon as the weather turns slightly warm.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Our grandchildren absolutely love it and could play with it for hours every day! Lots of different water activities for four children to fit around table and play!" —Great

Get it from Amazon for $79.98.

3. A set of reusable water balloons for outdoor fun without the mess. My kids LOVE water balloons, but I hate them because of the cleanup involved. With these handy "balloons" there is zero stress about plastic waste and zero tears from getting snapped by an exploding balloon. Sweet peace.

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These balloons have a magnetic closure — inside the lining, so they won't come out — that stays closed for the throw but opens easily for splashing without pain for the kids. While you can use a hose to fill them up, reviewers suggest filling a bucket with water and allowing the kids to fill them up in there. They also come with a mesh carrying bag to keep everything in one place!

Promising review: "We live in Texas where the heat is no joke. My kids love water balloons, but hate having to clean up the mess. I saw a friend share about these, and I almost didn’t buy them because of the price — glad I did! Totally worth it. All the money and time spent on water balloons over the years had me convinced. Received them, and they work great! My kids can’t get enough and constantly beg to use them. They can fill them themselves, and they don’t hurt when hit. Super easy to use and clean up. Buying more for sure. My kids are ages 2, 4, 6, and 8. All could use them easily." —Eden

Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in packs of four, six, 12, 14, and 18).

4. A set of nontoxic throwable paintballs that splat easily and are pain free — leaving your kids to say "water balloons what?" With three colors in the pack, they can split into teams and enjoy some paint-throwing fun — the stuff screen-free childhood memories are made of.

amazon.com, Amazon

Although the dye washes out of clothing, play clothes are recommended to be extra cautious.

Promising review: "These hold up well in package but burst very easily when thrown which is great because I was worried my five year old wouldn't be able to throw hard enough to get it to burst. Bright fun colors. Nontoxic and made of seaweed wrap, so you don't have to clean up shells. When we used these, they got all over my new white Crocs, but I was able to wash off all the paint with just a baby wipe. I would say these would be great for any child old enough not to put them in their mouth." —Kat Ellis

Get a set of 120 from Amazon for $25 (includes three colors for team play).

5. A two-person sit-and-spin for some water play together. My kids fight over their single sit-and-spin every time it's being used — problem delightfully solved.

Target

Promising review: "Purchased as a Christmas gift for my kiddos, 2 and 4. I wanted something they could do together, and this was a throwback to my childhood! I love that it has the water feature also. You can play with or without the water. They can play with each other or separately, and so far they love it. It was super easy to put together, and the hose connects easily as well." —Cordless Mixer

Get it from Target for $39.99.

6. A waterproof camera with a protective case that'll help shield it from occasional rough play. This camera is waterproof up to 98 feet, meaning it's perfect for capturing memories at the pool, the ocean, or just playing in the sprinklers.

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Each camera comes with a removable waterproof case, a mount, a strap, a 32 GB SD card, and a USB cable. 

Promising review: "I got it as a cheap little camera I could use on vacations and not be too scared of losing it. But it’s genuinely a good camera! It has the silly filters you can use if you feel like it, but the biggest thing is that it’s waterproof! Took it to the ocean, and it actually held up through lots of waves." —Emma

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors).

7. A giant bubble wand for when it's time to up those bubble-making skills into something more impressive. While young kids may still prefer to be the popper, reviewers love that older kids enjoy getting in on the action and creating the largest bubble possible. And, honestly, who doesn't need more bubbles in their lives?

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Promising review: "For the Fourth of July, we took this product to the beach. Setting it up was very quick and easy. We used tap water to mix with the enclosed packet of bubble mix. Easy enough for my 4-year-old granddaughter to do herself, much to her delight! We got huge bubbles that were not as long as the pictures but still really awesome! Some of the smaller ones even kept their shape when they touched down on the beach! Other beachgoers had a blast watching, and she became an instant hit — getting more attention than the fireworks! The wands and rope seem very sturdy — even for rough and tumble toddler use — but if it should break, I will immediately buy another because this is just FUN!! Worth every penny in happy toddler laughs!" —Paige Spaulding 

Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in seven styles)

8. A Stomp Rocket set that'll have them launching rockets 100 feet into the air using just their feet. It's fun, simple, and gets those bodies moving running to grab the rockets when they come down. Science + little energy burn = parenting win.

Target

Promising review: "Such a great toy for the kids. My kids have so much fun playing with this they could play forever. All of the kids who see my kids playing with this toy want to join in." —Sofee23

Get them from Target for $19.99.

9. A splash pad you can grab for toddlers and bigger kids alike. Splash pads are such a fun way to cool off in warm weather and the ability to control the flow just by controlling the hose nozzle makes it fun for kids of all ages. You can even add a small slide for a little extra fun!

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Promising review: "This splash pad is the best money we’ve spent on our kiddos! They’ve used it every summer since we purchased it three years ago! The splash pad itself has held up really well for all the use it’s gotten, too. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone with children that enjoy being outdoors!" —Andrew Sroka

Get it from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in four designs).

10. A pair of bubble blowers for optimal bubble production with minimal need for lung capacity on your end. Gone are the days of getting lightheaded as a 2-foot-tall monster yells "MORE BUBBLES," and here are the days of point, shoot, bubble glory.

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If your family loves bubbles, I always suggest stocking up on bubble solution to keep the play going all season.

Promising review: "This bubble blower is so much fun! It creates tons of bubbles quickly and is easy for kids to use. The design is simple, and the bubbles are big and colorful, which keeps everyone entertained. It’s perfect for outdoor play and provides endless hours of fun. The blower is durable and works well without too much mess. Overall, it's a great toy for bubble lovers of all ages!" —Tammy Tessier

Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors and a combo pack).

11. An outdoor scavenger hunt to keep them occupied and actually searching for things for awhile. Believe me, even if your kiddo who can't find shoes two feet in front of them, this kit will have them enthusiastically searching and using their creativity. And maybe — JUST MAYBE — those skills will transfer to finding those shoes one day.

Amazon

Promising review: "Kept the kids busy outside and they loved it! Can also be played inside as well. Cute little game to get them out of your hair for a bit!!" —Jeannie M.

Get it from Amazon for $7.69.

12. A kid-friendly walkie-talkie set to keep them entertained for hours. Walkie-talkies provide the simple joy of being able to communicate throughout the neighborhood and some parents even give their bigger kids a walkie-talkie so they can keep in touch when they're out on their bikes.

amazon.com

FYI: These have a 3-mile range. 

Promising review: "We use this as a way of keeping in contact with our oldest. We live in a safe and friendly neighborhood where she likes to play outside and run around with all the other kids. I check on her often, but for extra security, I got a set of these and now we can talk back and forth whenever. 'It’s time for dinner!' 'OK mom, I’m coming!!'" —Jennifer

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in seven colors)

13. A small sensory table with a cover to create a little outdoor learning while keeping things contained. Fill with sand, water, mud, or whatever messy thing you want to keep outside and watch them learn from the comfort of your Adirondack, homemade cold brew in hand.

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Promising review: "This has been my daughter’s favorite toy all summer. It’s super easy to create little sensory bins for her using basic items like citrus fruits, ice, rice, pom poms, and more! It’s small, but the perfect size for a toddler. My daughter can be a little rough with it and likes to try to climb inside and it has held up great so far. Overall, I think it’s worth the price and there are countless fun things to do with it." —Jahna G

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

14. A pair of kid binoculars that'll take your little explorer to the next level. These are durable, easy to use, and will delight kids of all ages. There's something so fun about binoculars and, who knows, maybe they'll be just as excited to see hummingbirds at the feeder as you are these days.

Amazon

Promising review: "My 3-year-old loves having his own pair of binoculars. They really work well and are very durable. They've been dropped several times already, and it doesn't phase them a bit." —BrookeLinn

Get them from Amazon for $9.69+ (available in two colors).

15. A baseball batting tee for any kid who loves baseball OR any kid who loves hitting things (so, all of them). Not only is it great for hand-eye coordination — it's also darn cute watching them try to hit the ball.

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Promising review: "I bought this for my child, and he absolutely loves it! The adjustable height feature is perfect for his size, and it's easy for him to use. He picked it up quickly and is already practicing his swings with confidence. The set is sturdy, and the design is ideal for both baseball and teeball. Highly recommend it for any young player—it's a great way to introduce them to the game while they have fun!" —Sierra Monique

Get it from Amazon for $24.98+ (available in three colors).

16. A bubble mower to provide a dollop of adorable lawn maintenance. Just fill with bubbles and watch 'em delightfully cut that grass with confidence. My daughter used to pull her bubble mower out when my husband cut the grass and the visual alone was worth the cost of the mower.

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Promising review: "I recently bought the bubble lawn mower for my 2-year-old, and it has quickly become one of his favorite toys! Right from the moment we unboxed it, he was excited. The bright colors and cheerful design immediately caught his attention. He loves to push it around the yard, and the delightful stream of bubbles it produces makes him giggle with joy! What I appreciate most is how lightweight and easy it is for him to maneuver. It’s durable enough to withstand all his energetic play, and I love that it promotes outdoor activity. Plus, the assembly was a breeze—no complicated tools needed! Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. It’s a wonderful way for my son to engage with the outdoors while honing his gross motor skills. If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining toy that brings smiles, I highly recommend this bubble lawn mower!" —Mich

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

17. A gardening set for your *budding* green thumb. Personally, I hate gardening and kill every plant I touch (RIP, succulent), but my kids still use gardening tools to dig in the mud, pull up weeds to make "salad" for the birds, and just explore. For caretakers more in tune with Mother Nature than myself, these tools are an excellent way to start involving your kid in your favorite hobby.

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Each set includes a child-sized wheelbarrow, watering can, gloves, hand rake, shovel, double hoe, cultivator, hedge clippers, and washable apron.

Promising review: "My son loves this toy. He accidentally broke one of the tools, and I called customer service, and they replaced it, no questions asked. I would recommend." —Angelo Solomita

Get it from Amazon for $35.19.

18. An exciting waterway where they can watch boats, leaves, and sticks go *whooshing* down the stream. If your kiddo loves Bluey's "barky boats," they're going to love creating a waterway and watching their creations move.

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Promising review: "This upgraded water table is a hit with kids! It combines fun water-play with cute accessories like boats and a turtle. Great for outdoor summer fun. It also subtly encourages STEM-related exploration as kids tinker with water flow and toy movement. A must-have for a splashy good time!" —Zoe

Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

19. A beginner hoverboard for the little kid who is so ready to be a big kid. These hoverboards have a max speed of 5 miles per hour and are designed specifically for kids under 80 pounds. Screen-free AND getting them out into fresh air? Yes, please!

Walmart

Promising review: "Just as described, perfect for my 6-year-old who has been nonstop asking for one. I like that it's a slower speed, so she can get the hang of it." —Adrianna

Get it from Walmart $84+ (available in four colors). 

20. A twister swing so they can spin so fast they get dizzy over and over. Sure, turning my head too fast makes me need to sit down, but kids can spin at max MPH and hop right back on — which they will with this simple swing. Whatever lets me sit down with my iced tea.

Amazon

Promising review: "We bought two and the kids love them. They are plastic but sturdy. The rope is short (approximately three feet) but adjustable in two spots. There's a high-quality locking carabiner attached to the end of the rope. If you're doing a tree swing, don't forget to purchase a separate rope. The item is lightweight, but held my 250-pound husband with no problem. It's relatively cheap when compared to other similar rope swings. It's great that it can twist endlessly; hours of fun for the kids!" —Rachel Lundy

Get it from Amazon for $22.85+ (available in four colors).

21. A playhouse for some open-ended imaginative play. Nothing like a playhouse to turn an ordinary structure into a cottage, a bakery, a drive-thru, a school, or whatever else they feel like creating that day. Our playhouse is going on four years now and still gets regular use!

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Promising review: "What a fun and cute playhouse! The sizing and sturdiness are great. It survived Hurricane Helene — need I say more? My little one loves playing and sitting inside of it! It does not fold, but it does not take up too much space in our yard. It’s a great asset to our yard!" —Charli

Get it from Amazon for $119+ (available in three colors).

22. A small swing set in case you want the option to swing without forking over hundreds to thousands of dollars. This set is perfect for small yards or those of us who don't have sturdy trees to hang swings from, but do happen to have energetic kids. And with a max weight of 440 pounds, you're going to be shooing them out the door for years.

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Promising review: "I was skeptical about buying a swing set that was this inexpensive, but it’s super sturdy. So much, in fact, that it survived an EF2 tornado. Worth the money and easy to assemble!" —Ashlie Boyd

Get it from Amazon for $103.98.

23. A portable tetherball system for a classic game with zero commitment to cement. Everything about that old playground staple that you loved, they'll love, too.

amazon.com

Promising review: "We've had this for over two years and it is still a favorite in the backyard. We have extreme heat, sun, and wind (and occasional snow) and it has held up extremely well. The ball is great quality and still looks brand new even though we leave it up all year. We play with it almost daily and it is a hot attraction with kids of all ages and adults. Lots of fun." —mw

Get it from Amazon for $129.98.

24. A mini training course that'll provide hours of entertainment for any kid who is inspired by American Ninja Warrior. This excellent set includes more than eleven obstacles and reviewers love that kids of all ages — and adults, too! — can partake thanks to the adjustable difficulty levels. Now, if only you could find a warped wall and a buzzer.

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Promising review: "We bought this for our toddler to grow into and decided to put it up for a group gathering we were having. People ages 1–25 were all using it and having a blast! We also got some severe weather shortly after (storms and hail) and it was held up really well. We did wrap a bag around the metal of the slack line. But everything still looks good, feels good, and works well!" —Mila John

Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in three styles).

25. An adjustable basketball hoop for burning a little energy in a very low-stakes environment. My siblings and I have a combined total of zero athletic ability and still loved our basketball hoop while we were growing up. We may not have known anything about the NBA, but we could spend a long time playing a game of "HORSE" or just attempting baskets. It's the little things.

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Promising review: "This basketball hoop is of excellent quality! It’s easy to assemble, and the backboard has just the right amount of bounce when shooting. The base is very stable, and the height is adjustable, making it suitable for different age groups. I bought it for my child to practice, and they love it! Now, they spend much more time playing outdoors. Very fun for them! Even on rainy days, it’s easy to move into the garage. Highly recommended!" —sara wang

Get it from Amazon for $125.48.

26. A spinning and bouncing Teeter Totter bringing a little extra momentum to your average seesaw. With the ability to support 77 pounds on each end, this toy can be as gentle or as extreme as your growing kiddos need, making this a fun investment for your outdoor lineup. Reviewers love the durability and that their kiddos of various ages can use it together.

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Promising review: "As soon as I assembled it, my kids jumped on it and kept playing. They loved it. They play with it every day." —King 1

Get it from Amazon for $103.61+ (available in two versions).

27. Abounce house castle and blower — aka the perfect fair-weather splurge — because bounce houses are second-to-none for getting kid energy out and the perfect excuse for you to sit down and watch the fun. Plus, they tend to get you your money's worth since they can be pulled out for parties or used inside if you have a space large enough.

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Promising review: "Oh my — the bounce house is well worth the investment. I bought this bounce house last year for my son’s second birthday. Last November, we put it up for a group of 10 boys aged 9–13. There were three to four of them in there at a time. We let our nephew use it for his second birthday and I used it for my baby shower last October. Now, I just used it again for my son’s third birthday party. This bounce house is durable, well-made, and has been well-loved! And, we will still be using the bounce house many more times." —Stephanie

Get it from Amazon for $279.99. 

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.